C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Can standard auto transmission handle 350bhp?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-13-2004, 07:54 AM
  #1  
Pauld
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
 
Pauld's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2003
Location: Rochester Kent
Posts: 2,253
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default Can standard auto transmission handle 350bhp?


I am thinking of rebuilding my engine in my '81 and I am going for around 350 bhp, with new higher compression alloys heads, new camshafts, intake and carb. All these will be Edelbrock items.
I just want to know if the standard auto transmission in my '81 can handle it? :confused:
The current motor is running fine, just want more power!! :D
Old 03-13-2004, 08:11 AM
  #2  
GDaina
Race Director
Support Corvetteforum!
 
GDaina's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 1999
Location: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Posts: 16,975
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts

Default Re: Can standard auto transmission handle 350bhp? (Pauld)

I just want to know if the standard auto transmission in my '81 can handle it? :confused:
:skep: Shame shame shame on ya Paul...you know better than that... :skep:

You do know that the L-88 could be ordered with either the TH400 or the 4 speed
Old 03-13-2004, 08:14 AM
  #3  
Pauld
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
 
Pauld's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2003
Location: Rochester Kent
Posts: 2,253
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default Re: Can standard auto transmission handle 350bhp? (GDaina)

I just want to know if the standard auto transmission in my '81 can handle it? :confused:

:skep: Shame shame shame on ya Paul...you know better than that... :skep:

You do know that the L-88 could be ordered with either the TH400 or the 4 speed

I should of worded it better after reading my post, I was thinking, because of the age of the transmission, would I be better having it rebuilt, or am I just being over cautious?
Old 03-13-2004, 08:17 AM
  #4  
Ganey
Race Director
 
Ganey's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 1999
Location: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 12 Posts

Default Re: Can standard auto transmission handle 350bhp? (GDaina)

Yes, more. Trans. are rated in Torque capacity. You might want to go over the setup you are thinking about.
Old 03-13-2004, 09:30 AM
  #5  
American Boy
Pro
 
American Boy's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2001
Location: Quebec
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: Can standard auto transmission handle 350bhp? (Pauld)

A fresh TH-350C will handle 350 hp without a problem. I've been running mine for a summer driving it hard with drag strip run and some autocross. I ran close to 13.50 on the quarter mile so I'm close to 350 hp at the engine. You should run a shift kit to upgrade the transmission oil pressure. That would avoid any slipping in the transmission.

Stephan
Old 03-13-2004, 12:26 PM
  #6  
Pauld
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
 
Pauld's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2003
Location: Rochester Kent
Posts: 2,253
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default Re: Can standard auto transmission handle 350bhp? (American Boy)

Stephan,
thanks for that :cheers:
Old 03-14-2004, 12:22 AM
  #7  
Eric R
Instructor
 
Eric R's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2004
Location: Marshalltown Iowa
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Can standard auto transmission handle 350bhp? (Pauld)

My '81 had a lockup converter that the trans shop said was prone to fail for one reason or another. I had them build a TH350 with a Transgo shift kit and a hardened sprag. The sprag is probably the weakest part on the tranny and can cause metal filing damage when broken. I think I was treated fairly at a price of $420 complete with no trade in on my old tranny. My setup dynoed out at 423hp at the crank w/o NOS and so far so good on the tranny.
Old 03-14-2004, 06:18 AM
  #8  
Pauld
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
 
Pauld's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2003
Location: Rochester Kent
Posts: 2,253
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default Re: Can standard auto transmission handle 350bhp? (Eric R)


Eric,
Sounds a fantastic setup, got any pics of your car? would like to see them. :cheers:
Old 03-15-2004, 09:59 AM
  #9  
UKPaul
Safety Car
 
UKPaul's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2001
Location: Surrey
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default Re: Can standard auto transmission handle 350bhp? (Pauld)

Hi Paul,
Will you be buying the heads etc in this country? If so, compare the prices with what you'd pay direct from the US. As the exchange rate is so good a set of AFR heads from the US is about the same cost as Edel heads are here. Now, if AFR had replied to my email they'd have an order by now.... :rolleyes:
Are you going for 350 at the crank or the rear wheels? Before I got my 2004r I was looking at getting between 350-400hp (still am) & all the info I got was that the stock tranny would be OK. If that turns out to be untrue you'd have to find somebody with a spare Th350C... ;)
:cheers:

Get notified of new replies

To Can standard auto transmission handle 350bhp?




Quick Reply: Can standard auto transmission handle 350bhp?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:11 AM.