What's the best tranny for old Pontiac?

[minnesota 57]

Someone must have experienced this problem: What tranny would be best for a 1957 Star Chief (or other 50s model) running original 347 engine Overhaul the original OR swap out to a th350/400 etc. I'm concerned that if I swap, I will have major linkage issues. Your input please. Thanks.

 

[melsg5]

on cars of that vintage I recommend you will get better responses at a site such as www.oldride.com , good luck with it

 

[cammerjeff]

Unfortunatly just about any trans you swap out will require an adaptor plate. Here is a site that a friend of mine used for his 61 Pontiac to put a BOP 2004R in his car. They sell kits for 55-60 and 61-64 Pontiac V8's.

http://transmissionadapters.com/early_pontiac.htm

If you want to keep your stock column shift linkage, some fabrication may be required. Unfortunatly it is the problem with running something that isn't a SBC or LS powered. Takes a little more thinking to run something different.

I would consider a OD Automatic but not knowing what rear end gears you have I can't recommend an OD. If your car has 3.55's or lower (higher numbers) I would consider a 200R4 or a 700R4. If not I would stick with a TH350, they are smaller and lighter than a TH400 and can easily be made to handle 400+ HP.

Also if you do not plan on doing much highway driving I would also just stay with a TH350 and not a overdrive trans. Simpler, lighter and cheaper for not much reward.