400 performance
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400 performance
I have a 1978 f250 with a 400 in it. It already has some pretty beefy modifications on it and have plans for more. But I'm not sure what transmission I should put in it. I would like a manual without granny gear. Also is there a way i can get around the duel driveline. It is a camper special so it has an extended wheel base. Therefore it needs a duel drive shaft. I would like to have a single solid one but I'm not sure what i would need to do.
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Welcome to FTE.
What has been done to the 400? Has it been rebuilt with higher compression and a different cam?
Transmission--keep the automatic.
"Dual driveline". Keep that too, a long single shaft will give you vibration troubles.
What has been done to the 400? Has it been rebuilt with higher compression and a different cam?
Transmission--keep the automatic.
"Dual driveline". Keep that too, a long single shaft will give you vibration troubles.
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High performance cam. High torque mini starter. long tube headers. four barrel carb. dont have a full list with me. But is has been rebuilt with higher compression.
The transmission i have is already a manual. I have a C6 laying around though. Would you suggest rebuilding that and using it if i am going for performance?
The transmission i have is already a manual. I have a C6 laying around though. Would you suggest rebuilding that and using it if i am going for performance?
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You probably have a T18 or NP435 manual truck transmission. A C6 will be a big improvement "performance" wise. Cruise rpms will be nearly the same as final drive is still 1:1, although the torque converter can slip a little. An automatic is easier on the drivetrain. Easier to launch, quicker to shift, it will probably turn quite a bit better 1/4 mile et as well.
IMO this is an odd duck to have as a "hot rod" truck. Extra length is extra weight etc.
There are 5 speed manuals that you can fit, but the cost starts to get up there. Old design 4 speeds as well, again a good used one is not easy to find, rebuilts with many new parts are expensive as well.
But what is the primary use here? Cruise, drag race, terrorize neighborhoods, towing, huge camper.... Perspiring minds want to know.
IMO this is an odd duck to have as a "hot rod" truck. Extra length is extra weight etc.
There are 5 speed manuals that you can fit, but the cost starts to get up there. Old design 4 speeds as well, again a good used one is not easy to find, rebuilts with many new parts are expensive as well.
But what is the primary use here? Cruise, drag race, terrorize neighborhoods, towing, huge camper.... Perspiring minds want to know.
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I am trying to get a little bit of all of it. I wanna get a good 1/4 mile time. Decent handling. Just a bad *** street truck. I plan on lowering it. Painting it. Putting a big *** scoop on the engine. High hp and a beautiful truck.
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Good luck on finding a 4-speed or 5-speed without a granny gear. Find the "Novak Guide to the Borg-Warner T18 and T19" The 4:1 First gear is a lot better than the 6.something granny gear in most 4-speeds. The NV4500 is a 5 speed with granny First and OD Fifth. won't work.
There is a New Process 445 or 4530 that is closer ratio with 4 speeds.
For a F250 I can't see using a car 4-speed., even if you could make it fit. One nice thing about your truck is it has a lot of room to mount gearboxes. The C6 is also not a bad idea.
R.
There is a New Process 445 or 4530 that is closer ratio with 4 speeds.
For a F250 I can't see using a car 4-speed., even if you could make it fit. One nice thing about your truck is it has a lot of room to mount gearboxes. The C6 is also not a bad idea.
R.
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Ford Solutions - Modern Driveline
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Gosh, just about the easiest swap here is a Toploader 4 speed from a car. Same bell housing, same clutch pressure plate same mount. All he'd need is to shorten the front driveshaft (maybe) And get a Hurst shifter with a longer stick. And possibly move the crossmember that the mount is bolted to. The mount itself will be the same.
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