Finding the right automatic transmission for your Chevy 350 engine is crucial for performance and reliability. The Chevy 350 is a legendary powerplant, and pairing it with a transmission that can handle its torque is key to a successful build, whether you’re restoring a classic or building a street machine. A mismatched or weak transmission can lead to premature failure and a disappointing driving experience.
This guide simplifies your search by rounding up ten essential products, from complete rebuilt transmissions to critical components and accessories. We’ve focused on quality, compatibility, and performance to help you make an informed decision for your project. The right transmission setup will ensure your Chevy 350 delivers power smoothly and reliably for years to come.
Our Top Picks for Chevy 350 Automatic Transmissions
- Turbo 350 Automatic Transmission, Rebuilt and Dyno Tested
- TH350 Transmission Shifter for GM Turbo 350 Complete 12″ Stick
- Compatible/Replacement for CHEVY/GM TURBO TH-350 STEEL PAN
- GM Turbo TH350 Automatic Transmission Speedometer Gear Set
- GM TURBO TH350 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET
- TCI 371000 Street Fighter Transmission Constant Pressure Valve Body
- TCI 371000P2 700R4 StreetFighter Transmission Package 2
- JEGS Automatic Transmission-To-Block Bolt Set
- STEEL Compatible/Replacement for CHEVY/GM TURBO TH-350 DIPSTICK
- TCI Saturday Night Special 350/375HP Turbo 350 Transmission
Turbo 350 Automatic Transmission, Rebuilt and Dyno Tested
For a reliable, out-of-the-box solution, this rebuilt Turbo 350 transmission is an excellent choice. It has been completely remanufactured and put through comprehensive dyno testing to verify its performance and functionality before shipping. This process gives you confidence that the unit will operate as intended right from the start.
Built with heavy-duty components, this transmission is designed to handle high-torque applications, making it a strong match for a Chevy 350. Its specific engineering for GM vehicles ensures a proper fit for various models produced between 1969 and 1986. This is a core component you can install with assurance for your restoration or project car.
TH350 Transmission Shifter for GM Turbo 350 Automatic Transmissions Complete 12″ Stick
Control your Turbo 350 transmission with this complete shifter assembly. It is designed specifically for GM Turbo 350 automatic transmissions, ensuring a direct and hassle-free fit. The 12-inch chrome shifter arm provides a classic look and a comfortable, positive feel when changing gears.
A key safety feature of this shifter is the gated lock-out mechanism. This helps prevent accidental shifting into reverse or park, protecting both you and your transmission from potential damage. It’s a straightforward upgrade that improves both the interaction and safety of your vehicle’s drivetrain.
Compatible/Replacement for CHEVY/GM TURBO TH-350 STEEL TRANSMISSION PAN (DEEP SUMP) – BLACK
Upgrade your transmission’s fluid capacity and cooling with this deep sump steel transmission pan from CFR Performance. The increased volume allows for more transmission fluid, which helps manage operating temperatures more effectively, especially under demanding conditions. This can contribute to the longevity of your transmission.
Constructed from durable steel, this black pan is a direct replacement for your stock TH-350 pan. The robust build quality offers improved resistance to impacts and leaks compared to a standard pan. It’s a practical performance and reliability upgrade for any serious Chevy 350 build.
GM Turbo TH350 350 Automatic Transmission Speedometer Gear Set 17 18 19 20 21 22 Teeth Speedo W/Bullet & CLAMP
Ensure your speedometer reads accurately after changing your rear-end gear ratio with this comprehensive speedometer gear set. This kit includes multiple gears with 17 to 22 teeth, giving you the flexibility to calibrate your speedometer correctly for your specific tire size and differential gearing.
The set comes complete with the necessary bullet and clamp for a full installation. Having the right gear is essential for an accurate speedometer and odometer, and this set provides all the common options needed to get it right the first time.
GM TURBO TH350 350 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET 18 19 20 21 22 TEETH SPEEDO W/BULLET & CLAMP
Similar to the previous set, this is another essential kit for correcting your speedometer. It offers a selection of gears with 18 to 22 teeth, covering a wide range of common calibration needs after a drivetrain modification.
