The legendary Chevy 350 engine deserves an automatic transmission that matches its performance and reliability. Whether you’re building a classic cruiser, a powerful street machine, or a dependable daily driver, the right transmission components are crucial for a smooth and powerful driving experience. From complete transmissions to essential shifters and mounts, the options are vast and varied.
This roundup is designed to guide you through some of the best automatic transmission products available for your Chevy 350 project. We’ve compiled a selection that covers everything from brand-new performance transmissions to critical replacement parts and educational resources, helping you make an informed decision for your specific needs and goals.
Top Automatic Transmission Products for Your Chevy 350
- TH350 Transmission Shifter for GM Turbo 350
- GM Turbo 350 Transmissions: How to Rebuild
- DUZFOREI Automatic Shifter Set for GM TH350
- KITONLA Transmission Shifter Set Turbo 350
- Transmission Mount for GM TH350 TH400
- TCI Street Fighter 350 Chevy Automatic
- Hughes Performance 25HPX Street-Rod
- Monster Transmission 700R4 Chevy 350
TH350 Transmission Shifter for GM Turbo 350
This complete shifter assembly is designed specifically for GM Turbo 350 automatic transmissions, offering a direct and reliable interface for your Chevy 350. The 12-inch chrome shifter arm provides a classic look and a comfortable, positive feel with every gear change. It enhances both the aesthetics and functionality of your vehicle’s interior.
A key benefit of this shifter is its integrated gated lock-out safety feature. This mechanism helps prevent accidental engagement of gears, such as shifting into reverse or park unintentionally. This adds a layer of security for both the driver and the vehicle, making it a smart choice for any street-driven car or truck.
GM Turbo 350 Transmissions: How to Rebuild and Modify
For the hands-on enthusiast, this book is an invaluable resource for understanding and servicing the Turbo 350 transmission. It provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to rebuilding your unit, from a basic teardown and inspection to a full performance upgrade. Having this knowledge empowers you to maintain and improve your transmission with confidence.
The guide covers essential modifications that can increase the durability and performance of your TH350 behind a Chevy 350 engine. With detailed photographs and clear instructions, it demystifies the internal workings of the transmission. This is a must-have for any DIY mechanic looking to save on labor costs and gain a deeper understanding of their vehicle.
DUZFOREI Automatic Shifter Set
This automatic shifter set from DUZFOREI serves as a direct replacement for the HRC12-940 part, making it a perfect fit for GM TH350 Turbo 350 transmissions. It is constructed from high-quality metal, ensuring a rugged and stable feel during operation. The smooth surface finish not only looks good but also contributes to its durability.
The shifter is noted for its stability and waterproof ability, which are important characteristics for long-term reliability in various driving conditions. This makes it a practical upgrade or replacement part that can withstand the test of time. It’s a straightforward solution for restoring or upgrading the shifting mechanism in your vehicle.
KITONLA Transmission Shifter Set Turbo 350
Similar to other options, the KITONLA shifter kit is designed for compatibility with GM Turbo 350 automatic transmissions and replaces part number HRC12-940. It is built from premium metal materials, which are selected for their exceptional wear resistance and overall robustness. This focus on material quality promises a long service life.
The kit’s construction emphasizes durability, making it a reliable component for your Chevy 350 setup. It is an excellent choice for anyone needing a direct, no-fuss replacement that prioritizes strength and dependable performance. The inclusion of a 12-inch stick completes the package for a full installation.
Transmission Mount for GM TH350 TH400
This transmission mount is a vital component for ensuring the stability of your TH350, TH400, or 700R4 transmission behind a Chevy 350 engine. A quality mount reduces excessive movement and vibration, which helps protect the drivetrain and provides a smoother driving experience. It is compatible with a wide range of GM cars and trucks.
Installation is simplified as the package includes all necessary studs, nuts, and washers. This makes the replacement process more convenient, whether you are a professional mechanic or a weekend warrior. A solid transmission mount is a small but critical part of any successful engine and transmission installation.
TCI Street Fighter 350 Chevy Automatic
The TCI Street Fighter 350 is a complete automatic transmission built to handle the torque of a performance-oriented Chevy 350 engine. It is engineered for street use with improved components that offer better shifting characteristics and increased durability over a stock unit. This transmission is an excellent choice for a reliable and fun street machine.
It comes as a ready-to-install package, which saves significant time and effort compared to rebuilding a core. The Street Fighter series is known for offering a good balance of performance and everyday driveability, making it a popular option for enthusiasts who want an upgrade without the hassle of a custom build.
Hughes Performance 25HPX Street-Rod
Hughes Performance is a respected name in transmission systems, and their 25HPX model is tailored for street rod applications with a Chevy 350. This transmission is built with performance in mind, featuring enhancements that can handle increased horsepower while providing crisp, firm shifts. It is designed for drivers who want a responsive and engaging feel.
The 25HPX is a solid choice for a project car where reliability and performance are equally important. Hughes Performance components are known for their quality, and this complete transmission allows for a straightforward swap into your vehicle. It’s a solution that delivers improved performance right out of the box.
Monster Transmission 700R4 Chevy 350
The Monster Transmission 700R4 offers a modern overdrive alternative for the Chevy 350, which can significantly improve highway cruising and fuel economy. This four-speed automatic transmission is built for performance, with reinforced internals to cope with the power of a strong 350 engine. The overdrive gear reduces engine RPM at speed, lowering noise and wear.
