Thread: Building a strong TH350

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as far as a performance converter, if you get the first 'up' from stock, you probably won't feel it much. I know I didn't, in the wife's dodge. ( my mechanic friend could hear it though ). Get the 2nd 'up' from stock; that you will WILL be able to feel, and it won't tear anything up. DON'T get wild, or you won't be able to drive it in the rain. ( the rear end will slide sideways every time you start off... there is NO starting off soft with a wild converter ) If you are feeling paranoid about heat, then add a trans cooler.

Off the line isn't all there is... I am running a 2.41 rear with a TH350 in my 78 firebird. ( chevy 305 ) Sure, the civic will feel pretty good about himself.. for about the first 1/8 - mile. But, they start wondering what they got ahold of, when at about 60MPH they are well into second gear, and my trans shifts HARD into second and I grab a car length in the blink of an eye. If by some twisted reason of fate or stubbornness, they are still with me at 90 they get to hear me grab third gear.

if they are still close enough to hear the exhaust, that is.

My point is, with a 'hiway' ratio in the rear end, you have a wider range in-between gears, and of course, a higher overall top end ( if you got the torque ). Also, you of course have higher range in each gear.. meaning what? Meaning you can dump it into second at 70 for sheer passing power. Best not try that with a 4.11, unless you have a SCREAMING motor that can really turn.

Go for the big block, NOTHING BEATS CUBES. You would be pretty amazed what that beast would do with that street rear you got. ( break it maybe )

One more thing.. put in power brakes. It's only your life, you know.