Including both the gear bullet and a secure clamp, this set provides everything required for a proper fix. A correctly calibrated speedometer is not just about convenience; it’s also important for maintaining accurate vehicle records and ensuring legal compliance.
TCI 371000 Street Fighter Transmission Constant Pressure Valve Body
Improve the shift quality and performance of your Turbo 350 with this constant pressure valve body from TCI. This component replaces your stock valve body to deliver firmer, more consistent shifts. The constant pressure design helps reduce clutch slippage, which can extend the life of your transmission under heavier loads.
This valve body features an automatic/manual style, giving you the option to shift gears manually or let the transmission operate automatically. It can also be retrofitted into 1982-84 applications with the use of a specific 30-spline torque converter, adding to its versatility.
TCI 371000P2 700R4 StreetFighter Transmission Package 2
For those considering an overdrive transmission for their Chevy 350, the TCI 700R4 StreetFighter is a robust option. Designed as the industry standard for high-horsepower street vehicles, it can handle engines producing between 400 and 675 horsepower. This transmission is built with quality components to minimize slippage and provide faster shifts.
It features a manual/automatic valve body for versatile driving, allowing for racetrack-firm shifts in automatic mode. The package includes special clutches, bands, and sprags for increased torque capacity, along with improved lubrication to protect internal components. This results in lower elapsed times at the track and a more responsive feel on the street.
JEGS Automatic Transmission-To-Block Bolt Set
This bolt set is a small but vital component for any transmission installation or swap. It securely fastens your transmission to the engine block, ensuring a solid connection between these two major components. The kit includes seven bolts and seven washers for a complete installation.
It features high-strength Grade 8 bolts and stainless steel flat washers, providing superior clamping force and corrosion resistance. This set is compatible with a wide range of GM transmissions, including the TH-350, TH-400, 700-R4, and 200-4R, making it a versatile addition to your toolbox.
STEEL Compatible/Replacement for CHEVY/GM TURBO TH-350 TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK 27′ BILLET HANDLE – BLACK
Maintaining proper fluid levels is critical for transmission health, and this replacement dipstick makes that task easier. It is a direct fit for the Chevy/GM Turbo TH-350 transmission, ensuring accurate fluid level readings. The 27-inch length is designed to fit correctly within your vehicle’s engine bay.
The dipstick features a stylish black billet handle that not only looks good but also provides a positive grip. Replacing a lost or damaged dipstick is necessary for routine maintenance, and this steel unit offers a durable and reliable solution.
TCI Saturday Night Special 350/375HP Turbo 350 Automatic Transmission
The TCI Saturday Night Special is a complete performance transmission built to handle the power of a stout Chevy 350. It is rated for engines up to 375 horsepower, making it an ideal match for a warmed-over small block. This transmission is designed for street performance and reliability.
It comes from TCI with a reputation for quality and includes performance-oriented internal components for firmer shifts and increased durability. If you’re building a weekend cruiser or a street machine and want a transmission that’s ready to perform, the Saturday Night Special is a compelling choice that saves you the effort of a custom build.
What to Look For in the Best Automatic Transmissions for Chevy 350
Choosing the right automatic transmission for your Chevy 350 is a big decision. I’ve been through this process myself, and getting it wrong can mean a lot of wasted time and money. The “best” transmission really depends on what you’re building. A daily driver has completely different needs than a dedicated drag car. So, before you just pick the first one you see, let’s talk about the key factors you need to consider.
First, think about your vehicle’s intended use. Is this a cruiser for weekend drives? A heavy truck that needs to tow? Or a high-horsepower performance machine? For a mild street engine, a classic Turbo 350 or 700R4 is a solid, cost-effective choice. If you’re planning on serious power, you’ll be looking at a built Turbo 400 or a modern overdrive unit like the 4L80E, which is known for its brute strength. For a balance of performance and modern highway manners, the 4L60E or an aftermarket option like a 200-4R built for performance can be a great fit.
Next, you absolutely must consider your engine’s power output. This isn’t just about peak horsepower; it’s about torque. A stock 350 might only put out 250-300 lb-ft of torque, which almost any automatic can handle. But if you’ve built a motor making 400+ lb-ft, a stock transmission might not last long. Be honest with yourself about your engine’s real output and choose a transmission rated to handle it. It’s cheaper to buy a stronger transmission upfront than to replace a broken one later.
Don’t forget about the physical fit. This includes the transmission’s length, the location of the crossmember, the driveshaft yoke size, and the shifter linkage. A Turbo 350 and a 4L60E, for example, have different lengths, which means you’ll likely need a new driveshaft. Also, if you’re swapping an older transmission into a newer vehicle (or vice-versa), you’ll need to think about the electronic controls. A non-electronic transmission like a Turbo 350 is simple, but an electronically controlled one like a 4L60E requires a wiring harness and a computer (TCM) to operate correctly.
Finally, your budget is a huge factor. The initial cost of the transmission itself is just the start. Remember to budget for a new torque converter, a transmission cooler, fluid, a shift kit if you want one, and any adapter plates or wiring you might need. A rebuilt unit from a local shop might seem cheap, but a professionally built performance transmission, while more expensive, often comes with a warranty and the peace of mind that it’s built to last. Weigh the cost against your goals and your vehicle’s needs to make the smartest choice for your project.
FAQ
What is the most durable automatic transmission for a high-horsepower Chevy 350?
For truly high-horsepower applications, the Turbo 400 (TH400) is legendary for its strength. It’s a pure, mechanical, three-speed transmission that can be built to handle well over 1,000 horsepower without much trouble. Its main downside is the lack of an overdrive gear, which can make highway driving loud and inefficient. For a strong transmission with overdrive, the 4L80E is your best bet. It’s essentially a modern, electronic version of the Turbo 400 and is known for its ability to handle big torque numbers in both street and tow vehicle applications.
Can I use a 4L60E transmission with my non-computer-controlled Chevy 350?
Yes, you can, but it’s not a simple bolt-on. The 4L60E is an electronically controlled transmission, so it requires signals from a Transmission Control Module (TCM) to shift. To make it work with a non-computerized engine, you’ll need a standalone transmission controller. These aftermarket units provide the necessary electronic signals to make the transmission shift based on your throttle input and vehicle speed. It adds complexity and cost, but it allows you to get the benefits of a modern overdrive transmission in an older vehicle.
What’s the advantage of the 700R4/4L60E over the older Turbo 350?
The single biggest advantage is the overdrive gear. The 700R4 and its successor, the 4L60E, are four-speed automatics with a very deep first gear and a tall overdrive (fourth) gear. That deep first gear gives you great off-the-line acceleration, while the overdrive gear significantly drops your engine’s RPMs at highway speeds. This results in quieter cruising and better fuel economy. The older Turbo 350 is a robust and simple three-speed, but the lack of overdrive means your engine is always spinning faster on the highway.
Is the 200-4R a good transmission for a Chevy 350 swap?
The 200-4R can be an excellent choice for a swap, especially in vehicles where space is limited, like a G-body or S-10. It’s relatively compact and has a similar overall length to a Turbo 350, which can make the swap easier. However, a stock 200-4R is not very strong. The key is to get one that has been professionally built for performance. A properly built 200-4R can handle a stout Chevy 350 and provides the huge benefit of an overdrive gear, making it a great “best of both worlds” option for a street performance car.
Do I need a new driveshaft when I swap my transmission?
In almost every case, yes, you will. Different transmissions have different lengths and use different types of output yokes (spline count and diameter). For example, swapping from a short-tail Turbo 350 to a longer 4L60E will require a shorter driveshaft. You’ll also need to ensure the yoke on the end of your driveshaft matches the output shaft of your new transmission. It’s one of the most common and important parts of the swap that people forget to plan for, so always measure twice and order once.