13B with Powerglide or TH400
 

Hey guys, I've been trying to search around this forum and find some feedback/info on running a Powerglide or TH400 on a 13B. Haven't had much luck so anyone with experience on this, please chime in! I know there are a couple companies are making a kit to adapt the trans to the block but wasn't sure which one people preferred.

I'm debating on which of the 2 transmissions to run because I've heard that the additional rotating mass inside of the TH400 really kills the power but I would still like to drive the car on the street, even though it will primarily be a drag car.

Plans for my setup are pretty basic- Built/Studded SemiPP 13B, BW S475 T6 turbo, Powerglide or TH400 with Transbrake. Power goals will be 800-850whp @ around 9000rpm.

Any help is appreciated!
Thanks guys!

There was a guy local to me that ran a C4 transmission on his turbo 13b setup.
Think the car was around 600whp or so.
Car ran awesome and would run within a tenth each pass. Super consistent.

In my opinion a three speed would be better suited to your setup. TH400 or C4. I'd run the TH400.
The converter is going to be the most important part.

That Auto consistency is hard to beat that's why I'm leaning this route rather than a 6-speed, which would ultimately be more fun to drive on the streets.
The TH400 seems like a good choice but the extra weight that robs power has me a little concerned. With the PG, the converter is going to have to be spot on for it to come off the line properly.

How did the local guy mount the C4 to the 13B?

Look up Lowe performance.Mike Lowe had a glide behind his 13b.

I just did a quick google search and couldn't find any thing on him.

UPDATE: I've been talking with Jose @ NCTransmissions (NC Transmission - Racing Automatics -) out of PR and he's actually got what I'm looking for. He has ran both a TH400 and a PG and strongly recommended the PG due to the lighter weight. He has a 5pc adapter/conversion kit that includes a custom starter, SFI flexplate, custom torque converter, bellhousing adapter plate, and SFI bellhousing. Just put my deposit down on it this morning. If anyone is looking to go this route, Jose is very knowledgeable and had no problem taking the time to explain why he recommends what he does. I didn't get that kind of service when talking with the "other" company.

Cool, sounds like you got it all figured out.

Working on it. At least this piece of the puzzle is figured out. Now I have to look into a built Powerglide so its capable of shifting at 9500RPMS

Heard nothing but good things about the guys down there.

What is your plans to keep the fluid cool? Ive heard guys putting the trans cooler in a ice chest.

I plan on just running a standard transmission cooler. Jose didnt seem to be very concerned with a some street driving since the PG transmissions were used in passenger cars back in the 60's.

It shouldn't be too hard to cut a light off a trans brake, I wouldn't think. I wont be driving it on the street too often since I've got a CTS-V for street duty. The times I do drive it, having a 7000 stall will definitely be interesting.

Also, Give Andy @ WWR Turbo Injection in Miami a call. He makes/sells a kit that is proven to work really well.

I checked out his site but didn't find too much. I've got my order into NCTransmissions currently and Jose seems to have an abundance of knowledge on these as well.

Bit of a thread dig, but did the kit arrive?

Are you able to post any pictures and details of the install?

Looking at getting one for myself.

Thanks

Puerto Ricans is the best in rotarys not a lot to do in that small insland but build motors n spankk Australia lol

Find a way of monitoring transmission temps. Passenger cars in stock applications are set so they cruise at RPM higher than the stall speed, in the days before lockup converters. When you are on power below the stall speed, the converter does a good job of putting heat into the fluid.

I always knew this, but it was a real eye opener when I put a 3700rpm converter in my daily driver and I went out with the scan tool. Accelerating on the converter makes the trans temp numbers skyrocket VERY quickly. (On the other hand: Turbo lag? What turbo lag? Insta-BOOOST)