After throwing it out on this forum I was convinced that I wanted overdrive in my Electra. I ordered up the adapter kit from Bendtsens and had a transmission built to my specs. Today I installed it all. I put in a spare frame I have that doesn't have a body on it so it would be easier to manufacture any parts I may need. As it turns out the factory cross member location will work. I will have to shorten the drive shaft 6 inches. What I am wondering about though is the shifter linkage. Has anyone done this upgrade before and how did you deal with the linkage? Thanks in advance. Larry
Larry, I putting a 425 with a 9" Ford rearend in my 55 Special and would really like to have an overdrive transmission. Sure would open up the gear selections. I guess you could change the length of the shift arm to get all the gear to work, but the letters on the column wouldn't match your gear selection. What are you doing with the TV cable? I bought a geometry correction bracket for a Eldebrock carb on my Model A. Thanks, Ron Pyles
I too have a Brendtsen's adapter to attach my 425 to a 700R4. A couple of comments: The adapter kit is great, but I trimmed the bottom of the actual adapter to match the bottom of the engine block. This will make it easier at a later date if I decide to fabricate a flywheel/converter cover. The other modification that I made was to have Rob Giroux at Precision Billet Design (Robsbuick) make me an aircraft-grade aluminum spacer to replace the steel crankshaft extension. I just could not stand having a 10 lb weight on the back of the crank when It can be done with a unit that weighs 3 lbs.
I think I've got just about everything sorted out except for the flywheel cover. I was able to find a TV cable linkage for a Carter carb (Edelbrock) on E-bay. I bought a cable shifter from Summit for my column shifter, the crossmemeber is fine where it is and I bought a yoke to be put on my driveshaft when I shorten it 6 inches. To shorten the driveshaft 6", install a new CV joint, 2 new u-joints and balance the shaft is $350.00 Here is the link for the shifter: http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/instructions/lok-aca-1804aca-1805columncables.pdf It's all coming together well.
I've always wondered why this 700r4 conversion is not used more often, it seems most go with the 200r4. Is the 700r4 only available with the Chevy bell housing, I guess that would be a good reason. The 700r4 is a great transmission I wish I could do this to my car some day.
I am going to start collecting parts to install the extra 4L60E I have behind the 401 in my 62 LeSabre. Wish I would have known what I know when I put another Dynaflow in last year.
I'm using an Edelbrock 4-bbl which is essentially an AFB. My truck was originally a Diesel, and the throttle cable extended all the way to the front of the engine. I replaced it with a (much shorter) cable for the gas V8 engine. There is a chrome-plated throttle/kickdown cable end bracket assembly that is available at speed shops. I would send you a photo, but my pix are in my computer in MA, and I'm presently in FL. I had to get a little creative in mounting everything, but if my ancient, fuzzy brain can figure it out, I'll bet that you can. I have heard conflicting stories on the horrors that can occur if you don't get the kickdown cable adjusted correctly. One member of this board said that the cable should be set by transmission pressure. I live near a good transmission shop in MA, and will at some point talk to the owner of the shop about that little issue. So far, the transmission is working OK.
well the 700 isnt as strong when built doesnt have as much od and is alot bigger along with the chevy only housing. the 200 bolts in the same spot a th350 does.
Check out transmissioncenter.net They offer a 700R4 that will handle 800 HP "reliably." Their Raptor line of transmissions are excellent. My 700R4 came from them and is only slightly beefed up over stock. I believe that they make five separate levels of 700R4; depending on how much horsepower (and money) you have. Be prepared to do a lot of reading on this site.
Just buy this kit to add the Tv cable setup to your carb: http://www.tvmadeez.com/1406_cam/ After you are done take the car to a trans shop and have them confrim the line pressures are correct. Skipping this step is asking for a dead trans in a few months or even weeks. You would save about $1000 doing a 700R4 swap instad of the 4L60E as you would not have to buy a controller.
Here is the pricing for the different kits on their website: http://www.transmissionadapters.com/Pricing.htm
I put one behind my 322 Nailhead in my 1956 Buick Wagon. I used a Bendtsen"s Adapter. Cost me 675.00 at the time I bought it. Heres a picture of my car and some of the adapter installed. Its been in there for over 2000 trouble free miles. I used a ford 8 inch rearend.
why does the adaptor for the 57 - 63 cost more than the later nailheads?what is the difference? buford owner
I don't know. Mine has a rebuilt Dynaflow. It works perfectly! Switch pitch torque vanes and all!! Smoooooooothest transmission ever made!!
