I am working on the interior only on the Wildcat, and plan on doing the transmission and engine next Winter (they run fine now). But as I was going through my multitude of manuals, I noticed that the BBB for 1968 have an "automatic transmission" listed, and for 1969, the have the TH400 listed. I haven't done any additional research. Am I going to find that the 68 does not have a TH400? And if so, what do I need to do to swap it for a TH400? o No:
I plan on sticking with the 68 430 that is in it (the 70 455 Stage 1 has essentially the same HP and torque). I have an Edelbrock street master intake currently, I am waiting for TA performance to produce the shorty headers. I thought about staying pat there after a rebuild, but I am considering TA's aluminum Stage 1 heads(or Postons' steel, they are half the price) and a cam upgrade just above a Stage 1. I had a TH400 that I had some performance work done on 25 years ago in a 69 Riv, and was very happy with it. I would like to have another TH400 and a modest upgrade on a street torque converter. I don't want to have u-joint problems I hate u-joint problems...But once again, that is a little over a year out....I am wrestling with interior and when to do the paint job. I have a buddy that will help me do the paint (he did his 68 vette...perfect... :TU: ). We are talking about a medium blue light metalic flake, with the "phantom" flame job done with a shade lighter blue. And, I also have to replace the convertible top! and hydrolic pistons...So you can see why the engine/tranny is pushed back.
Any BOP (Buick Olds Pontiac) bolt pattern TH400 will bolt right up. Some Cadillacs fit too - my current transmission in my '68 is from a '78 Caddy. Chevrolet uses a different bolt pattern on the bellhousing.
Thanks for the info. It is what I figured, but it is nice to know that someone else has actually done it.
The governor cover (pass. side near the back) on a TH350 is held on by a spring clip and a TH 400 has 4 bolts. TH 350 pan is basically square, TH 400 pan is really funny shaped. TH350 has a kickdown cable coming out of it, TH 400 has an electric kickdown with a spade terminal on the driver's side.
Watch out for tailshaft - there's a short and long version....long was usually used on the BIG cars, and short on the A-bodies. Sooo.....even though any BOP will bolt up, if its not the same shaft as what you have, you'll find a big gap between the end of your yoke and Torque Converter uzzled:
