I have a 400 S/P trans from a 65 Delta. I would like to rebuild it to use in a 67 Skylark behind a BBB, mild street engine. No one seems to have definitive answers in my circle. Questions Does it use regular rebuild kits Regular shift kits Can I swap the long tail shaft parts for short from other regular non S/P I assume I can put manual switches instead of the factory pieces, any thoughts, ideas, or personal experience information, would be much appreciated. Mike Phelps 740-533-0240 dadphelps@yahoo.com
Yup, should be the same internals as a THM-400, except for the additional solenoid and pump / input shaft differences. There are way different valve bodies, apparently the early ones aren't that great. Search the tranny forum, there's a nice long article outlining the VB options.
Mike, The switch pitch is a THM400. Only difference is that it comes with a special front pump with a solenoid that controls oil flow to and from the special SP converter. The input shaft is different than a fixed pitch unit. Other than that, it is a THM400. Rebuild kits, shift kits, all are the same for the switch pitch and fixed pitch 400's. The valve body calibrations are different on some early transmissions. Some lack a 3-2 valve, which means only full throttle forced downshifts are possible, no part throttle kickdowns. Also, the valvebody calibrations mean an earlier full throttle shift from 2-3. Apparently, a car with the switch pitch was intended to accelerate on high stall of the converter, rather than 2nd gear, hence the early shift. That is the way they were set up from the factory. The solution, simply swap in a later THM400 valvebody (70's). It's a bolt in. As far as activating the SP, it's very simple. Apply 12 volts to the horizontal contact, you get high stall, take the 12 volts away, low stall. A simple toggle switch, or pushbutton switch is all it takes. Read this linked thread: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=68002&highlight=switch+pitch+valvebody It has more detailed information you will find interesting. :TU:
