'66 ST400 Valve Body/Shift Kit

I just picked up a '66 ST400 from a local board member, and I am in the process of putting it in my '62. Before I install it, I'd like to remedy the valve body issues with the early ST400's. I had contemplated installing an aftermarket valve body, however I'm thinking about installing a Transgo 400-3 shift reprogramming kit instead. That way the trans will be a full blown manual, and I won't have to deal with figuring out kickdown switches, plus it's easily reversable.

Does anybody have any experience with the Transgo 400-3 kit? Does it sound like it will acomplish what I'm after?

Also, will the kit still require the use of the vacuum modulator? I tried looking online but was unable to come up with any instructions for the kit. Thanks for any and all help!

 

Andy, I can't specifically answer your question, but I've heard of guys using a later '73 valve body to improve performance. I'll see what I can dig up.

 

This article covers mods for the early trannies:
http://www.buickperformance.com/SPTrans.htm

 

Thanks for the info Walt. I've seen that article a time or two, that's where I first learned of the problems with the early VB's.

Like I said, to remedy this I had planned on just installing an aftermarket auto/manual VB, however the Transgo kit is half the price and is easily reversable. It's suppose to make the trans totally manual, which would allow me to shift the trans, and would also allow me to bypass the factory SP electrical kickdown switch.

Anybody else have experience with the 400-3 kit?

 

Hey Cameo - I'm doing the same swap- how much did you have to take off your driveshaft?

Paul

 

Haven't gotten that far yet Paul. As the car sits, the 401 and Dynaflow are still installed. I'm hoping to make some progress over the Holidays.

However, since the ST400 is roughly 3-4in longer than a Dynaflow, one could assume you would need the driveshaft to be 3-4in shorter to compensate.

 

shorten the driveline by 4" and narrow the crossmember by 5"

 

My ST400 has been full manual for over 20 years now.

Devon

 

Thanks Steve!

Did you use a manual valve body?

 

No, I used a transgo kit if I remember, but disabled the automatic features myself. I know the governor weights are welded shut and the modulator is gone. There were some other mods but I'm afraid it's been too long to remember the details.

Devon

 

Thanks Devon. That sounds like the kit I was talking about in my first post.

 

If I were to do it again, I'd run a reverse pattern. I very much dislike upshifting toward neutral and reverse.

Devon