32 Chev Hot Rod

Q: I am rodding a 32 Chev. Any suggestions re: engine, transmission, rear end?

So far it is set up for Chev 350, Turbo 350 with 9" Ford Rear end.

What year and model on engine and transmission??
What gear ratio on rear end???

Use will be for driving not show or racing...

That set up sounds great. The year of the 350 doesn't seem to matter. Are you going with a crate engine, have a used engine or planning to rebuild? For street use, a 2-bolt main is just fine--some use the 2-bolt for racing, even, and it is still real solid. Same questions on the TH-350 transmission. If you are going to have one rebuilt (or rebuild it yourself) you can put in a shift kit for a little better shifts and control. I'm using aTH200r4 in my '36 Ford street rod which gives me an overdrive lockup. It isn't really a racing transmission but it is very practical for my use. I'm using a 3.00:1 9" Ford rear end which is for cruising. That 9" is probably the best rear end available for the money. They are getting harder to find, though, and the 8" would be fine for the street. The Chevy 12-bolt is also fairly strong, but not as strong as the 9" Ford. Good luck on your rod.

Thanks Chuck---

I will probably crate engine with a rebuilt tranny to start with. I am building this as money allows and the next step is the drive train.

[danny]

i would like to suggest a 700r4, you said that it will be a driver not a racer and this trans is good for economy.

I sure agree with Danny--the 700r4 will get you much better mileage plus it is plenty strong for a fairly hot 350. You might have to move your transmission mount back, but it'd be worth it IMHO.

Well, I hate to disagree with some of the others, but I would NOT suggest a 700R4 overdrive trans. This is the #1 trans returned to the tranny companies for warranty because of improper TV cable adjustments.

Stick with the Turbo 350, they cost considerably less $$ and put a 2.79 gear in the rear end and cruise to your hearts content.

GM sells a budget crate engine for around $1200.00 brand new!

Good Luck!

[danny]

i like the idea of a new engine(crate) and it does come with a warranty. the tv cable should be adjusted by a mechanic well versed in these transmissions, most people i know that use the 700 like the lower first gear and overdrive. i plan to use one in my nova as soon as i get it built(transmission), i am having a shop build it and am using a 'vette governor, servo and torque converter. i also will change my current rear gearing from the 3:08 to a 3:42 or 3:73 which according to the trans. shop is more 700 friendly