Help with engine and transmission setup(1989 camero rs)

Question

i have a chevy smallblock 350 engine with a 700r4 tranny, an edelbrock 600cfm carborator and a 443 465 lift cam with heads off of a newer 350

is this a good setup... i was thinking of upping the tranny toa turbo 350 and making safer on the tranny... (quick ten points to the person who goes most in depth with this... im really trying to understand it) its for a 1989 rs camero i picked up for 750 dollars the engine is BRAND new.. never been started... and the body is in good condition(theguy is having a baby) so any and all indepth answers will be great and the best one will be awarded best answer

Answer 1

Both the THM 350 and the 700R4 are good transmissions, however the 350, or even the 400 would likely stand up to more torque and horsepower  behind your engine. However, I think for now, the 700R4 will do you just fine and you'll be happy with it.

What has been done with the exhaust on this, usualy you want to try to make sure you don't upgrade the engine beyond how well it can breath, both in AND out.

I would be cautious of an engine that has never been started, it would make me wonder why it wasn't started as soon as they were finished building it. If its been set a while, you can use an electric drill to get in and prime the oil pump, this will help save some wear on the engine during first start up.

All in all, I think the set-up is ok, and I think you'll be pleased with how it should perform, however, this stuff usualy just kinda gets down to seeing how it drives and tweaking it from there. Sorry I couldn't really give you all the detail you wanted, but feel free to shoot me an e-mail if you have any specific questions.

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Answer 2

The engine I don't know, but the tranny questions I do.

The TH700R4 (4 speed) has better first gear than the TH350 (3 speed). Has overdrive (better MPG and smoother crusing). And contrary to what people say, the 350 was never meant to be a heavy duty tranny. However it is lighter and has more aftermarket racing parts.  If you change the yoke, lengthen the drive shaft, change downshift cable, change computer, change shift linkage, change etc and etc (if you have that much money) it would be a better tranny for racing.

Now for the 700.  There are three different TH700R4.  The 3rd generation has a separate casting bellhousing.  Great tranny, but metric.  2nd generation (probably yours) is a great, but slightly heavy tranny. However it does have a good track record for holding up.  1st gen (early 80's) were famous for cracking the case when raced. Which is where the 700 got its rep for being a bad race tranny.

For $750, just have fun with the way it is.

Answer 3

that, not bad, but i would want to hear the motor run first before i would pay anything.

Answer 4

350 and 700r4 is a good combo good power and fuel econemy not much knowledge on cam and carb. but sounds like good price Gord