transmissions

Hey all~
I'm at a turning point in my build for my car.
I need to decide on a transmission so I can finish the engine.
FIRST:
everyone tells me the '57-61 switch pitch was the tranny to get! Will it work with an early (57) 364?

Secondly: what would I need to COMPLETELY get it installed in the car? cables/linkage/ relays/ etc?


Thanks all

 

The ST300 (2 speed) and ST400 (3 speed) with switch-pitch converters became avail in 1965. 1963 and earlier had the Dynaflow.
There were a few odd ball years around 56-57 that had a larger bellhousing, so double check what you have.

 

what he said yours should be a dynaflow

 

You should ck the bell housing and crank real close before you plunk down your cash.......... to see what trans will fit the bell housing and the crank bolt pattern. If possible to make and I say again ...make a th 400 with switch pitch work , it would be the best , toughest set up. Next best would be the 2 speed sw. pitch super turbine 300 that came with the 65 GS.
There is another possibility and a good one if you can get one to hook up and work. In the 57- 61 years there was the pontiac 4 speed hydra matic. It was as tough as nails and was reliable behind power. Gear ratios are fantastic. If you could find a bell housing that will hook one of those to the Buick block, you would have something. contact b&m hydro. they may know something...........

 

or you could buy an adapter and run a late model tranny as long as it will fit with your frame

 

Yup, that too.....

 

Mike, I checked my notes....the 53 to 56 Nailheads have the 1" larger bellhousing. 57 to 66 use the smaller size, so you should be good.:TU:
63 and earlier cranks have a different flange which will require cutting off the lip and using an adapter to mate with the later flex plates.

Your best bet would be a 65-66 ST400. The 64 ST400 didn't have the switch-pitch, and also only had a 2-position shifter....Low and Drive, even tho it is a 3 speed trans.

Rumor has it that Jeep used the Nailhead-bell TH400 in 65 to 72 Wagoneers and pick-ups, Hollander #1331. They dont have the switch-pitch, but can be converted if you have the switch-pitch front pump and converter.

 

unless you are going to race for money, don't limit yourself to a switch pitch. when i went from a st300 to a st400 i just had the guy build a strong 400 and did a way with the switch pitch. the switch pitch is cool, but light to light it makes no difference. just my humble opinion. jim

ps the st400 takes the larger filter than a new 400. my builder loves the older 400 trannies.

 

yeah but he is going have to run adapter to run it

if i went that route i just drop a 200 4r ot 700r4 and have od

 

I respectfully disagree. it's tough to beat a switch pitch 400 for a street car both in versatility and stealth. normal driving in low stall woth none of the hassles you get from a fixed stall performance converter and all the benefits of a stall converter when in high stall Mode. plus once you get above the stall speed after launching you can switch to low stall and the converter becomes more efficient therefore putting more power to the ground.

 

Might not be much difference for a stocker before & after, but with any mods (especially cam timing) it's night & day. I'd never go back to fixed pitch unless I was running a 100% racer knowing what I do now.

Devon

 

whats the easiest way to to hook a toggle switch up to turn the high stall off, would you take the wire from the kickdown? thanks

 

Switch pitch is T-H-E way to go.........unless you want to go to overdrive.

 

let me word this better. if I take the switch pitch wire that goes to the tranny cut it half and run both ends to a toggle switch so I can turn the high stall off when I want, but will it still act stock when I turn the toggle switch back on? when I say stock I mean will there be high stall at idle and then again at 3/4 or full throttle. will this work?

 

Click on this link and look at the diagram for "having your cake and eating it too." Manual or OEM function for a switch pitch. I tried posting the picture here but the file manager said "Error - you already posted it once." Scroll down, it's about the 8th or 9th post on that thread

Ed

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=151741

 

i still do not see why the sp is the best thing since sliced bread. i do not race my nail. just run light to light and enjoy it. i had the sp with the st300 and now with the st400 i don't. i find no difference except i have better take off and 3 gears compared to 2. also the 400 was built strong. i am not a expert by any means. i am very happy with my car. jim

ps. why did they do away with it. at a light my vehicle feels like a dog on a lease waiting
to be let loose, i have no idea what the stall is, but as i said before and am very happy with that tranny.

 

Thanks for everyones input. I find it interesting everyone's different views as far as performance characteristics.
I like the idea of the switch pitch; it's workings, the way it transmits power, etc. I like the variability.
I think the OD may be the route to go though. This is going to be a daily driver so mileage is somewhat of a concern.

anybody know the gear ratios for the 300 and 400 or the dynaflows?

thanks
o No:

 

the300 has a 1.765 first gear,the 400 has 2.48 first and 1.48 second. dynoaflows do they even have gear ratios? or do they have avariable pitch stator

 

dynaflows i dont think have a gear ratio

 

When gas milage is a concern the diff gear is the one to give attention to because all transmissions, except overdrives go to 1 to 1 ratio at the finality.
Most st 300 cars had around 2.93 or so depending on whether the car had a/c or not. When lowering the diff gear, it seems that milage doesnt suffer much untill you get below 3.56 or 3.73, after that milage begins to drop off. I have run 4.11s on the street in town and that is what I consider the limit for a street driven car. It sounded like I was running in 2nd gear all the time, or in 3rd in a 4 speed car.