Re: Stewart's 1955 Packard 400

Posted by Stewart Ballard On 2016/6/5 21:32:26

I studied the 700r4 for a year or more.

There are 2 different sizes of bell housing. One for the largest GM V6 and all GM V8s and the smaller size fits V6 under 3.6 if I recall correctly. Packards need the larger bell housing.

There are at least 5 different versions of the 700r4 over the years, maybe more. The early models (84 t 87) were not all that dependable. Everyone told me to make sure I get an 87 or new model (they were made from 84 to 93). In fact the rebuild kits for the early model years corrects all the old problems and I could have used one of those.

Prices vary wildly like you have seen. If you look at racing forums they say never to use a 700r4 for anything greater then 400 HP. The casing just can't take it. That's why they made turbo 350 and 450.
I pulled mine from a 90 Caprice at the local pull a part for $50. I actually got two and I am glad I did. I had to remove several parts from the other one.

You don't need a computer for the model but you do need to wire it correctly so that the over drive will kick in. That's what I am working on now. There are kits for this but I think I have enough parts between the two I have to make my own.