does a 68 cutlass s with a 350trans have 3 shifting gears?. thanks

 

It will actually only shift twice, from first to second, then second to third. But there are 3 forward gears, low/first, second, and drive/third.

 

Yes, if you have a th-350 it will have 3 gears.

 

In 1968, the TH350 3 speed transmission was not available with the 350CI engine. The only automatic transmission was the 2 speed Jet-away but this was often swapped to a TH350 as the cars aged and were rebuilt, restored, etc. The TH350 became an option in 69 and standard in 70. 442's and other big block cars got the TH400 if automatic. You can identify the transmission pretty easily by the shape of the pan so look online for examples.

 

you could also have a th350 or a 400 with a switch pitch just to add to the fun of confusion for ya pic of the pan can usually give it away on what kind or trans it is.

 

No, the TH350 was never built with a switch pitch converter. There are no conversion kits either. The later TH350C transmissions DID have a lockup converter.

Production of the switch pitch TH400 ended after the 1967 model year.

To get back to the O.P.'s question, if it's the original trans, it's a two speed Jetaway (aka Super Turbine 300), which was the only automatic offered behind a small block in the 68 Cutlass line. You'll only feel one shift, from first to second. This is NOT a Powerglide and shares nothing (except the number of gears) with the Chevy trans.

 

I'm being told that with today's 455 rebuilds (which I'm currently doing, should be around 425hp/450hp) neither of these in fact 3 speed trans in general are a good choice for these motors. To much tourqe & high RPMs they would be screaming after 60mph. Since mine will be a weekend driver that would be bad.
Any truth to this and if so what's the recommendation ?

 

I call BS since some of these cars had 3.91 or lower rear gears from the factory and would turn 3000+ RPM on the highway with no issues (and GM wasn't worried as evidenced by the factory warranty).

And too much torque? What, too much torque for the transmission to handle? Not likely with a TH400.

For years my car had 3.23 rear gears and short (25" tall) 245-60-14 tires so it would turn 3400 RPM at 70 MPH, and I drove all over the place without any issues.

 

Not at all. You'll be hard pressed to hurt a TH400.

 

Sounds good to me, right now there is a factory TH350 in her since I need to replace it anyway does it make any sence to go with a 4 speed, is it even a upgrade ? or just pic up a TH400 & Have a nice day ? Thx for all the help this issue will be on my plate 1st of the year.