Powerglide rebuild or go 3 speed?

Transmission & Driveline - Auto, manual, clutch, convertor, driveshaft, rear, axles, etc...
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Espresso
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Powerglide rebuild or go 3 speed?

Post by Espresso »

Car in question Pro Stock camaro body, nitrous 540 BBC, glide with air shift. Weight I would say about 3000lbs. Brand unknown
Converter & stall unknown. Supposedly on N20 it was built to make 1100HP(no torque figure though).

I am waiting on a email from Shafiroff about the engine, as it is SUPPOSED to be from them, but as far as I know they NEVER used a Factory passenger HI PERF block. Always after market blocks...so the 1100HP..very questionable.

So I am pretty much at a blank slate with the car. I can change what ever needs changing. He wants to make it a 585 CID, but that is another story.
As for the question at hand. I am 100% more familiar with the 350 & 400 so for ease of use for us a 3 speed would be a way to go.
I have NEVER used a powerglide, except in an old street camaro..complete crap.

I know engine torque, rear gears etc should equate to what is needed. BUT Going off of shear WHAT IF's... is it better to stick with the glide or go 3 speed?
-Tom
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atsracing
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Re: Powerglide rebuild or go 3 speed?

Post by atsracing »

A glide will be the strongest of the three, properly set-up they can hang behind upwards of 3000HP and do it cheaper than any other trans. A 350 has a major weak link at the intermediate sprag, and sun shell, which puts it's limit at around 700 HP. While a 400 is much stronger than a 350, it still has the same intermediate sprag issues, but there are options ( expensive ) available to remedy this.
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