sanjayshabi

Hi, Does anyone know where I can source a new auto trans for my '75 Cutlass 350 cu in V8 and how much it is likely to cost please?

ROCKETMAN269V

I have NO idea where you would find a "new" T-350 transmission. You can purchase a "rebuilt" or a "core" to have rebuilt. Are you looking for a specific trans code/application? I have numerous T-350 and T-400 CORES. Let me know if I can help: drolds1@bellsouth.net. Thanks, Bob.

sanjayshabi

Hi Bob,


Big thanks. Sorry, I didn't mean to be literal. I'll happily consider a rebuilt one.


I don't know the specific trans code/application, all I know is that a I need to replace the entire auto trans (apologies, I'm not technical). I know it's a 3 speed Turbo Hydra-matic.


I also have the following info for the car if it helps?


VIN/HIN number = 3K57K5D162254


Title number = 030310340499


Previous title number = 59594755 TN


UK registration (yes, I'm based in London UK) = KWX 57N

ROCKETMAN269V

Sanjay, welcome to the site. Obviously, it would be better if you could find someone "over there" to rebuild your transmission. That way you could save a considerable amount on shipping, as well as having the person right there, should you have any issues. If you can't locate anyone that you feel comfortable with to rebuild yours, let me know and I'll explore shipping costs. I received your email and look forward to hearing from you.
By the way, I'm not sure if you're required to retain the catalytic convertor in the UK; but, if not, I would remove it. I have seen them literally cook a T-350 transmission from the heat generated .

sanjayshabi

Thanks Bob for your honesty and advice. I have asked locally and they said it would cost me £2,000 to fix all in. My own mechanic on the other hand said he could probably fit for me for much cheaper if I could source the auto trans myself, hence my approach.


Let me see how I get on though I sense I will end up doing it locally as the benefits of doing so are obvious.


The problem I have is once I've engaged drive from standing, it takes about 10 seconds for the car to move and then finds it very difficult to get into 2nd gear, whining all the way. My mechanic reckons a bearing has gone and before this fault arose, I heard a huge clonking noise at the front, like a bag of spanners in a washing machine.


Your catalytic converter tips is ace, let me keep that in mind too. If I get stuck I hope you don't mind if I re-approach you.


Btw, someone on the forum has offered me a 107K miles auto trans from a '78 Cutlass. Do you think that would fit and work?

joe_padavano

The original trans in your car is a TH350 short tail case with the BOP bolt pattern bellhousing. Frankly. nearly any TH350 with that case and bellhousing will work in your car. Unfortunately, the non-Chevy style TH350s are probably hard to find in the UK. Here in the US, a rebuilt TH350 can be had for around US$600 - $1000, not including installation. Your £2,000 quote for a rebuilt trans, installed and ready to go, probably isn't out of line in your location.

sanjayshabi

Big thanks Joe, that's most kind of you to impart your knowledge and advice. In that case, I'll stick locally rather taking potential risk of sourcing myself and asking my mechanic to fit just to save a few quid versus a local specialist. The specialist's quote of £2,000 all in also includes 20% tax so probably makes it even more keenly priced.

ROCKETMAN269V

As Joe has stated, any BOP or "unicase" (has both bolt patterns), short tail shaft T-350 will FIT. If the trans with 107,000 miles on it is local to you and you need to get the car operational, it may be an option. If you have to pay to import it, I'd have second thoughts; only because of the mileage. If you do decide to go with that one, have your mechanic remove the pan and see what's in there. The fluid should be a red wine color and not have a pile of gray "mud" and/or shiny ground up brass and/or clutch material. Who knows, maybe that transmission was rebuilt before this person acquired it . Good Luck! with your search.

joe_padavano

It will work if it REALLY is a TH350 with a BOP case. I thought the downsized 1978 cars got the much weaker TH200 trans, and some of these cars came with Chevy motors from the factory. Of course, a trans with that much mileage may need a rebuild anyway.

Here's an easy way to ID the trans from the pan on the bottom. Note that the TH200 pan is similar to that of the TH350, but only has 11 bolts instead of 13.

ROCKETMAN269V

i have a '78 Supreme, with the anemic 260 V-8, that has a 200; however, if I'm not mistaken, the 350 Olds/T-350 combination was also available through 1980. NHRA shows it as a legal combination for Stock Eliminator and my interchange book shows a T-350, non lock-up in Cutlass' through '80, also.

joe_padavano

NHRA also shows "K" heads as legal on a 1970 W-30.

The TH350 was used in the diesel cars. It was also used in the 1979 H/O and 1980 442 (behind the Olds 350). Those are pretty rare applications. Most will likely be the TH200.

sanjayshabi

Brill advice and has made me realise I should stick to my local specialist.


The energy we consume and price we pay to keep our ole gals moving, eh?!