66-67 Nova Guys, Transmission Question

[1quickchevy2]

I just broke my 200r4, and thinking of stepping up to a th400. Do they fit?? I don't mind a bit of hammering, but I don't wan't to put in a full tranny tunnel at the moment. Motors a 421 sbc, dyno'd 600hp/543ftlbs on pump gas, and I plan on spraying around 300 with race fuel. Any tips or experiances, are appreciated.

[ARAM]

If it is a street car I would put a 400 in it. Its it sees more track than street put a 350 in it. Glides are boring. IMO And yes a 400 will fit. My buddies car 66nova 509 and a 400 trans. Stock firewall and floor.

[chpcamaro]

what he said /\ /\ /\ /\ except i like my boring glide it goessss fasterrrrr lol

[1quickchevy2]

Thanks boys. I do have a stock firewall and floor. It does see more street and track... and I'm not running a bigblock CHP!! I'd consider a glide if it was track only, as I have a small tire, and glides seem to favor that with their taller first gear. Looks like i'll be ordering th400/w brake and a chance converter.

[wikd69]

Thanks boys. I do have a stock firewall and floor. It does see more street and track... and I'm not running a bigblock CHP!! I'd consider a glide if it was track only, as I have a small tire, and glides seem to favor that with their taller first gear. Looks like i'll be ordering th400/w brake and a chance converter.

Just to share my experience: I initially went with a competition TH400 from TCI: full reverse/manual pattern, transbrake, solid Vasco input shaft, hard drum, racing clutches, etc. and the quality of their product sucked. The first trans I received would not stop puking fluid from the overflow vent. The second trans shredded 4 days after I got it installed. As I went through all the pain with the transmission, I got lots of snide and sarcastic response out of their Customer support group. I spent a couple of grand on a TH400 that spent lots of time being shipped back and forth between California and Missisppi (and they wanted me to pay the freight for the returns - multiple returns). All in all, I spent probably $3,500 (shipping, fluids, parts, etc.) before I finally got a transmission that lived for about a year, plus, the car spent a whole lot of time up on stands, waiting for the transmission.

I'm not saying you'd have a bad experience with TCI, but I will tell you I'll never buy another transmission from them. I would bet they provide high quality transmissions and great service to their big competition customers but I think as a little guy you take your chances on getting anything worthwhile from them.

My 2 cents...

[ARAM]

MIKES transmission. Lancaster CA He makes a good unit.

[1quickchevy2]

Thank for your experiences guys, I hear you with the shipping thing, espescially since i'm international.. stupid brokrage and customs fees. The 200r4 I had built in Akron, Ohio, was supposed to be the best of eveything, losts of custon parts ect... lets just say it started $8000.... and I added a brake and an deep aluminium pan ect.... and when it got here, I got dinged for $14,000 and it lasted all of 2000miles, half behind a 425hp 383cu.in, and the other behind a 600hp 421ci.in motor.... this was their "Level 5" unit.. looked at prices now and I could have bought 5 of there "level 4" units wich are rated at 800hp..... So anyway, I ended up calling Hutch Transmission, He's far but still in Canada, and highly recomended. I have a th400 w/brake coming from him, and a Chance converter.

[427belair]

I know they are boreing, but how about a glide with a gear venders overdrive? I have a GV behind a t400 in our 55 chevy streeter and love it. For more of a race car that sees the streets......opps just rad that you bought a trans from Hutch...I have heard good things about him. Good luck.

[1quickchevy2]

Thanks for the idea 427Belair, We'll see how much room is left, if it fits as is i'll be happy