We selected a B&M street/strip...
We selected a B&M street/strip Turbo 350 three-speed automatic transmission with a 2:52 First gear, 1:52 Second gear, and 1:1 Drive gear (PN 113001). Features of the B&M trans include an extra-wide direct drum bushing, rebuilt front pump, machined forward and direct pistons, new intermediate and low roller clutches, a new kickdown band with welded anchors, new thrust bearings and races, new adjustable modulator, rebuilt governor with new gear, new detent valve control wire link with new breather and filter, and a recalibrated valve body.
We equipped the trans with...
We equipped the trans with a B&M HoleShot torque converter with a 2,200 to 2,500 rpm stall speed (PN 20412). Features of the torque converter include a furnace-brazed impeller, new alloy steel pump drive tube, heavy-duty thrust bearing, needle bearing between stator and turbine, dual pattern drive lugs, and a new turbine hub.
The Turbo 350 automatic requires...
The Turbo 350 automatic requires a transmission fluid cooler, so we selected a polished aluminum B&M Supercooler (PN 70255). It has a high efficiency rating, allowing a smaller cooler to provide equal or better cooling than an ordinary fin and tube cooler. The rigid design is resistant to damage from flying rocks and other debris, and the small size makes it convenient and easy to install.
Gear changes will be handled...
Gear changes will be handled by a B&M QuickSilver shifter (PN 80676). It is offered in a universal floor mount application and is cable operated for quick installation and accurate shifting. The unit includes a neutral safety switch, backup light switch, lighted gear indicator, and a chrome knob.
We also removed the stick...
We also removed the stick flywheel and changed to a flexplate designed to be used with a Chevy 400 crank, which is externally balanced (PN 20232). The flexplate is ideal for heavy-duty and high-rpm use.
Installing an automatic transmission...
Installing an automatic transmission is pretty basic: All you have to do is line the trans up against the engine block and bolt it on. The tricky part, which can cause some damage to the transmission if it's not done properly, is the torque converter must be completely seated before the trans and engine are mated. The torque converter will slide on and drop into place--and it may seem like it's seated properly, but it isn't. You have to turn the torque converter until it drops into the trans a second time; then it's seated properly. This photo shows that the torque converter is actually back into the trans about two inches when it's seated properly. You will also notice that the torque converter has two sets of holes. One set will line up with the flex plate and should be bolted on after the engine and trans are mated.
The trans fits well under...
The trans fits well under the '57 Chevy with plenty of clearance. The rear crossmember is a bolt-in unit from Mike McGaughy's Classic Chevy.
We mounted the Supercooler...
We mounted the Supercooler to the side of the Chevy frame, directly behind the transmission crossmember.
Brass hose fittings were installed...
Brass hose fittings were installed into the transmission, and special heavy-duty transmission hose, which is designed to handle heat and pressure, was connected and routed to the Supercooler.
The transmission lines were...
The transmission lines were routed up against the floor pan and over to the transmission, keeping them a safe distance away from the mufflers.
The car is equipped with Dakota...
The car is equipped with Dakota Digital gauges, so we had to install the speedometer sending unit. We had to get the speedometer gear and drive unit from the local Chevy dealer. You can also get the part at a speedometer shop.
The shifter plate and shifter...
The shifter plate and shifter ball are chrome-plated for a nice appearance. The gear selector will be illuminated when the lights are on.
The shifter base comes in...
The shifter base comes in a semi-gloss black finish, so we painted it Tahitian Turquoise to match the carpet. The gear selector is a rugged design and works on a ratchet action. In the forward position you have park, reverse, and neutral. To engage the drive gears, the handle has to be lifted straight up and back.
The kit comes with all of...
The kit comes with all of the hardware a person needs to complete the installation and then some. This same kit is also available for the Turbo 400 trans, so some of the brackets won't be used.
The shifter bolts to the floorpan,...
The shifter bolts to the floorpan, so we positioned it in a comfortable position centered between the seat and dash, then marked the bolt location with a white paint pen.
Using the short bolts supplied...
Using the short bolts supplied in the kit, we mounted the shifter to the floorpan. There are also two tabs on the other side, which makes the shifter mounting very secure.
The cable is secured to the...
The cable is secured to the shifter at the front with a bolt-on tab and hooks to the mechanism with a C-clip. We drilled a hole in the floorboard to exit the cable.
Looking at the transmission...
Looking at the transmission from underneath, you can see the cable bracket attached by the transpan bolts and the shift bracket. Both of these items are supplied in the kit.
The cable is carefully directed...
The cable is carefully directed down to the bracket and is bolted into place. The cable is supplied with a special swivel end that hooks to the shift bracket.
Here's the chrome-plated shifter...
Here's the chrome-plated shifter top after it was assembled and ready for Installation.
A small light supplied in...
A small light supplied in the kit is attached to the shifter base as shown. The white wire is directed out and will be hooked to the dash light circuit, and the black wire goes to a ground source.
We measured the distance from...
We measured the distance from the carpet to the top of the shifter and marked that measurement on the base.
Using a three-inch cut-off...
Using a three-inch cut-off wheel we trimmed the plastic base.
The shifter top was installed...
The shifter top was installed and was lined up with the base. The two parts were then lined up with the corresponding holes in the shifter mechanism and secured with four screws.
The finished shifter looks...
The finished shifter looks like it was custom-made just for the car. It looks great and works even better. RC
When we started working on this '57 Chevy, a decision was made to equip it with a Muncie four-speed transmission. Halfway through the project we realized this Chevy was going to be a really nice cruiser with power steering, power brakes, power windows, and air conditioning. All we really needed was an automatic transmission to make it a really comfortable cruiser that anyone could drive.
We decided to remove the four-speed and install a high-performance Turbo 350 automatic transmission from B&M Automotive. We wanted a quick shifting trans that would be able to handle the power and torque from the 400+ horsepower 383 Chevy engine. We selected the street/strip version Turbo 350 with a Holeshot torque converter with a 2,200-2,500 rpm stall speed and a new flex plate externally counterweighted for the 400 crank used in the 383 package. We would also need a transmission oil cooler and a shifter to complete the project. We selected B&M's polished aluminum Supercooler, and a simple-to-install and easy-to-use QuickSilver shifter. In the course of a weekend, we had the entire swap completed and ready for action.
We selected a Turbo 350 trans because the rear mounting position is the same as a four-speed, so the rear crossmember location didn't have to be changed. The four-speed was removed and the Turbo 350 bolted right in. Couldn't be simpler. We'll show you how the complete conversion was done from start to finish.