Inliners International Forums General Discussion Drive Train 700r to 53 chev

Hi everybody, this is my first post!

I own a 53 with the powerglide trans and would like to upgrade to a modern trans. From what I've read on this board the 700R4 is a good option using the adapter from Langdon's. I found,in my local paper,one from a 1989 Suburban for $150. Is this the right one or are there a bunch of different 700R4s out there? Thanks for your input.
Tim

Thanks Walt for your response. I have a closed drive shaft and original crossmember. In fact this car is totaly stock.
I understand too the diferential should be geared to work best with the ratios of the trans and highway speeds.

The reason I am considering the upgrade from the powerglide to the 700-R4 is the pg leaks and probably needs a rebuild to give smooth performance though it still down-shifts when the gas is stompped. From what I read here on this forum the 700-R4 will give good even performance up through the gears,increase gas millage,and run better at 70mph. Is this all true? I do not know the cost of the total change.

Thanks Walt for the web sites. I read some on the sites and learned more of the tv cable's job. It does seem more complicated than I was originaly thinking especially since the 700-R4 is longer and requires modifications to the crossmember. Perhaps there is an easier transmission to use for common street use or maybe it is best to rebuild my powerglide using what I have and keeping costs down.

I think you're right! For now I will stay with the PG. What years were the 250s made? I suppose Novas and Camaros were the main recipients of this engine? What advantages over the 235 are the 250s? Is there more room to bore or more aftermarket speed equipment available? Can they still pass for stock?

The 250-292 family of engines are more modern (e.g., a seven main crank, less weight) than the 235, but they certainly won't pass for stock. What will pass, except to the real experts, is a 261. I had one in a 1953 Chevy back in the late fifties - early sixties. At first I used the three-speed with the torque-tube, but later converted it to an open driveshaft (1941 Studebaker rear end) and a Muncie four speed. I've not looked into using an automatic. There is a 261 for sale on ebay right now. A 1954 261 on ebay

Several of the Inliner advertisers (Tom Langdon's Stovebolt Engine Co., Patrick\'s , Larrowe, etc. sell parts and speed equipment for the classic stovebolt engines. An interesting historical article about the 261 is available, as is a link in the Tech Tips to the left.

Thanks Hoyt for that article "Soup that Chevy". I had read it once before here on the forum but lost it. This time I saved it. Inspires one to keep that "6"! Also demonstrates good past intelligence and comprehensive understanding.
Sounds like the "261" may be the best engine if one wants to boost power.