Hey guys I was talking to a rep at summitracing.com and I do not know if it is true or not, but the guy said I was better off with the stock tranny my 1986 El Camino has then putting the th350 turbo? Is that true or is he an idiot. Also the engine that I am putting in is a 396 big block.

?? What's in it now ?? (stock could be most any GM)

I am not to sure, but I can tell you it has overdrive, drive, high and low. the th350 turbo does not have overdrive.

STAY WITH THE OVERDRIVE TRANS!!!! It's a 200r4 or 700r4. Stay with it. You'll be much better off in the long run. It will allow you alot more options should you decide to change gears in the rearend at a latter date.

Well will it make my 396 big block be less powerful since I am running not running a tranny that was made for a lot of HP?

It is every bit as strong as a 350 turbo, unless the 350 has been built up.
You can always have the O/D Trans bullt. But unless the 396 has really been built, you will be fine with the O/D Trans. as is.

To also answer your last question, The O/D trans will have a lower first gear than the 350, === Faster off the line, or hole shots. Also you will have a higher top end with the O/D. Better for the highway, as well as for MPG, fuel economy. I run one behind my own built 454 with no probs. and love it.

A stock 200 or 700r is not as strong as a th350. I ve killed 2, 700r4s, a mild 350 killed a stock 700r and my 450hp 454 has mortally wounded a built BTO 700r. I've had th350 trannys hold up much better even behind a big block.

Don't even think about putting a 396 in front of a stock 200 or 700. Neither will last for long.

Having overdrive is great but the only automatic that can truly handle any power for long is the 4l80e, an expensive alternative though.

James it appears your bad experience is with 700R4s, I have read that the 200R4 is stronger. Tuggy's '86 is most likely the 200R4.

As I type this the Broncos suck. :mad:

Doug

Well I am still up in the air as in if the guy is flowing smoke up my ass or not about keeping the stock tranny over the turbo 350

A stock 2004R wont last long behind a big block. But a built 2004R will handle a 396 with ease. Only problem is the cost of a good built 2004R is pushing 2G's. The turbo buick guys run these in the 10's and they hold up. Just gotta put some cash in them to get the good parts.

A well built 200r is better but I have reservations about anything that requires a TV cable.

Well as it look right now I am sticking with the 200R4. I will see how it works out in the long run!

Important > Just be sure the tv cable is ajusted correctly, that will
make, or break it. There are more 4r failures due to improper ajustment
than any other reason. With that being said, you should be pleased.

A stock 200 or 700r is not as strong as a th350. I ve killed 2, 700r4s, a mild 350 killed a stock 700r and my 450hp 454 has mortally wounded a built BTO 700r. I've had th350 trannys hold up much better even behind a big block.

Don't even think about putting a 396 in front of a stock 200 or 700. Neither will last for long.

Having overdrive is great but the only automatic that can truly handle any power for long is the 4l80e, an expensive alternative though.

I had exactly the same exerience. 454 consumed my BTO built 700R4 in under 5000 miles. I like the 3.06:1 1st gear and the 30% overdrive, so TH350/400 isn't a direction I want to go. So I'm going through the TH700 t this winter with better parts. Bottom line (IMO), a stock TH700 behind a 396 BBC will be short lived at best.

My 700 r4 is running great and we are gettin in to it all the time, 13000 miles and going and going and going