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Thread: AUTO trans for '57 pickup

  1. #1
    Registered Member fgowi's Avatar
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    AUTO trans for '57 pickup

    I have a '57 Chevy 3100. There will be a 350 in it with approx. 310 HP. The rear end is currently 3:55. Wheel / tire combo yields just a tiny bit over 29 inches... 17 / 7 wheels with virtually no offset (not that that should matter).

    I've scanned all 11 pages of this forum looking for advice. I didn't see anything that gives me an answer. May have missed it. In any case...

    Would y'all please recommend a transmission to marry up to this drive train? The truck will be a daily driver. It may very well do some long distance trips. I've read a bit about TH350, TH400 and have been Binging. My budget would be $1,200 to $1,400.

    Thanks in advance for any ideas.

  2. #2
    Registered Member chevynut's Avatar
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    Definitely go with an overdrive automatic like a 700R4.
    56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension


    Other vehicles:

    56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
    56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
    57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
    1962 327/340HP Corvette
    1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
    2001 Porsche Boxster S
    2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
    2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax

  3. #3
    Registered Member rustay56's Avatar
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    I agree with CNUT 700r4 is a good trans. If you purchase one get the factory brackets to hold the TV cable in the correct position to the carby as it is crucial that it is set properly or trans failure is guaranteed.

    Regards Andrew

  4. #4
    Registered Member fgowi's Avatar
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    Thanks. I like the idea of a "tall" final gear as long as it's in the right gear when needed. I'll begin the search. Thanks again.

  5. #5
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    Look for an 87 or newer 700r4, the ones with Aux. valve body. They contain numerous upgrades from early models.

  6. #6
    Registered Member rockytopper R.I.P 5-13-2017's Avatar
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    Agree with above for auto, 200r is also an option. My good friend just installed a t5 5 speed from a Camaro behind his double hump head 327 in his 59 3100 its a cheap OD option if you like standard.

  7. #7
    Registered Member fgowi's Avatar
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    Built a double hump 327 in 1971. That's about how far removed I am from this stuff. That was for a '57 BelAir 2 HT. A guy ran a light and pancaked that car. Broke my whole heart!!

    Thanks markm. Just left "Bowtie Overdrives" site. I'm wondering if getting a trans rated for 450 horse is overkill and stupid. I do HATE sloppy shofts. And, I'm finding lengths vary between 2WD and 4WD. And a couple different bolt up patterns. Ugh. Might take awhile for me to figure this out.

  8. #8
    Registered Member rustay56's Avatar
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    A fresh rebuilt 700 in standard form will handle that. Get a Corvette 2nd gear servo installed to sharpen up the shift as they are abit lazy into second. Good luck.

    Regards Andrew.

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