I am considering ordering the transmission adapter kit from Bendtsen's to adapt a 700r4 to a '63 401. Has anyone on this board used Bendtsen's kit? If so, what was your opinion on the quality of the kit and the ease of installation? Also, how many inches were added to the total length of the engine/transmission combination and the engine mounts to transmission mount length as compared with the stock Dynaflow? (The combination is going in my '53 Special Convertible and I am trying to determine if I am going to have physical clearance issues with the frame x-member. I know that I am going to have to build a new transmission crossmember, but I already have the engine mounting issues basically worked out.)
Chuck: I've been thinking about the same thing for my '49 Roadmaster, as they also do an adaptor for the straight eight. However, am wondering how to hook up to the torque tube. How are you planning to do this? Or, are you thinking about changing to an open driveshaft, etc.? Thanks in advance, Steve.
Steve: My '53 has already been converted to a 4-link rear with a late model 10-bolt rear end, so I don't have to worry about the torque tube. Can't help you there. Sorry, Chuck
Hi, Chuck, I haven't used Bendtsens kit, but I have seen it and it adds about 3 inches to the transmission length. I talked with the guy at MSRA's Back to the 50's last summer (10,000 pre-65 cars!) and at first when I asked him about clearance issues, he said "I just build the adapters, the installation issues are up to you!" I looked at him kind of shocked and he must have saw the look and assumed that I was thinking that I had just met the world's biggest jackass, so then he tells me about some of the conversions that they had done at the shop, he he actually seemed to be very knowledgable and helpful! (maybe he missed his morning coffee?) By the looks of the kit, it will out last the nailhead and the 700 behind it. I don't know of anyone on this list who has made the conversion, they love their switch-pitch 400's no end! (LOL!) Take Care, Tim
where can i get this kit? im planning on running a 700r and i need to find an adaptor kit whats the price?
Tim... I have met Bob, and I know exactly what you mean. When I was after him to make me a copy of the adapter for the early Caddy to NH case 400, he turned me down flat, saying no one would want to use that dinosour trans anyway.. That ended our conversation. He is very knowledgeable, but bases his OD trans longevity claims on Chevies... if I introduced him to BBB torque in a 4000 lbs GS, he might take a more open view of the issues. JW
Jim, I know what you mean. If someone wants me to do a trans that I don't really want to do, I shoot them a HUGE number and they usually go away! (Believe me, I do more free work than pay work!) Occasionally, the guy will agree to my outrageous price, but I feel that I am compesated for my time and hassle. I try to go out of my way to NOT be rude to people! I guess some people were meant to deal with people in person, others do much better on the "net" LOL! Tim
My dad and I used one of Benstedts adapters to put a 700r4 behind a 401 in his 61 electra. It was an awesome kit very well made. We never had any problems with Bob, we even called a bunch of times looking for advice. He was always very helpful. The added length was 3-5", I don't remember for sure. Had to get a new driveshaft made, but no big deal. The car now gets 17-19 mpg down the highway, not bad for a barge like a electra 225! The only ongoing issue is the spedometer is way off now. I havent really looked into fixes yet because the car has been in storage all winter, but its getting nice out and time to drive!! Any recommendations?
