Okay it is about time that I start looking for a TH400 for my car. My car is currently making over 700 rwhp thru my T56. I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on companies that may sell a complete kit that will allow me to swap out a T56 and install a TH400. Also what kind of covertor do you guys recommend. I plan on shifting the car at 6200 rpm. I will be running a 28 in slick and 3.50 gear. Also this tranny is for a blown application. Thanks in advance.

 

For a converter, I'd give Coan a call.

As for the tranny, most of the major companies (Coan, ATI, Yank, etc) all offer a built 400. It's just a matter of justifying spending the extra $$$ for them.

Some other options to look into:
-JW Ultra Bell
-trans shield/blanket
-electronic speedo sensor swap (to retain the stock speedo)

I had my 400 built locally for right @ $1000, including t-brake. I'm also running an UltraBell, CSI Super Shield & a deep aluminum pan.

 

Thanks for the response. Do you know what is involved in switching out a T56 for a TH400? Thanks in advance.

 

Converter: Coan (www.coanracing.com)
Transmission: Rossler (www.rosslertrans.com)

I have done the swap. What do you need to know? I would not bother with the Ultrabell. The CSI trans shield is a nice piece. The B+M "Hi-Tek" tranny cooler with integral fan is great in that it is extremely compact and has a lot of flexibility in mounting, since it doesn't have to be directly in the air stream. Even with megahp and a fairly loose converter (4,200 stall) mine never gets over 185 degrees with a stock GM stamped pan.

I don't know of any one source for a "kit", but there really isn't all that much to it. I learned a lot by doing a search on the subject.

Let me know if I can help.

Parts list (I can dig up some part numbers if no one else has them handy):
tranny with transbrake if desired
pan
converter
shifter
vehicle speed sensor reluctor and pickup
dipstick
cooler with lines
flexplate
tranny shield (if you value your feet and ankles)
driveshaft
modifications to crossmember (requires welding, BMR may sell one already modified if I remember right)
chassis mount torque arm
2-pedal assembly if desired
ATF
reprogramming of PCM to read speed correctly
credit card with a high limit for purchasing gasoline
ear plugs for protection against loud engine and exhaust noise at any speed over ~65mph (even with 3.50's)
the six-speed console can be used

Rich Krause

 

Thanks for the advice. If you do not mind me asking how much did you spend with the conversion. Thanks again.

 

F-bud: there is a large variation in costs depending on exactly wht you select for parts and how much you do yourself. For example, Coan lists converters from less than $200 to nearly $3,000! You can get a tranny for $800 or spend over $4,000. Mine was far from cheap, primarily because I wanted very high quality components. Overkill? Maybe.

Tranny: ~$3,000
Converter ~$1,100
Shifter ~$200
Cooler ~$200
DS ~$350
Flexplate ~$100
Dipstick ~$80
VSS parts ~$75
Pedal Assy. ~$50
Tranny Shield ~$200
Torque Arm: already had it.
Misc bolts, fluids, etc. ~$50
Total was ~$5,300 but I got ~$2,300 selling my T56, Street Twin and DS. So, the net was ~$3,000. You could spend more or less.

Rich

 

Thanks again. I understand what you are saying. I am probably going to do the same as you as sell my T56 to get some money for my TH400.

 

I went from a 4-spd to a 3-spd, so my swap wasn't nearly as tough.

Converter - $700
Tranny build including core & t-brake - $1,000
Madman dipstick - $50
B&M Pro Stick shifter - $200
B&M 153-tooth (?) flexplate - $100
Spohn HD driveshaft - $300 (will be replaced w/ aluminum this year)
electronic VSS from 454SS truck - $80
Ultra Bell - $200
Super shield - $300
Deep aluminum pan - $50

I already had a tranny cooler, chassis mounted torque arm and I'm not using a center console. I had to fab up a plate to mount my shifter too as well. Nothing rocket science though.

If you do get the CSI/UltraBell combo, go ahead an pick up some Grade 8 bolts. The bellhousing bolts provided by both JW & CSI are too short when both are used.