Turbo 400 or Powerglide, for a Street driven Turbo SBF

SuperStang90

SuperStang90

Club Member
Which trans would be best to go with? Currently have a decently built AOD, but would like to upgrade into something that can handle a bit more. I know these 2 options can be budget friendly. Will be behind an 800-1000rwhp turbo setup. Car has 3.31 gearing, and I would like to keep it that way. I see there are different gear sets for the glide, like 1.76 and 1.80 but really have no idea where to start. Any help appreciated..
 
Both are good choices. The T400 build be better for the street as it will have a steeper 1st gear.

The glide is great too, it's light and small.

The 1.76 is the stock helical cut gear. It will last up to about 8.50's before you will need to switch to a straight cut 1.80.

You will need a bell, flywheel, convert, converter centering hub, shifter, cable and a new drive shaft and modify the cross member.
 
What's the weight of the car? Typically powerglide trans are effective on lightweight cars that are mostly kept to the track. I'd recommend the TH400 for a car that sees the street.
 
I havn't had it on the scales, but its a full interior Fox GT, tubular k member and fiberglass hood. so 3500-3600 with me in it maybe?
 
I had a badass 1.98 powerglide built for my car and the more I thought about it, I ended up trading a member on here for their th400. Reason being, I'm only shooting for 850-900rwhp and I weigh 3240lbs which is on the heavy side. Car was making 750rwhp last yr going 9.1x and broke the c4 twice! Hope this helps a little.
 
Maybe I'm way out of line with the weight on my car? I've seen successful PG setups in full weight foxes, but I know they fought with the converter to get it right. I really want to keep an OD trans, but I don't have the budget for 4-5k into one. I really dont know what my AOD will hold, I know its been in the 8's but I really dont want to chance breaking it. I like the idea of 3 gears instead of 2 and am leaning towards a TH400. My power level will be right around what you are shooting for, but I want to be able to turn it up If need be. I've already outweighed getting a C4, I know everyone breaks them at that power level.
 
My glide would've been nice but I would've struggled with the short time at my power level. If I was making 1200rwhp and weighed 3000lbs I would've kept the glide.
 
Glide is really fun, especially on the street. 0-80 in first 80-150 in second is how mine was geared basically. 3400lbs. 600hp N/A and 800hp with spray. If you want to get the most out of it, you need the converter to be deadnuts on.. With a 3 speed, the converter isn't so critical. My 4500 stall worked very well but you also need to have max effort gearing to compete with a 3 speed.. I could get into traffic without revving over 2500rpm and a snap of the throttle would put you past the speed limit immediately with that much power.

Gearing sensitivity: over gearing a glide combo hurts it! My car picked up 7.2 mph JUST by going with a 2" shorter tire... from 28" tires to 26's... I figured this out after 4 years...haha I might as well have been pulling a trailer down the track.. This combo shifted at 7000. My trap rpm went from 6400 to closer to 6800... Gearing matters a LOT...

Lot os people are going to a 2 speed turbo 400 in limited tire classes. Some just do a 2.10 first gear to tame down the 2.48 stock ratio.
 
Sounds like the TH400 might be better suited for my app. I really don't want to have to fight with gearing and tire size to get it right. I want to keep what I have in the car and run a 28" tire. Thanks for the advice!
 
Go with a th400. You dont need an aftermarket case for starters. Stock internals of a th400 will almost hold what you want for power. My opinion is find a good core/case, spend the $200 or so on a good aftermarket rebuild kit, around 200-300 for a manual valve body, just for security purposes I would spend a couple hundred on a aftermarket input and intermediate shaft, and lastly upgrade the 1st to 2nd gear sprag. You could build a bullet proof th400 for your car for about $1,000 in parts. Maybe slightly higher. Probably have someone build you this for $1500-$1700 plus a converter.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top