well, if it comes with a transbrake/man. valve body and shift kit as well as other hopups for $1K, your buddy might not be able to beat that price by too much anways. on the other hand, you could help him build his business by giving him experience doin that type of work to a th400. the things you mentioned are reasonbly easy to do. esp. if you know how to do trans work.

man. valve body and trans brake is around $300 I think. shift kit (good one) is like $100. trans core $50 - 250 depending on what you can find. labor?$??? already close and no clutchs or other typical rebuild stuff yet.

 

(i am wacked out of my mind on painkillers from a recent crash at the motocross track)

I am thinking about just going with coan racing transmission and converter. Th400 with manual valve body is 1K, with transbreak is 1300. Sounds good?
Linky: http://www.coanracing.com/Catalog.asp?CatClass=02TR

Description: This is the base racing transmission from which all others are built. Available with or without a transmission brake, these transmissions are ready to hit the track using the finest components on the market; including full manual valve body, heavy duty steel clutch hub, and an extensive list of options.
Powerglide models available in standard length or 18" shorty.
Competition transmissions are tailored to your needs.
Particular trans: COMPETITION MANUAL W/HEAVY DUTY 34 ELEMENT SPRAG (REVERSED PATTERN, CHEVROLET 4" EXT.)


wow a 700R4 built up for 1500. Is that a good price/ idea for my car?

 

the problem I have recomending a 700r4 to you is you got tons of power, and sound like your goin to use it alot. the 700's will never be as tough as a th400. nomatter who builds the 700r4. so again, if you want to do this only once, your best bet is to stick with the th400. that doesnt mean th400's never break anything, but your chances of never having an issue are WAY higher with the th400.

 

okay sounds like a TH400 is the right path to take.
Thanks for all the help

If anyone has any shops/stores that they recommend, please post or pm!
or what to look for in purchasing a new trans.

 

Id go to the trans forum and ask that type stuff. Im sure you'll get all kinds of people telling you there experience's. or maybe go to the drag race forum, to find some reputable options for building a worthy th400.