Not really Torana related, so I'll apologise in advance. I have a 76 camaro which came standard with a 350 and t350 box. The engine will be more for cruising with a 1800-4800rpm cam, edelbrock performer, estreet heads etc as I'm mainly just after cruising and reliability than anything else. I may also use it to drive to/from work which includes freeway stuff, so it'd be good if I could fit a t700 box for the overdrive. I know v8s don't give great fuel economy, but a 30% overdrive will give much better economy than the t350's 1:1.
I do have a t700 box, which apparently came out of a 1st gen camaro, which was moved around a shop and drove but I bought assuming it needed a rebuild. The diff ratio in the car is either 2.73 or 3.08, I'm not sure which but will check asap.
My questions are:
What would an average T700 cost to rebuild/recondition with a 2000 or so rpm coverter, maybe corvette piston etc, assuming I can drop off/pick up the box as its out of the car.
Does the 350 chev need anything modified to fit a t700 to the back of it?
What would it cost to modify the tailshaft? (I've read they need to be shortened about 3")
What are people's thoughts regarding changing the box? The t350 allows me to keep standard xmember, speedo drive, oil cooler lines, tailshaft etc and is cheaper to upgrade, including torque converter.
The t700 means modifying the xmember (which I am capable of doing), sorting out a speedo drive, possibly changing/getting new oil cooler lines and overall supposedly can't handle that much power.
Will the t700 stand up to the 350? The engine shop said it should make around 350-360hp when done, I won't be racing it and won't be thrashing it too often. Will a standard one suit or should it be rebuilt while I have it out?
If I was to leave the standard converter on the t700, will this affect anything if I later decide to install a 2000rpm or so converter? (just looking at saving a bit of cash at the moment if possible)
Basically, is the extra cost of a t700 worth the added drivability and fuel economy of the overdrive?
Sorry for the long and possibly confusing post. If anyone has this combination, can you tell me what you used between the motor and box (as in flexplate teeth, converter etc, whether it is lockup or not)
Thanks in advance for any help
