Any intrest in the upgraded tranny?

**Troys69GS** · 10-05-2007, 05:01 AM

My brother just finished his upgrade in his 70 Riv with a 455. Im going to be putting the same 4L85E setup in my 69. I was wondering if others want the TH400 stout feel with overdrive for under 2k I might put a package together. Bellhousing adapter, crossmember bracket, tranny, new cooler lines and most of all the custom programmer box and led display. You can switch between soft cruising buick to hard slamming drag program or manual shift. Just an idea.

**jalinc** · 10-07-2007, 06:12 AM

I think you are talking about an overdrive to replace my stock turbo 400 and yes I am interested. I have a 73 Electra 225 with a 455 and only 58,000 original miles. It would be a real highway cruiser with an extra cog at 75-80. I can be reached at jlyons@ieee.org and let me know what you would include with a kit for the $2000 mentioned. As you may know it has a three u-joint drive shaft with an kind of unique CV like joint at the rear so would be interesting to know if I have to replace the shaft or if it can be re-used as I have rebuilt it.

Thanks and look forward to hearing from you. I am also considering selling the car if you know anyone interested.

John Lyons in Texas

**Schurkey** · 10-08-2007, 09:35 AM

That's a terrific price if the controller is included. I might be interested in a trans and controller (probably don't need the bellhousing adapter--let me think about that, and I certainly don't need the crossmember or cooler tubes) for a Chevy project. (I already have a 700; but I haven't installed it yet.)

What do you need for shipping? Does it include a lockup torque converter? Is the trans rebuilt? If so, does the trans shop you work with include a warranty so that if there's a problem with the trans a local shop can fix it under warranty?

**Troys69GS** · 10-08-2007, 12:00 PM

Guys I can tell you everything you need to know right now to do it. I personally dont have the kit together. And since I dont, I wont make any money telling anyone how to do it and it doesnt bother me one bit. When I get home on my puter I can post the site for the adapter. Its a regular bop to chevy adapter for 45 bucks. Then you guys locate a 4l80e or 4l85e tranny. You will then need my bro to build you a controller for shift selection and a lcd screen to tell you what option your in. The controller normally sells for over 1k but my bro want to build em and sell em for under half that. For right now you will have to build your own crossmember and you use your stock driveline and have it shortened. Ill get you that measurement too. You guys start shopping and we will work from there. The stock 4l80e will handle up to 800 horse before needing mods. I can also have the tranny build by the engineer himself that helped devolope it and builds them for Jay Leno. Later, Troy

**sicksteve** · 10-10-2007, 10:53 PM

I had the 700R4 conversion done on my '63 Riv.

It was costly, and even with this electronic controller--which has to be correctly calibrated with carb/throttle position, it shifts horribly. yes it had to have cable, and cable to the trans, instead of mechanical linkage

I'm keeping the carter AFB, because it runs (engine) well. The choke is history.

Can I adapt an electric choke to this original carb?

I see many have gone to Eldelbrock for the nailheads. maybe a 600cfm one with an electric choke?

Although I've read in some old Streetrodder magazine that nailheads like big carbs.

back to the subject, The THM-400 in my other two Riv's are just perfect: they shift at the right time, kick-down when you want them to, and do everything I want a transmission to do.

of course i'm not racing; but on the street, or accelerating, the THM-400's perform great.

**Schurkey** · 10-11-2007, 08:08 AM

A 700 shouldn't need an "electronic controller" although it will need a simple vacuum switch and some wiring to engage/disengage the torque converter clutch.

A newer 4L60E would need an electronic controller.

First Guess: Your 700 throttle valve cable is still out-of-adjustment; or it's operating at an incorrect leverage ratio based on being mounted to an incorrect throttle lever at the carb.

Second Guess: Somebody screwed up your valve body with a shift-kit; either they did it wrong or they chose a level of firmness you don't appreciate.

**Troys69GS** · 10-13-2007, 04:20 PM

The 4l60 is the replacement for the TH350 and the 4l80 is the TH400 replacement. The fact that you already did the coversion with your old nailhead with a round bellhousing is cool, but it wont hold up. Where did you find your nailhead bellhousing bop adapter?

There is also the 4l60 for the V6 too.

**bebop138** · 10-16-2007, 02:37 PM

Bendsten`s tranmission makes adapters for all the nailheads--located in Minnesota. I think he is making a stick bell for them also.

**sicksteve** · 10-17-2007, 01:58 AM

Originally Posted by Schurkey

A 700 shouldn't need an "electronic controller" although it will need a simple vacuum switch and some wiring to engage/disengage the torque converter clutch.

A newer 4L60E would need an electronic controller.

First Guess: Your 700 throttle valve cable is still out-of-adjustment; or it's operating at an incorrect leverage ratio based on being mounted to an incorrect throttle lever at the carb.

Second Guess: Somebody screwed up your valve body with a shift-kit; either they did it wrong or they chose a level of firmness you don't appreciate.

There is NO firmness.

and yes, BENDTSEN doesn't know what he's doing

**sicksteve** · 10-17-2007, 02:00 AM

Originally Posted by bebop138

Bendsten`s tranmission makes adapters for all the nailheads--located in Minnesota. I think he is making a stick bell for them also.

He's also IMPOSSIBLE to deal with. One customer had their car in there for over 8 months (a '55 300C) Mine was in there for 3 months, and it still runs worse than with my leaking dynaflow!

DO NOT DEAL WITH THIS PERSON--that is, if you like your car.