Looked in to this awhile back and I think this was (and still is)the best tested deal. I know a few guys here have some experince with this. http://www.transmissionadapters.com/Nailhead_install.htm
4toe -------:gp: Thanks for the tip off. I wonder , is a Turbo hydramatic 350 / 400 classed by them as a Chevrolet auto ??
I've talked to Marty about his new adapter and from what he tells me it should be a good one. It has some features to it that allow the flexplate, converter, et al, to be fully enclosed at the bottom. TXGS, What kind of car are you doing this to. If it's one of Buick's cruciform frames (X-frame) you'll find that a 200-4R will fit much cleaner. Look for a link from Elvislives and look at the facebook pictures of the 200-4R in his '65 Riviera - one of Marty's early designs. The builder of the '65 is waiting for one of Marty's new ones to put in. Both Eelco's and Bendsten's adapters are designed to bolt your engine to a Chevy bellhousing. the 700R4 is Chevy only, the 200-4R has a dual pattern bell housing - Chevy and BOP. Ed
Thanks ED for the info. I am building a T bucket with a 401 with a 700R4 and a 12 bolt with 373's. Thanks Marty from an update I will wait till you get it sorted out.:beers2:
Which of these two suppliers' kits will fit the T350 / 400 ? Very difficult for me to get a 700R4 here ?? ( what do they come out of )
Both Marty's kit and the Bendtsen's kit will allow you to use a TH350 or TH400. I'd personally go with a TH400 over the TH350. Not sure if you'd be able to find one down there, but you could look for a ST400. It's a TH400 with a Nailhead specific housing that was used in '64, '65, and '66. That way, you wouldn't need an adapter.
The reason for me to use the 700 is based on the rearend ratio and I have a fresh built 700. When all put together it should be fun as it will probably weigh in at 1700lbs.:beer
I have the Brendtsen's adapter in my pickup. It's a good unit, but I would like the bottom of the bellhousing enclosed. I MIGHT replace my existing setup if the Eelco has no disadvantages and encloses all the rotating stuff. BTW: Marty - if you are reading this, I want the aluminum nailhead 4bbl manifold worse then the adapter. I have the $$ in my checking account, just waitin'. This is the time of year that I don't mind taking things apart!
Hey guys, Marty's new stuff should be in my hand today or tomorrow according to him. The 200's gear ratio is more similar to the TH400 in that first and second gear are closer... so in a Nailhead, you don't have to run the RPMs up as much to get to second gear. The 200s overdrive is lower numerically at .67 rather than .70 for the 700. Also, the 200 is 3 1/2 inches shorter which can certainly help on cruciform frames and keeping the yoke/joint assy out in front of the tunnel. The 700 has a 3.06 first gear compared to the 200s 2.74 so it can really launch you if you are a racer, and that shift would probably pull your intestines out and lay them on the floorboard, but I like to keep the RPMs low in my Nail and let the torque do the talking. 2nd gear is 1.63 on the 700!!! That seems like quite a step to me. The 200s second gear is 1.57. If you are running a numerically high rear end ratio, that first to second shift is even more of a difference. They used both transmissions in so many cars, I would not "settle" for anything. Do your research and make it what you really want it to be.
Thanks David I have BR code 200 4r backing my 449hp 350buick with 390 gears in my 72 GS350. I think it is a great transmission. I think in such a light car like I am building, traction is probably going to be an issue! I like to cruise and I think the trans will be suitable since it is brand new and free!:TU:
John, From what I gather from Marty, the new adapter is a complete ring. This allows you to use the OE dust cover from the 200-4r, 700R4, or what ever trans you chose, to cover the trans part. The bellhousing dust cover is an OE dynaflow cover. It sounds logical. Let's just hope Marty gets all the wrinkles ironed out soon. I'm waiting on one of the new ones to put a 200-4R in my '64 Riviera. Ed
Hey John, Now that the trans adapter is done. it is next on the list. I will post some core model pics next week so you guys have some tangible to let you know it is not a "myth"
