My New TH400 Compared To Slim Jim

[KQQLCAT]

Here are some pictures of my new TH400 from Ross Racing next to my Slim Jim removed from my 61 Olds.

Pat

[rocketraider]

Wonder could you use a long-tail 400 and not have to make a driveshaft? and wonder if a T-400 yoke will mate to the original SJ driveshaft? My luck it would take some weird U-joint...

I like the looks of the Ross adapter better than anything else I've seen. What does the converter attach to- the original flexplate, or does the kit come with an appropriate flexplate for the 394 crank?

I don't think I'll ever worry about early 60s transmission work again, long as this setup is available.

[citcapp]

Thats a great looking conversion piece. Looks like you will be able to get by with very little transmission tunnel work if any at all

[KQQLCAT]

Here Are some more pictures of what comes with the tranny.

[lanced]

I was just going to post a few questions about converting over from a Slim Jim to a TH700 and I find this! If you don't mind me asking- how much did this set you back? And where'd you get it? I looked for Ross Racing and all I found was Ross Pistons (I just bought new rings and pistons from them for my 304 flathead). Do you know what the size difference is between a 400 and a 700? I've looked at the conversion kit from Bendtsen's but at $1000 I'm checking all my options. Any help is appreciated.

[lanced]

Actually, I just found a bunch more posts that answer some of my questions. Still, how much was the Ross tranny? And what was the turn around for receiving it? Thanks in advance.

[59-59-59]

I'm not endorsing anyone here, but Tanson was a great conversion because when they modify the case, you can have them machine in the optional stock transmission mounts which saves alot of headaches when you put it back in the car.. I'm curious - what type of transmission mounts are you using with the Ross Racing conversion?

[70 cutlass s]

I would look around at local junk yards for a drive shaft before I'd have one made.

[KQQLCAT]

Had to modify the crossmember for the rear mounts to make clearance for lower housing on tranny. Also had to modify motor mount top hole to fit the provided holes in the tranny. Also provided with the tranny was the lower flywheel cover to acomodate the mini starter and larger flywheel.
Call Tony at Ross Racing Engines for any information you may need.
1-330-720-1282

[d2_willys]

Looks good, Ross racing does quality work. Too bad that the crossmember had to be modified, but it looked to be simple in nature. Wonder if a 59-60 crossmember may have worked, even though it is for a DC hydro?

[dutch injun]

Wow that is great. Keep us posted on this one. I am also in the market for an adapter for my 63. I googled and found a quote on the HAMB board for $895,- for the the adapter, flexplate and hardware, I wonder if that includes a mini starter. It does not include the cutting of your bellhousing, but that should be an easy diy.

[Ross Racing Engines]

Hi
Each setup is taylored to customers needs,I supply adaptors as well as partials to ready to bolt in assemblies.Give me a shout and Ill do my best to advise on best route.
Starters are extra,not everyone will need to change
I also ship worldwide

Thanks,Tony
330-720-1282


Ross Racing Engines
Niles,Ohio
330-544-4466

[J-(Chicago)]

It looks beautiful. Kind of like a Slim jim ultra bell.

[rocketraider]

Glad to see RRE on here!

Is this conversion limited to Turbo 350/400, or can it also be done on a 200 or 700 box? I'm thinking Starfire engine with 3.42 gears and a properly built overdrive could be a great cruiser... and a street killer if called for.

[Olds64]

This is good info. It's always good to find alternative ways to do a job. I only knew about Bendtsens and Tanson.

[citcapp]

Tony,

Thanks for the personal response and welcome to Classic Olds. We appriciate the input from manufactures a lot.

[Ross Racing Engines]

Thanks,
Pics of our crown jewel!!!
Do you guys know of all the engine parts we make for the 303,324,371,394 family?New stuff all the time
I can basiclly build a new vintage engine with just a bare block and a few odds and ends
I dont have a website yet and and if you guys could help spread the word it will allow us the keep at it

Tony

Ross Racing Engines
1763 North Main St
Niles,Ohio
330-544-4466
330-720-1282cell

[Ross Racing Engines]

Few more pics
Please if your chatting in other parts of this board and need to something to talk about.
Feel free to move some photos.
I really am understaffed with all the different areas we are headed with our vintage stuff.Just hope in the end we're on top

Tony

[KQQLCAT]

Here are some more pictures of fitting the tranny. The tranny is in location where it will be when mounted permanately. The tailshaft is the only tight spot. I had to grind down corners in the block to make clearance for the flywheel.

Pat

[KQQLCAT]

Some more pictures. Pretty hard to get good pics. I pick up a new drive shaft today from a local guy. He didn't need the old one so I add it to the swap meet parts this spring. The tranny I took out was a rebuilt tranny but I didn't like it for it's performace.

Pat

[Olds64]

Wow! Those are some cool products Tony. I wish you had been around a few years ago when I owned my 1964 Olds 98 with a 394. It is near impossible to find aftermarket parts for the early Oldsmobile engines.

[citcapp]

WOW!!!!!!!! that is a tight fit, looks like install ing the cooling lines will be challenge due to the trans mount location. You still have to fab a rear transmission mount don't you? Looks like you are making great progress

[KQQLCAT]

I have the transmission lines figured out. I will not need a rear transmission mount. It will go in the same way the Slim Jim did. They don't recommend three mounts.

Pat

[KQQLCAT]

I finally finished installing the transmission and related parts. Here are some more pictures of the job.

