vettesite

I'm currently in the middle of swapping the TH350 for a 700R4 in my 1980 and it's all in except for the trans cooler lines. Both flare nuts are stripped so they need to be replaced and the lines don't fit very well in the limited space in the trans tunnel. My first thought was to cut the hard lines by the inspection plate, bend new sections and use compression fittings to connect the new short lines to the old hard lines. These bends are not trivial and I'm not that experienced in bending 5/16 hard lines. Are there braided lines or something I can connect to the old hard lines to make it a bit easier? My Vette has headers and I'm worried that soft line (oil cooler hose) would melt if it's too close. Any ideas would be awesome.

Thanks,
RJ

RIO68

I was able to use my th350 lines on my 700r4 swap. Fittings were good so did not hvae to deal with that. You could cut and replace fittings and then double flare the ends if you have the tools and experience. Would not use flex material--would just get replacement lines I think. I did have to work the lines a little to get them to clear the tunnel at the trans. Massaging steel lines can be a challenge!
My 2 cents--

vettesite

I'll check into what new lines cost. I didn't know if the stock ones would fit. The ones on there now are pretty beat up so they don't fit in the tunnel very well. Have others been able to get the stock lines to fit in a 1980 with a 700R4?

blackcorvette1980

I have a 1980 and Yes, the stock lines fit fine when I replaced TH350, with a 700R4.

gkull

When i installed my 700R4 i bought the biggest B&M cooler from summit racing. It came with 1/2 inch lines and you would have to use brass reducers to get it to 3/8th's. The out/in put fittings on a 700R4 are also 1/2 inch addapted down to 3/8th. So I started thinking about why not just have some custom 1/2 steel braided lines with 45 degree 1/2 inch swivell end on the tranny side and 90 degree swivles up on the cooler side made up by a hydralic equipment company.

More flow and more cooling. I didn't use the radiator end pans because my aluminum radiator did not have them

They worked great for 10 years until I sold it all.

markdtn

TH400 lines with a 700R4 in mine, no problems.

0Paul Ruggeri

I just finished a 700R4 in a 77 a few weeks ago. The stock lines fit with minimal bending. You can get a tube bender to keep from kinking the lines. When you get the new lines start at the tranny and work forward

doctorgene

Yes Sir; buy a new set of lines for a 1982 700R4, they work just fine. I like the Stainless ones. Have a safe Forth of July. Gene