My 2 speed Jetaway is starting to slip at times going uphill or taking corners. Ive been wanting to do a direct replace with a TH350. Its a 68 Cutlass Surpeme 4dr w/ 350 Rocket.

I started looking on craigslist for local deals and I ran across this:

"Used TH350 trans out of a 68 Pontiac Firebird as I was told when I got it with an 400 engine. Was told it was recently rebuilt. Trans is clean with converter and fluid is fresh. Sold as is with out warranty."

Guy is asking for $200. He said the tail housing is 5 3/4" long. Would this be a direct bolt on? I was hoping to find out with a shift kit ready to go.

I would still need the TH350 kick down cable and a 69+ gas pedal and everything should work out? Would it be better to just buy a complete rebuilt with shift kit for $400 from another shop? Trying to go the most cost effective way. Will be paying a shop to install.

 

I think $200 is a bit high for a tranny sitting on the ground.

In a car, driving, maybe, but you have NO IDEA what's inside that case, and the seller is already distancing himself from any assurance whatsoever that it will work.

For $50, may be worth a try, but not much more.
In the end, it comes down to the question of how much of your work is it worth?
If you spend a few hours sweating, muscling it in, let 'er down off the jacks, and it doesn't work, how PO'd will you be?

- Eric

 

Thanks Eric. That is why I made this post...because I needed an honest opinion. At the end of the day I am not going to be putting in any work. I have a shop that handles all my needs which gives me the only option of get it right the first time. Dont have the time or money to play around with risks. Can you give me an idea of what a solid rebuilt TH350 should run? What should I be looking for? Thanks!

 

No idea.

The only time I ever bought one was from a junkyard in 1987 for $75, guaranteed to work.

There are a LOT of these things around, though, and they aren't that easy to kill, so if you keep your eyes open, you should find something.

- Eric

 

If you can get a rebuilt from a shop with shift kit for 400 then go that route for all you know that transmission could be filled with marbles and unicorn horns.

 

I came to the realization that that is the best choice. I looked more into it and its rebuilt and comes with a 2 year warranty. Can't really argue with the warranty.

Thanks guys.

 

So I called these guys up and they told me they have a fresh rebuilt TH350 with Olds bell housing for $399. He said I need to buy a torque converter which runs $199.

Does that sound proper? $199 on a torque converter? Still learning here.

 

Thats not a bad price but I would go for a 1 step up performance converter, say 5-800 rpm higher stall from stock! It should not be much more