Thread: Ram Jet 502

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I Have a question, I have a ram jet 502. Now people tell me that my tranny of choice, a 700r4 is a crappy match. Saying that the 700r4 is unreliable, and can't handle the power of the engine. If this is true is there another alternitive?

Hey TA

I went thru the same dilemma myself this past summer. I swapped a RJ 502 into my GMC Safari, and really wanted to go with a 700R4. However, after talking to the boys at PATC, I decided to listren to their advice, as qwell as the advice of a few friends. Truth be told, I'm sure the 700R4 would hold up, I just don't know for how many months it'd do so. It all comes down to how you drive. PATC told me that with reasonable driving, I'd be good for about a year. Not worth the risk if you ask me...
I went with a PATC built-up 4L80E and a stand-alone Compushift computer. Tranny is a charm, and the computer is still capable of amazing me after 3+ months of driving. Matter of fact, I just got back from a 4000 mile trip with the truck, sorta like a "real" shakedown run LOL

The 700R4 will not handle the 502 for long. Even if you get a good one. These transmissions have a relatively weak aluminum casting that is notorious for creating bearing misalignment. You can get a good one though but it is not for an engine putting out 500+ Lb-ft of torque up and down the entire rpm band.

If you can afford it (I cannot) the trick set-up is a built TH400 (inexpensive) and a Gear Vendors overdrive ($2500). This set-up will handle 1000 HP and you will have a 6 speed transmission!

Regards, Kitz