SBC TBI with 700R4 in a Stude sedan

[1962larksedan]

I realize that fitting a small block Chevy in a Stude is almost plug 'n' play (especially in a 1965-66 model); but Dick Steinkamp (sp) stated that installing a 700R4 is a PITA.

Why I wonder is I already have a running donor car with a beat up body (1989 Chevy Caprice) and would like to use as much of it to facilitate such a swap.

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[sweetolbob]

I have the same combo in my 54K. SBC 350 TPI, 700R4 and 10 Bolt rear end from a 1990 Caprice 9C1 police car.

The main issues with the trans install is tunnel clearance from the firewall to the rear seat area and the install of a one piece drive shaft. The mods are not difficult but you will be cutting and modifying the tunnel area somewhat. I guess you could shorten the two piece Stude shaft but mine was a champion so I narrowed the 9C1 3.42 posi and used a mid 60's impala driveshaft which was the correct length.

Bob

,

[1962larksedan]

quote:Originally posted by sweetolbob

I have the same combo in my 54K. SBC 350 TPI, 700R4 and 10 Bolt rear end from a 1990 Caprice 9C1 police car.

The main issues with the trans install is tunnel clearance from the firewall to the rear seat area and the install of a one piece drive shaft. The mods are not difficult but you will be cutting and modifying the tunnel area somewhat. I guess you could shorten the two piece Stude shaft but mine was a champion so I narrowed the 9C1 3.42 posi and used a mid 60's impala driveshaft which was the correct length.

Bob

,

More and more: the idea of fitting just a SBC TBI setup in front of a TH350 AT is looking better and better..........especially in conjunction with a ca. 3:00 rear end. With the stock 15" wheels, I would not be turning very high RPM's on the highway------even at 75 MPH. I have no desire to hack up the floorboards/transmission tunnel.

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Borrowed Bams50's sigline here:

"Do they all not, by mere virtue of having survived as relics of a bygone era, amass a level of respect perhaps not accorded to them when they were new?"

[rickhmn]

200R4 would fit anywhere a 700 would and should work with the same controls bellhousing etc as your 700. With some work they'll live. a T350 fits real easy.

[scott.rodgers]

My 66 Daytona has an 86 Caprice 350 and 700R4 in it. BUT FYI - the entire trans tunnel and part of the firewall was replaced by the PO before the swap - and the new tunnel is quite tall and wide.

Scott Rodgers
Los Angeles
SDC Member since 1989
'60 Lark HT
'63 Wagonaire
'66 Frankenbaker

[1962larksedan]

quote:Originally posted by scott.rodgers

My 66 Daytona has an 86 Caprice 350 and 700R4 in it. BUT FYI - the entire trans tunnel and part of the firewall was replaced by the PO before the swap - and the new tunnel is quite tall and wide.

Scott Rodgers
Los Angeles
SDC Member since 1989
'60 Lark HT
'63 Wagonaire
'66 Frankenbaker

Thank you.

That answered my question: no 700R4 for me then. More and more, the idea of a 305-350 TBI with a TH350 driving a stock Stude 3:07(?) rear end sounds best. Besides; Studes had rather tall tires as stock so low 3 series gears would almost act like an overdrive.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Borrowed Bams50's sigline here:

"Do they all not, by mere virtue of having survived as relics of a bygone era, amass a level of respect perhaps not accorded to them when they were new?"

[Relark]

I put a 700R4 in my '59 Lark, tight, but nothing hits. A beefed 200R4 may be a better choice for strength and clearance. My floorpan may be shaped differently than yours. The 700R4 3.00 first gear really get things moving in a hurry, lotsa fun! The 4th overdrive really settles the engine down. All a matter of preference.

Art

'59 Lark hardtop w/355 blown sbc, 700R4, 8.8" rear w/ 3.73 gears

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