[Jason7504]

Ok I'm getting my 580-600hp 468 big block in a few weeks and I won't be driving my car until summer so i have time to get a few things before that. I have $500 now to spend and I'm not sure which to get first. I need a new trans and rear end because i'm just using the stock th350 and 10 bolt. I have found a th400 with only 10k miles with a b&m shift kit and 3000 stall converter for $500. I have also found a 12 bolt housing from a 70 camaro for $500. Or I can get a Pypes 3" full exhaust for about $500.

I know I can build my 10 bolt but if i can build a 12 bolt for only a few hundred more then mise well and they are hard to find. I do need a stronger trans though, I want to get a 4L80 but it's gonna be awhile to save for it so was thinking i could get the th400 for now and drive my car. I also need a better exhaust for the new engine because my 2.25" dual exhaust isn't gonna cut it. Wish i could get all 3 but that's not gonna happen at the moment lol. I'd get the trans first if the 12 bolt wasn't so hard to find. Which would be best to get first? and why?

[ericnova72]

That 12-bolt complete, or just a bare housing??

[80PontiacWagon]

Who makes the stall converter? is it a name brand or is it someones house brand? I'd also check the trans fluid, you never know, it could be burnt up and need a complete rebuild.

Also, yes the th-400 is a stronger trans, but is also a different length and will require a new or modified drive shaft.

[bigdog7373]

You could get a 3 inch exhaust from jegs for $220 or something like that, plus mufflers if you want them. I dont know if you have headers already or what. If i were you i would build up what i had. The th350 could hold the big block with some mods. If the 400 is stock then i wouldnt expect it to last long with 600 hp tearing through it. Dont go cheap on the tranny, you will regret that decision in a month. Save the $500 for now because i'll tell you right now, you will need it when you put the engine in. Stuff never goes the way its planned. What if durring the engine installation you break something? Forgot to buy something? Something doesnt work? Same the money, you will need it.

[Jason7504]

Originally Posted by ericnova72

That 12-bolt complete, or just a bare housing??

well it's complete but i would just rebuild it so it's just a housing to me

[Jason7504]

Originally Posted by 80PontiacWagon

Who makes the stall converter? is it a name brand or is it someones house brand? I'd also check the trans fluid, you never know, it could be burnt up and need a complete rebuild.

Also, yes the th-400 is a stronger trans, but is also a different length and will require a new or modified drive shaft.

it's a b&m stall converter. he already pulled the pan but said it was good. yeah i would shorten the driveshaft

[Torque454]

For a couple hundred more couldnt you get a built th400 that is new and not used?

[Jason7504]

Originally Posted by Torque454

For a couple hundred more couldnt you get a built th400 that is new and not used?

well it's more like $1400 with converter. maybe i will just keep the 500 and save it towards the 4l80 trans i want. But man it's like $2900 with converter

[ericnova72]

Originally Posted by Jason7504

well it's complete but i would just rebuild it so it's just a housing to me

If all you are going to be using is the housing $500 is too much, $500 will get you half way through a full tilt 30 or 33 spline axle upgrade build on your 10-bolt 8.5", and once you upgrade the axle size in the 10-bolt the 12-bolt has no real advantage. If you peel teeth on the 10-bolt it would have peeled teeth on the 12-bolt just the same.

$500 isn't bad for a 400 trans and converter, but I would want to verify the quality of the converter. Does the owner of the trans know what the converter is??

[1971BB427]

I would never buy a used trans from a private party unless I knew enough to check it out, or knew the person selling it. Just too easy to get screwed. They can drain and flush, put in new fluid, and gasket/filter, and you'll never know if it's good until it's in the car.
I'd save the $500 until the engine comes and then see what it needs as far as headers, brackets, pulleys, etc. to get it in the car.

[eloc431962]

It would be real easy to drop $500 antwhere in that car JMO, I would bank the money for a while till i was %100 on what else i really needed. JMO
You know something else is going to come up that you will need.

Cole

[Jason7504]

now i'm not sure if i should spend $3000 on the 4l80 or use that to buy a built th400, exhaust and have enough left to just about rebuild my 10 bolt..but i love having the option of OD but i could also button up the drivetrain if i didn't get it.hate big decisions as i'm sure you can tell lol

[LATECH]

Headers for my Poncho then the flowmaster exhaust

[eloc431962]

Originally Posted by latech

Headers for my Poncho then the flowmaster exhaust

Can you get all that for $500 ?


Cole

[LATECH]

Originally Posted by eloc431962

Can you get all that for $500 ?


Cole

Maybe the headers well almost the headers
I was going to put on the flowmaster duals, I can get that for about 350 shipped to the door. it is an H pipe system not a X pipe . but thats what I can afford.