My TA has about 80k on it, and the 4L60e is shifting fine, but I'm getting an LT1 block bored and gathering quite a long list of internals and whatnot. Needless to say, I need something a little more stout for the street and a dozen passes at the track a year and low cost/maintenance.

So, i decided to go with a turbo 400 and possibly a manual valvebody. I can get a core for dirt cheap, I just need to know what to ask for. A buddy told me he has a short tail (6") turbo 350 in his 84 Firebird, so I'm guessing a 6" tail would be the correct kind to look for?

After some research, this looks to be what I need to look for:
TH400
Shifter
Stall
Crossmember
Flexplate?

Will the shifter linkage, pedal assembly, etc all work? Also, will it bolt right up to an LT1?

Thanks!

 

Make sure you get a chevy th400 trans. buick olds pontiacs th400s had different bolt patterns

 

I don't see why your Flexplate from the LT1 wouldn't work..

Flywheel is for Standards..

 

Fixed lol

 

So a Chevy TH400 short tail? What about the driveshaft? Will a regular one fit or will I have to get a custom one?

Do one of the sponsors sell them for Turbo 400 conversions?

 

We can help you put together a TH400 setup, but unless you are going to be making 700+ HP build your 4L60E.

I'm running a FLT level 4 in my own car and my customers cars which go or will go 9's. The are cars which are driven on a regular basis too. I pulled my TH350 so the car was much more enjoyable to drive on the street and hwy.



think about it hard before you commit to the swap

 

I was planning on up to 550hp at the motor. I've just heard so many horror stories with the 4l60e, and the thought of a manual valvebody is cool Plus the cost of having it built is much cheaper around here.

Whats the weight different between a 400 and 4l60e?

 

not sure of the weight difference, but coming from 2 cars with 3 speeds it really takes away from the street driving.

I would never have a TH400 in a car unless it was mainly a track car making huge power.

it sucks when everyone else is flying down to HWY and here you are stuck at 55 mph

Turbo cars require small gears and a 28", so they are more forgiving on the street with a TH400/TH350

cost...yes there is a big difference in cost, but keep in mid your enjoyment.

FLT is my choice since we have had great success and have used no others