[Cliff R]

I told the Moderators when I left that IF they made it safe to post again I would help out if/when needed. I was told that was the case.

As always I'll stick to topics that I have a LOT of direct experience with and nothing from "Google" or other sources, just what I've done here. Transmissions were the main game for me for many years, then when the carburetor business got out of control I backed off of things that take up too much space and more complicated, time consuming and less profit margins, etc.

So engines, transmissions, diff's and a few other things had to go.

When it come to the TH400 I would highly recommend taking the plunge and doing your own. I wrote my book for the hobbyist who likes to do their own work, not filling it with highly technical information and outlining all sorts of special tools or procedures needed, etc. Of all the transmissions out there one could take a crack at on their own the TH400 is among the easiest and least complicated. It's also incredibly strong as indicated earlier, so "upgrades" for big power levels not really needed other than noted and that saves a lot of money as well.

I also hate seeing folks getting dragged into "upgrades" or spending a lot of money when they aren't really getting a lot of return for their dollar spent. My comment above about "builders" only investing a few dollars in a complete overhaul of the TH400 then charging HUGE prices for them is accurate. I've known a few of those folks over the years, they talk the big talk, sucker you into spending thousands and you could have done the same thing with equal results for about what a Big Mac and a coke cost these days!

Anyhow, the shift program is the KEY to success with any of these units and there is a fine balance between "short" shifts and firm "apply" to get excellent performance without being incredibly hard on the trans internals and drive line parts. NEVER is there a need for "window shattering" shifts and for sure that's the best way I know to roll over the sprag or bust up the hard parts in a TH350 or TH400. The factory used accumulators, waved steels and even waved frictions for a reason, so keep that in mind when setting up your transmission, even if it is used behind a big CID high torque engine..........Cliff