Thread: Chevy 2 Speed Auto Transmission--Opimions Please

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I have a V8 trike with a Chevy 350 and a 350 transmission in it.

A friend wants to trade me for his trike which has the same engine but a 2 speed trans in it.

I need feedback about the 2 speed transmission.

1--Is it a durable?

2--Is it smooth?

3--Will it decrease the gas mileage?

4--Will I notice that it is a 2 speed insted of the 3 speed that I am used to?

Thanks to all.

Originally Posted by Triker

I have a V8 trike with a Chevy 350 and a 350 transmission in it.

A friend wants to trade me for his trike which has the same engine but a 2 speed trans in it.

I need feedback about the 2 speed transmission.

1--Is it a durable?

In it's stock original form, marginally. It was developed to run behind the
"Stovebolt" six cylinder engine in the early fifties, and has been improved and
strengthened over the years, but the latest versions in stock form were run
behind low end 283s and 327s in the mid sixties. There are iron and aluminum
cases. These things have been beefed up and strengthened, and run behind
some pretty hefty engines, but the stock cases had some problems with
developing cracks in hard use. There is a good aftermarket for new, rebuilt and
aftermarket parts and whole transmissions. A well built later model unit or an
aftermarket one is a good choice for high performance use in certain types of
cars in competition.


2--Is it smooth?

In it's stock incarnations, yes, very smooth. In racing versions, it all depends
on the design and application of the valve body and inner works.

3--Will it decrease the gas mileage?

It shouldn't, especially in a light weight trike. The final ratio is the same 1 : 1
as the T350.

4--Will I notice that it is a 2 speed instead of the 3 speed that I am used to?

I'd say you would; it will only shift once, rather than twice, but depending on
the build, it could be so smooth that you might barely notice, or it might shift
with a very positive action.

Thanks to all.

I'm sure some of the "tranny guys" will be able to elaborate.

I assume your talking about a 2 speed powerglide. If so yes, they are very durable. All kinds of aftermarket stuff available if you want to go that direction. Pretty common tans on the track.

On your questions, on a super lightweight trike I don't think that you will notice much difference between the PowerGlide and the TH350 other than the lower first gear ratio on the 350 which will give you a bit more pop off of the stop lights. Your 350 has a 2.52 1st gear compared to either 1.76 or 1.82 on the PowerGlide. Both are non-OD trannys with 1:1 final output, so I would think that your mileage would be the same. The only thing that might make it different is if your TH350 is a lockup unit with a controller to lock the converter in top gear cruise - you can tell by the electrical connector on the side, wired out to a box. The PowerGlide will give you one long acceleration gear into high, and your kickdown acceleration will be a lot stronger in the mid-range area where the 350 would drop down to 2nd. All in all I would think a PowerGlide would be a good tranny for the trike, but I'd probably opt for the Lockup TH350 or even something with OD on a new build. Others may disagree.

(Sorry - didn't notice Rrumbler's replies as they were camo'd in the quote bubble He already answered about everything.... )