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!