Turbo 400 V.S. Powerglide

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MMAX
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Turbo 400 V.S. Powerglide

#1 Post by MMAX » Mon Mar 03, 2008 6:25 pm

Besides the obvious weight factor, what's the advantages of running a Powerglide as opposed to a 400? Also, I was reading an ad on Racing Junk and it stated a 400 converter will fit a glide. Is this true?

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John_Heard
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#2 Post by John_Heard » Mon Mar 03, 2008 7:47 pm

Glides can be set up so they take the turbo style converters, most race ones are setup that way. From what I've heard most times a glide is worth 2-3 mph and typically ET close to the same, sometimes better depending on the car combination as a three speed. I would venture to guess most of the time the ET picks up is because the glide calms the launch down due to the taller 1st gear.

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jmarkaudio
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#3 Post by jmarkaudio » Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:25 pm

A glide will almost always be faster than a TH400, if you have enough converter for your combo and the gear ratio is close. Actual weight and HP loss difference more than make up for 1 less gear in most cases. Heavy (around 4000+lbs) cars, low HP cars, and high end comp style engines with narrow powerbands will benefit from a 3 speed. Consistency is also a plus.
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MMAX
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#4 Post by MMAX » Tue Mar 04, 2008 7:21 pm

So...If I need a new tranny for my car (68 Camaro, 3200 lbs, tubbed, caged, 800hp), and if a TH400 converter will fit a glide (8" 4500 stall), would the glide be the way to go over the 400?

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#5 Post by John_Heard » Tue Mar 04, 2008 7:35 pm

Most likely - but be aware a converter adjustment might be necessary to get the combo working to it's optimum.

ss427nova
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#6 Post by ss427nova » Thu Mar 27, 2008 7:41 pm

What do you guys think of a 427 with a glide for a street/strip car? Sonic cruises and Dairy Queen runs as well as Friday Night Lights?

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#7 Post by sunsation540 » Thu Mar 27, 2008 11:38 pm

if your street car hooks at all the glide will make it fly but with a 427 keep the converter loose to maintane the power band match the cam and converter for sure or it will be a slush box....and you may need to move the rear gear up to make up for the changes loss of that extra low first just FYI
make a plan and stick to it !!

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#8 Post by ss427nova » Thu Apr 10, 2008 5:34 pm

Thanks!

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