How "streetable" is a powerglide?
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic-transmission/906839-another-1-circle-d.html
light weight car though. unless you are under 3k race weight dont consider it.
light weight car though. unless you are under 3k race weight dont consider it.
FormerVendor
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: D-F/W
The Powerglide shares the exact same high gear ratio as any 3 speed. It is a 1:1 ratio. Therefore it will be on the converter at road speeds. The Glide, as with many 3 speeds, does not have lock up and the converter will be trying to generate some heat during daily driving.
Powerglides were installed in countless millions of factory vehicles back in the day. Depending on the gear and the converter stall speed it may or may not be streetable.
It really is combination dependent.
g
Powerglides were installed in countless millions of factory vehicles back in the day. Depending on the gear and the converter stall speed it may or may not be streetable.
It really is combination dependent.
g
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the stock 1.82 or 1.76 ratio of first gear makes it very stress full on a tranny if the car is very heavy. Vs the first gear of say a 400 at 2.5, which makes all the difference. Also with a heavy car it will take a lot of HP to effectivly move the car out quick.
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Let's put this into easy terms. The powerglide was a good trans back in the 60's and early 70's. The stall speed is very low at 900-1200 rpm. The cars were not that heavy. The reason weight is a factor is because of the stall speed. The heavier the car the more heat is generated from the slipping of the converter. You would also be taking off in 2nd gear essentially, (1.82-1.76 first gear ratio on PG). The 400 has a 2.48 first gear ratio, the 350 has 2.52, the 4L60 has 3.07. If you take off in 2nd gear with a high stall conv., you'll generate enough heat to melt the seals. Remember, the converter is a torque multiplier. It is basically 2 fans, one running the other through fluid coupling. The molecules being slammed around heat up very quickly which is the killer of trannys. It would not be an efficient trans for the daily driver. They are used in low weight, high HP race cars more as a tuning device. This is alot to explain so I'll stop right here. Hopefully this will help make your decision easier.
PS, your stall is based on alot of factors, starting with your cam specs @ .050" on your cam card. The converter companies will help you with this.
PS, your stall is based on alot of factors, starting with your cam specs @ .050" on your cam card. The converter companies will help you with this.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=906839
light weight car though. unless you are under 3k race weight dont consider it.
light weight car though. unless you are under 3k race weight dont consider it.
Need either power or less weight but like said above lots of cars back in the day came with them.
I would not use a glide if I drove my car a hundred miles a week. Just me though.
