Powerglide vs 350 trans

October 28, 2022, 01:56 PM

Larry Woodfin

For those of you who have used a Powerglide and a 350 trans.

All the cars I have built through the years have been Powerglide. I have a 350 trans on the bench for the Studebaker, torn down, and considering the option. It has two more drums and two more planet units, plus it is about 20 pounds or so heavier.

The positive is a 2.52 low gear. In taking with others, the results are mixed. Some say the lower first gear is an advantage and with their setup, it makes up for the rotating weight.

I plan some limited street driving to shows and the Christmas parade. Yet, the main performance focus will be on track.

Whatever trans I choose, the rear gear will be appropriate either way.

Let me have your feedback.

October 28, 2022, 05:40 PM

Wooley

My thoughts are the 350 if paired with a more street oriented gear will give you an acceleration rate same as a glide with a steeper gear in the back. That would make the occasional street drive/cruise a little bit more enjoyable. That’s probably not worth the time it took me to type btw.

October 28, 2022, 06:41 PM

TPaton

Larry, I went from a t350 to a glide in my street drivn camaro, using the same rear gear and same converter. Combo wasnt optimized as I dont have a rollbar in my camaro, so I had a tight converter on purpose. The 60ft was a few slower, by the 330 was the same, and at the 1/8 mile ( and 1/4 mile) the car was faster. This is in a full street trim with full interior. Car runs 7.20's in the 1/8 and 11.20's in the1/4. I did use a tbrake in the pg and footbraked the t350. Launch rpm was within 300 rpm between the two.

I would stay with the pg. Jmo.

Btw, I really like your builds, cant wait to see this project finished. Good luck.

October 28, 2022, 10:22 PM

Curly1

If you are going to do some street driving even limited the T-350 and a taller gear may help. For strip only the powerglide is hard to beat.

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October 29, 2022, 08:12 AM

B KING

quote:
Originally posted by Larry Woodfin:
For those of you who have used a Powerglide and a 350 trans.

All the cars I have built through the years have been Powerglide. I have a 350 trans on the bench for the Studebaker, torn down, and considering the option. It has two more drums and two more planet units, plus it is about 20 pounds or so heavier.

The positive is a 2.52 low gear. In taking with others, the results are mixed. Some say the lower first gear is an advantage and with their setup, it makes up for the rotating weight.

I plan some limited street driving to shows and the Christmas parade. Yet, the main performance focus will be on track.

Whatever trans I choose, the rear gear will be appropriate either way.

Let me have your feedback.

We ran a Turbo 350 for a long time. When we stepped up to about 550 hp & 3150 lb. car; I called the Turbo 350 our never know 10-100 run trans. We had all the good parts in it, but that 10-100 run range it would break something.

We made the change to the glide, using same convertor, rear gear & same combo as above. We didn't slow down & we picked-up a little ET. Sorry, it was way too many years back to remember how much we picked up.

2BKing

October 29, 2022, 09:58 AM

Larry Woodfin

Since my history shows me to be a long-time, hard-core drag racer. And since I do not see myself doing much street driving, mostly because I will be in trouble with the neighbors and the lawman. I will continue the established use of the simple, efficient Powerglide. Plus, I have a nice supply of PG parts.

October 29, 2022, 11:43 AM

markemark

With the 32x14 you set-up to accept, what PG ratio and diff gear ratio do you plan on using?

October 29, 2022, 02:37 PM

Larry Woodfin

Markemark,

Most likely a 1.96 low with a 5.13 rear gear & very loose, spragless converter. [round 6100 - 6200]

October 29, 2022, 03:20 PM

markemark

quote:
Most likely a 1.96 low with a 5.13 rear gear & very loose, spragless converter. [round 6100 - 6200]

Very strong SLR. Consider choosing 5.14 (36/7) over the 5.13 (41/8). Thicker teeth. I like more stall flashing to 6200+ in bad air (4000 DA).

October 29, 2022, 04:05 PM

TheBlueTruck

quote:
Originally posted by markemark:
quote:
Most likely a 1.96 low with a 5.13 rear gear & very loose, spragless converter. [round 6100 - 6200]

Very strong SLR. Consider choosing 5.14 (36/7) over the 5.13 (41/8). Thicker teeth. I like more stall flashing to 6200+ in bad air (4000 DA).

It should leave hard enough with that setup.