Thread: Rebuilding a Turbo 350

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Is this something a backyard mechanic can do? I was thinking of buying a junkyard tranny, putting in new clutches, bands, pump, and whatever else a auto needs. Then, taking the valve body off of my current tranny that works, and putting it in the junker. This doesn't seem like it could be too difficult, but are there a lot of special tools required or things that can go wrong? How about adding the extra clutches for first gear? Is this something worth doing on a work truck that will have a very mildly built 350 with Vortec heads, 9.5:1 compression, a 50 state cam, and the stock quadrajet? Are aftermarket parts good, or is GM better for this application? I saw a rebuild kit from GM go for $30 on ebay the other day. I am a very adept backyard mechanic and just finished rebuilding the bottom end of a motorcycle, which is supposed to be a difficult job, without too much difficulty (I was opening a snap ring and it went flying off the pliers and into some grass so I had to special order a new one, minor setback).

I've done a couple of models gm trannys in my life. IMO - The best thing to do is buy a master racing rebuild kit and then take it to or invite over a journeyman th350 man.

Have him work with your hands and his knowledge. Most times 5 minutes of teaching is much better than hours of Bubba trying to figure it out.