Which Transmission???

[novajess1972]

I have a 72 Chevelle on the way to me now. Bought it out of Massachusetts last week....actually from a Pro-Touring.com Member. Great guy to work with!

Great paint/body/interior. SBC 350/TH350 combo. Nice 15in rallies and tires. Dropping a 454 in that bad boy soon after it arrives.

The motor is the easy part. And I thought the tranny was, too. Until I started considering all options (th400, 700r4, 4l60/4l80, gear vendors, etc) and reading the pros/cons between them. There are just too many options/reviews/opinions out there to make a decision on my own.

Car will not see track or autocross. Just want a nice tranny to hold up to 500hp and torque and drive decent on the highway...at least up to 80ish with little whining....but within budget of $1000-1500.

While I know there is no one perfect answer, and that much of it is based on how I plan on driving, engine hp/tq specs, and a number of other values/criteria, I would appreciate some advice from those that have/had a similar setup.

72 Chevelle
BB 454 (350 currently)
430HP
500TQ
3.42 gears
10 Bolt
19x8/20x10 Intro FLOW ordered (4-6 wks out)
Nitto Invos on the way
For the sake of those calculating rolling diamter - Rear tires 275/40 - 20 (28.7in tall)

All input appreciated. I even value criticism on my choices, as long as you're not an a$$ about it and you can offer a valid reason why you would choose otherwise.

Jesse

[ccracin]

Originally Posted by novajess1972

but within budget of $1000-1500.

This says it all unfortunately. Not trying to be smart but you pretty much have eliminated all the electronic options as well as the gear vendors. Unless you buy used I guess. I would say an upgraded 700r4 might be your only option here looking at your other goals. Don't mean to shoot everything down, just speaking from experience. Good luck.

[gnx7]

While some of the lower duty transmissions will handle the power for a while.... a 4L80E in stock form will take the abuse without flinching.'

Your budget is a bit unrealistic.