Thanks
Pat

[KQQLCAT]

Some more pictures.

[KQQLCAT]

Still some more. I used a lokar kickdown switch and used the bracket for the TV rod to connect it and it works great. Had to use a flexible dip stick because of the tight space around housing. Very happy how it turned out.

Thanks
Pat

[citcapp]

Very clean install. You did a great job. Congrats

[Dean O' Banion]

Do you notice a big "off the line" advantage with the new transmission? My Oldsmobile has a 394/Slim-Jim and the first gear is long and drawn out, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. After it makes that hard shift into 2nd is when you finally feel the torque kick in. I always wondered just how much of a difference a THM400 would make for this.
On a side note, I've heard about kits for the old buick transmissions where the first "granny gear" is bypassed, anyone know if they do that for slim-jims?
Anyway, looks like a nice clean conversion, and more importantly have fun driving it!

[KQQLCAT]

There is a big difference in power. The car is definetly faster and it spins the tires if you floor it off the line with out power braking. It would not do that before.

Pat

[64Super88]

I just purchased a 64 Super 88 4-door hard top. It has the 394 and the Slim Jim came in a bucket.... I was looking into this upgrade and your car, your swap and you picstures look great and is the most detailed info I found so far... I have a couple questions:

Did you complete all this work with the engine still in the car?
Did you need the mini starter or was it just your choice of an upgrade?
Do you have any pics of where the bell attatches to the tran pump?

[KQQLCAT]

All work was done with the engine in the car.
I wanted the mini starter because he recomended it and my lower bell housing and starter would not work with the conversion so I would have had to buy a starter anyways. I hope this answers your questions.

Pat

[64Super88]

Thanks Pat...

I called Tony in the afternoon. He gave a ball park of about $2500 to get his TH350 for the car... When I got car I thought I was going to be able to put a BOP trans in there off craigs list for a couple hundred bucks... I am also building a 67 Chevelle and I just can't spend the money on the Olds right now... I did ask him about the 4L60e with the modular bell housing. It would be nice to have an overdrive that you can adjust shift points on ... maybe when I'm ready he'll have somethign made up...

[Ross Racing Engines]

I just want to clarify,

My trans convertion costs 1850.00 for a complete bolt in trans assemblie
Some may need a starter and lower bell,that depends on application
Some will not
Internal and external balance option
I also sell just the 895.00 adaptors for the home hobbist or the" my brother inlaw builds transmisions" type of customers
I have customers who say supply "every piece I could need I dont do anything myself"
I do freight world wide and I have sold to people that are close enough to drive for pick up

I sell these trans to hot rodders with Olds power as well as stock passanger cars.... also fits early caddy

I just wanted to throw this out there so someone interested doesnt see the 2500 number ,and then in their mind start adding freight and other needs to that price ...and think its out of their reach

There are options for everyone ...... And every kit is taylored to each ones needs

Im sure KQQLCAT will back me up on this when I say:

MY tech support/help does not end with the purchase!!!!

Thanks for reading and thanks to those who have passed the word... on all the great products/parts we make for Early Olds engine and trans powered cars, that we here at Ross Racing Engines continue to develope.

Thank You,
Tony

Ross Racing Engines
1763 North Main Street
Niles,Ohio
44446

330-544-4466 shop
330-720-1282 cell

[Dean O' Banion]

Sounds like a great deal, the knowledgeable designers and tech help are obviously the icing on the cake! I'm still debating...to go THM 400 and have a bitchin' hot rod sleeper or leave her all original until I have problems (IF I have problems) with the tranny, and then swap.
Anyway, I'll probably make the switch at some point, and it's very nice to know there's the Ross Racing option out there.

[64Super88]

Tony,
Sorry - Didn't mean to scare anyone. I should have said that price incuded the lower bell and starter and everything else including shipping from east coast to west coast.... I was only trying to state it was out of my budget right now.... Its actually a good deal concidering all the quality components included.... and you cant set a price on good tech support!!

Since I cant afford it now and I really want an overrive, maybe you can work on the 4L60e idea for me for next year, lets say October ...

I'll start a new thread for feedback ....

[KQQLCAT]

64Super88 You know that you can add a overdrive to a TH400. Go here...
http://www.gearvendors.com/

[Ross Racing Engines]

Originally Posted by 64Super88

Tony,
Sorry - Didn't mean to scare anyone. I should have said that price incuded the lower bell and starter and everything else including shipping from east coast to west coast.... I was only trying to state it was out of my budget right now.... Its actually a good deal concidering all the quality components included.... and you cant set a price on good tech support!!

Since I cant afford it now and I really want an overrive, maybe you can work on the 4L60e idea for me for next year, lets say October ...

I'll start a new thread for feedback ....

I understood what you were saying,Not a problem
I just wanted to add some info so it wasnt misleading to those considering one

Tony

[59-59-59]

I am curious if you were able to use a T-400 torque converter for this swap..or did it call for some other type of torque convertor?

[Ross Racing Engines]

350 bolt and nut pattern on the convertor.
One of my freinds who's shop is about a mile from me is in the race convertor biusness so customs are also easy for me to have built

Tony

[64Super88]

Tony,

So if you wanted to change the convertor it would be a standard th350 convertor with whatever stall we wanted?

Also, those mini starters that KQQLCAT used and you said I would need, are they a standard replacement or are they something custom to match your lower bell and flywheel?

I guess I'm thinking long term for changes or repairs down the road...