This is an ideal upgrade for those who use their vehicle for long-distance driving or simply want the benefits of an overdrive transmission. Monster Transmission builds these units to be robust and reliable, providing a complete solution for a more versatile and efficient drivetrain behind your Chevy 350.
What to Look For in an Automatic Transmission for Your Chevy 350
Choosing the right automatic transmission for your Chevy 350 is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your project. It’s not just about bolting something on; it’s about matching the transmission to your engine’s power, your car’s weight, and how you actually plan to drive it. I’ve been through this process myself, and getting it wrong can mean poor performance, overheating, or even a blown transmission. Let’s break down what you need to consider.
First, think about your power goals. A mild, stock 350 doesn’t need a heavy-duty racing transmission, but a built motor with a big cam and high compression certainly does. The torque converter stall speed is a huge factor here. A higher stall speed lets the engine rev into its power band before the transmission fully engages, which is great for performance but terrible for a smooth, docile street cruiser. For a daily driver, you want a converter that locks up at a lower RPM.
Next, consider the physical fit. Not every transmission has the same length, crossmember mounting points, or output shaft. A TH400 is a beast but it’s longer and heavier than a 700R4. You need to make sure your chosen transmission will fit in your chassis without major surgery to the floorpan or driveshaft. Don’t forget about the kickdown cable or vacuum modulator, either; these are critical for the transmission to shift correctly and need to be properly hooked up to your carburetor or throttle body.
Finally, your intended use dictates the gear ratios. If you do a lot of highway driving, you’ll love the deep overdrive of a 4L60E or 700R4 for fuel economy and reduced engine noise. If it’s a drag car, you want the tough, simple gears of a Powerglide or TH400 that can handle brutal launches. For an all-around street machine that sees some strip action, the 4L80E is a fantastic, albeit heavy, choice because of its strength and overdrive. Think about your budget for the transmission itself and any needed adapters or controllers. An electronic transmission like the 4L60E might be a bargain at the junkyard, but the standalone controller unit can add a significant cost.
Ultimately, the best automatic transmission for your Chevy 350 is the one that balances your power, your driving style, your budget, and your chassis. There’s no single perfect answer for everyone, which is why understanding these eight best automatic transmission options for a Chevy 350 engine is so helpful.
FAQ
What is the most common automatic transmission for a Chevy 350?
The most common and classic pairing is the Turbo 350 (TH350). For decades, it was the go-to automatic transmission behind small-block Chevys in everything from Camaros and Chevelles to trucks and vans. It’s a three-speed transmission known for its durability, simplicity, and relatively light weight. It doesn’t have an overdrive, so highway RPMs will be higher, but for a straightforward, powerful street build, it’s a fantastic and affordable choice that bolts right up without any electronic complications.
Can I put a modern overdrive transmission on my older Chevy 350?
Absolutely, and it’s one of the best upgrades you can do for drivability and fuel economy. Transmissions like the 4L60E (and its non-electronic predecessor, the 700R4) or the heavier-duty 4L80E are popular swaps. The physical bolt pattern to the Chevy 350 block is the same. The main considerations are the transmission crossmember location, driveshaft length, and, for electronic transmissions, you’ll need a standalone controller to manage the shift points and the lock-up torque converter. It’s a very well-documented swap that makes the car much more pleasant to drive on long trips.
Is the Turbo 400 (TH400) better than the Turbo 350 (TH350)?
“Better” depends on your application. The TH400 is significantly stronger and was used behind big-block engines and in heavy-duty trucks. It can handle a lot more torque and power than a TH350. However, it’s also heavier, larger, and has more parasitic power loss (meaning it robs a bit more horsepower from the engine). For a high-horsepower or nitrous-equipped Chevy 350, the TH400 is the safer bet. For a mild street engine, the TH350 is plenty strong enough and is a lighter, more efficient option.
What automatic transmission should I use for a high-performance Chevy 350?
For a serious high-performance build, you have a couple of great paths. The TH400 remains a legendary choice for its nearly indestructible nature in drag racing scenarios. For a more modern approach, the 4L80E offers similar strength but adds a fuel-saving overdrive gear, making it a great choice for a pro-touring car or a street-driven muscle car with big power. If you’re building an all-out drag car, the two-speed Powerglide, while old-school, is incredibly tough and consistent for launching hard with sticky tires.
Do I need a new driveshaft when swapping transmissions?
In almost every case, yes. Different transmissions have different lengths, which means the distance between the rear of the transmission and your differential changes. Even swapping between a TH350 and a TH400 requires a driveshaft length change. When you add an overdrive transmission like a 4L60E, the length is almost always different from the original three-speed. You will likely need to have your existing driveshaft shortened or lengthened, and the yoke (the part that slides into the transmission) may also need to be changed to match the new transmission’s output shaft.
What’s the difference between a 700R4 and a 4L60E?
They are very similar transmissions in terms of gear ratios and physical dimensions, but the key difference is how they are controlled. The 700R4 (and its later designation, 4L60) uses a mechanical throttle valve (TV) cable for shift pressure and points. This cable must be adjusted correctly, or you will quickly destroy the transmission. The 4L60E is the electronic version; it uses sensors and a computer (TCM) to control shifting. The 4L60E generally offers more precise and firmer shifts and is easier to swap into a modern engine management system, but it requires that additional computer controller.