57 conversion power glide to 700r4

[Dragracer5256]

I know this has been discussed many times but it’s been awhile and many new products have came out. I’m getting ready to do my first conversion from an all original stock 1957/283 power glide with column shift to 700r4 job. Those of you that have experience here would be greatly appreciated. Is there someone now that has a complete kit that works good? After researching these are some things I’m concerned about.
(1) Engine/trans mount, Would you buy kit for bell housing to frame and cross member??(ecklers)??
(2) Speed cable/ lock up converter , would you buy kit for lockup that requires no controller?? looks like a lot of options here. I like simple.
(3) Shift lever arm to column and indicator, No idea.
(4) Starter issue, no idea.
(5) which TV cable and brackets for 2 bbl Rochester??
Knowing what you all know now, which way would you go for a good quality job to be the simplest and most efficient process? Or is there a company out there that you would recommend that has this all sorted out? I just need to get this done asap.
Thanks so much.

[WagonCrazy]

I have only ever done a swap to a 2004r in my 57 wagon...and it's been 10 or more years since I did it. I've since sold the wagon so here's my thoughts on your questions:

(1) Engine/trans mount, Would you buy kit for bell housing to frame and cross member??(ecklers)??

I cut off the bell housing frame extension mounts (sawzall) and ONLY used an aftermarket crossmember at the rear of the trans. I also added side motor mounts (removing the stock front mounts) because i had a later year 350 small block in there, and it had the block castings for adding the side mounts. If you have the stock 283 from 57, it won't have those side motor mount bolt holes cast into the block.

(2) Speed cable/ lock up converter , would you buy kit for lockup that requires no controller?? looks like a lot of options here. I like simple.

I only have experience with the 2004r and it did not require a lockup controller. I have no experience with a 700r4, but I think you'll need some kind of a controller for it. Others may chime in here to clear this up.

(3) Shift lever arm to column and indicator, No idea.

The stock linkage rods wouldn't work for my 2004r, so I bought an aftermarket one from Lokar and retrofitted it to work.

(4) Starter issue, no idea.

I don't know if your stock starter will work. I suspect it may, but if it doesnt fit then buy an aftermarket one (Summit racing is a good vendor to use for parts in general).

(5) which TV cable and brackets for 2 bbl Rochester??

This may be an issue (a 2bbl adapter). You might do a google search on "2bbl kickdown cable" or something like that to find what others may have done.

[markm]

I have a 700 in my 56 I used the side adaptor mounts and a early Camaro crossmember. My 700 locks up in 4th gear and requires nothing other than 12v power. you will need a later 168 tooth starter and flywheel as I believe 57 283 blocks are drilled for starter mounting. I have to run a special TV cable setup from Lokar as I have 3 57 Olds J2 Carbs on my 327. Single 2 should be available.