overdrive

Just thinking about the possibility of using a 1989 truck version of a 700R4 behind my big block street machine. The trans was in my 1989 1/2 ton Suburban and gave no trouble at all pulling a 32' camper. I recently had the trans rebuilt (preventative maintenance) and then ended up junking the body because of rust issues. The trans is non-electronic. I see that TCI has an adapter for this swap. Part number 149260 is 1/4" thick for the 6 bolt crank. Has anybody done this swap? The trans seems no larger than the 727 in the car now. Looks like the linkage from the GM throttle body to the trans can be easily adapted to my carbs.

The early versions of the 700R4 aren't very strong in stock form, if the internals were upgraded during the rebuild it should be OK behind a BB.

Thanks for the input, John. Are you aware of anyone doing the swap using the TCI adapter, and whatever issues they may have run into? Just looking at it, it looks like the starter location will be one issue. Speedometer cable hookup may be another. The cooling lines on the opposite side is easily overcome. Now that I am going to be strictly on the street, I sure would like to be able to run freeway speeds at lower RPM yet have plenty of "gear" for around town.

http://www.gearvendors.com/

Gear Vendors is undoubtedly good, but if the 700R4 will make a decent setup for an early B body, I have the trans already. Not too concerned about strength as I had well over 100,000 miles on the original 700R4 before getting it rebuilt. Absolutely no problems. Besides, it is winter time, and I am looking for a "winter project". Sure would like to hear from anyone who tried this swap already.

Has anyone used the TCI 149260 or 149265 kit? Looks like the starter would be in the stock position. There is a Wilcap adapter available, but it moves the starter and requires the use of a mini-starter also. My 700r4 (non-electronic) is freshly rebuilt and originally gave me 100,000 trouble free miles in my 1989 suburban. The car I want to put it in is an early (1965) B body. The engine/trans in the early B's sits a couple of inches further forward than the '66 and later, possibly giving even more room for the trans. I have the 700r4 sitting next to a spare 1965 727, and it looks like the 700 may actually be narrower and is definitely shorter. The mount actually seems to be no more than 1/2" difference. No cutting on an original body and the ability to return to stock, is an appealing fringe benefit. I need to get all the info that I can before I even think about taking my freshly painted car apart. I know some cringe at using a GM trans in a Mopar, but isn't that what hot rodding is about, using what you have available?
Thanks,

I considered this years ago and even gathered the parts to do it. I had (still have unfortunately) a core tranny and a TCI adapter. It never got out of planning/parts gathering stage because at the end of the day, the rebuild and mods to get it to hold up to my motor..plus all the fabricating.... it wasn't worth it.. for me it wasnt

your tranny doesn't need a rebuild so that's good but unless you start changing some hard parts (not just rebuild items) be careful not to put too much power to it or sticky tires on it.

your 89 trans has the aux valve body so that's one improvement over earlier ones that already have.

The 700R4 in a B body is very doable. Much more room to work with than an A body. Do it. You'll have something unique, but be prepared to get some grief from the purists! Don't know about the TCI kit. The Wilcap kit is a good 3/4 inch thick.