I've got a 1965 442 with a 2 speed jetaway transmissiont , the tranny that is in it would need to be rebuilt smells burnt, seems to shift OK - I'm pulling the engine this winter to rebuild it and I'm wondering if I should put in a 350 TH. I do not race, just casual use on the car - the tranny that is in it is origional so I would keep it with the car. So my question is is that the right move? If so what do I need to know about 350's will a chevy work or do I need one off a Olds it's a 400 engine? Not sure where to go here.

 

You would need a buick, olds or pontiac short tail trans.

It's a direct swap, but you may run into dipstick fitment issues.

 

X2, the dipstick should be no problem! Also you could look into T400 or a beefed up 200R4 or 700R4, if you want an overdrive! You would need a new torque converter with any of these!

 

Someone else mentioned I should look into the 2004R trannie, I think that is the route to go - However i did see a 400TH for a oldsmobile on Craigs List for a olds - but does that have the overdrive? Was the 2004R installed in any thing new or is that a modified transmission or could I just find a 2004R out of another vehicle?

 

While the TH400 or a built 200-4R would be better choices, there are some issues that you should be aware of. First, both of these transmissions require the trans crossmember to be moved further rearward. Since neither trans was optionally available on your 65, the frame is not drilled for this crossmember location. If you have a hardtop or sedan with the open channel frame, you simply slide the crossmember back and drill new holes. If you have a convertible or the HD frame option, the boxed frame has welded-on tabs for the crossmember. These tabs are not long enough for you to relocate the crossmember, so you'll need to weld on extensions the way the factory did in 1967.

Second, since you need to move the crossmember, you'll also need to change the front and intermediate e-brake cables. Use the cables from a 1967 Cutlass/442 with the TH400 trans.

Third, even a short tail TH400 will require a shortened driveshaft and a different front yoke.

Fourth, your two-speed shifter will only allow you to manually get into D and S (on the TH400) or OD and D (on the 200-4R). If you have a floor shifter, Shiftworks sells conversion kits for your stock shifter. If you have a column shifter, you're out of luck.

 

To add to what Joe explained,the TH350 trans would be the simplest swap.Same yoke,same driveshaft.You just need to connect the kickdown cable to eithe the pedal,or the throttle linkage on the carb.This would leave you car as original as possible.

 

What Brian said. I swapped a powerglide trans for a TH350 in my brothers 63 Impala, the lower first gear makes a huge difference in acceleration. The trans swap made the 283 feel like it had an extra 50 hp! Its a easy swap, for a little extra bang for the buck look for a TH350C. Same trans but with a lockup converter. People give those away, it shouldn't be hard to find one.

 

Thanks everyone - I am just awaiting the cold weather to break it down - it still drives but the jetaway has seen beeter days, hopefully I can make it last till then.

 

On my first 64 the previous owner put in a TH350, the column shifter worked fine, it just went one more notch to the right in first. This was in 1989, no kits then.