I have a 1982 310 that I just put a new long block in
recently after that my reverse went out
Is it best to rebuild this one or upgrade to a better one? Is there a 4 speed option?
2019 25' Flying Cloud
Hendersonville
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,092
you more than likely have a Turbohydramatic 400 transmission. They have an excellent reputation as a heavy duty trans. Get your current one rebuilt or better yet have a "Jasper" remanufactured unit installed. Jasper is the absolute best. Make sure you get a new Torque Convertor also. Have them flush all the fluid out of the coolant lines including thee trans cooler.
It will be a TH475, the TH400 with straight cut gears.
In terms of 4 speed, avoid the 700R4 unless upgraded, which only leaves the 'E' boxes that require electric controllers, and often trigger a decision to go all electronic, ie fit fuel injection as well as the 4 speed, although Chevy performance do a stand alone 4L85E box and controller.
2019 25' Flying Cloud
Hendersonville
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,092
Overdrive
Great suggestion on the "Gear Vender" overdrive unit. I had totally forgotten about what a really nice substitution when sticking with the original style TH475 and wanting to slow the revs on that 454. Great idea.
For all those who insist Airstream only used the TH475 here is a sheet from the Airstream manual calling it a TH400.
I had mine rebuilt many years ago and this is a list of upgrade parts used. I had the occasion to show this to an old timer at another shop. After looking it over his only comment was, "This guy knows his stuff." Feel free to show it to your trans guy.
I agree 100% on the Gear Vendors overdrive. Cuts down the engine roar big time.
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1983 31' Airstream310
Hillsburgh
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,805
Supposedly my TH475 was rebuilt and hot rodded at an Allison transmission shop. The upside of the venerable 475 is that parts are cheap and they're easily rebuild compared to an Allison.
Cheers
Sidekick Tony
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Have Argosy 28 ft with 454. just received my Gear Vendor OD today. Look forward to installing this week. Looked at 4L80E but needed to add electronics to make it work. 454 very simple, GM HEi,and Edelbrock carb. Starts and runs great.
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