TH400 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

rmcbee · 03-16-2019, 11:58 AM

I noticed on YouTube a number people who have gen 5 Camaro’s, including a few ZL1s, who drag race their cars swap in a TH400 at some point. What’s the reason?

Sinister10 · 03-16-2019, 01:17 PM

TH400 is a strong trans. imo, only second to the powerglide.

The TH400 was a factory installed trans in most, if not all, Big block muscle cars in the GM lineup.

rmcbee · 03-16-2019, 04:20 PM

Would you lose the backup camera?

rmcbee · 03-18-2019, 05:25 AM

Has anyone here with a ZL1 swapped in a TH400 and what are the lessons learned, because I'm thinking of doing it.

AJensen383 · 03-18-2019, 08:37 AM

The TH400 is one of the best and most robust trannys you can get, they can handle tons of power, but unless you are hardcore racing it, I don't see a benefit to doing the swap.

TH400 is a 3 speed no OD...2.48 1st gear... coupled with an automatic std rear gear of 3.23 it would kinda suck off the line to get 4500lbs moving.

What are your plans for the car that you would want to do the swap?

rmcbee · 03-18-2019, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJensen383

The TH400 is one of the best and most robust trannys you can get, they can handle tons of power, but unless you are hardcore racing it, I don't see a benefit to doing the swap.

TH400 is a 3 speed no OD...2.48 1st gear... coupled with an automatic std rear gear of 3.23 it would kinda suck off the line to get 4500lbs moving.

What are your plans for the car that you would want to do the swap?

No real plan just thought it might be fun and of course I was looking at maybe also swapping in a 9” with a 4.56 gear. Thanks for the input. There is always something to think about and that was a help.

DSMer1 · 03-18-2019, 10:25 AM

If you want a th400 but don't want to give up much drivability for a true street car you can consider a 4L80.
The 4L80 is a excellent compromise offering excellent durability once built and a .75 overdrive 4th gear

ZED SLED · 03-18-2019, 10:27 AM

Saw an episode about 6 months ago I think on one of the Power Nation shows where they showed how to take the best features and parts from a TH400 and a 4L60E and make the ultimate transmission. Looked interesting.

G Money · 03-20-2019, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmcbee

Has anyone here with a ZL1 swapped in a TH400 and what are the lessons learned, because I'm thinking of doing it.

I have swapped to the TH400 and have zero regrets. However if you are going to drive the car on the road much your going to want to go with a GVO or some other transmission with 4 gears. Cant really drive on the Interstate with the gear ratios very long with the TH400. However if your goal is for the strip 1/4 or 1/2 mile its definitely the way to go imho. Also no need for a 9 inch Ford diff. The 9.9 ZL1 diff is just about indestructible. 3.23 or the 3.73 I use both depending on what I'm racing.... Hope this helps

Vegas Bound · 03-20-2019, 02:16 PM

I have a 4L80. Best mod yet on the car. But NO WOT in OD, sprag will go bye bye.

rmcbee · 03-21-2019, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G Money

I have swapped to the TH400 and have zero regrets. However if you are going to drive the car on the road much your going to want to go with a GVO or some other transmission with 4 gears. Cant really drive on the Interstate with the gear ratios very long with the TH400. However if your goal is for the strip 1/4 or 1/2 mile its definitely the way to go imho. Also no need for a 9 inch Ford diff. The 9.9 ZL1 diff is just about indestructible. 3.23 or the 3.73 I use both depending on what I'm racing.... Hope this helps

So I'm assuming you swapped the TH400 into your 2013 ZL1, which is what I have? Did you lose the backup lights and camera? How did you adjust the speedometer? I plan on going with a reverse manual valve body. After the do the swap I have to drive 70 miles home on the interstate, otherwise I just drive around town to get coffee. Thoughts? Thanks.

G Money · 03-22-2019, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmcbee

So I'm assuming you swapped the TH400 into your 2013 ZL1, which is what I have? Did you lose the backup lights and camera? How did you adjust the speedometer? I plan on going with a reverse manual valve body. After the do the swap I have to drive 70 miles home on the interstate, otherwise I just drive around town to get coffee. Thoughts? Thanks.

PM'd you …..

03-16-2019, 11:58 AM	#1
rmcbee Drives: 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Gulfport, MS Posts: 250	TH400 I noticed on YouTube a number people who have gen 5 Camaro’s, including a few ZL1s, who drag race their cars swap in a TH400 at some point. What’s the reason?

03-16-2019, 01:17 PM	#2
Sinister10 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Indiana Posts: 543	TH400 is a strong trans. imo, only second to the powerglide. The TH400 was a factory installed trans in most, if not all, Big block muscle cars in the GM lineup. __________________ 2010 2SS/RS 6M, MGW flatstick, CAI cold air intake, SLP loudmouth 2 axleback, TSP 1 7/8 headers w/ hfc, pfadt 1" springs, SRP pedals, emblempros "6.2L" emblems on hood, ZL1 grill, M/T SC-5 wheels, nitto motivo 275f 315r. ZL1 addons wickerbill, smoked lenses, resonator delete x pipe, diode dynamics DRLs 1LE suede steering wheel, mighty mouse CC. SCTX4 and Dyno Steve tune.

03-18-2019, 08:37 AM	#5
AJensen383 Drives: 2014-ZL1-M6-CRT, 68 camaro SS 496 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: N.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 262	The TH400 is one of the best and most robust trannys you can get, they can handle tons of power, but unless you are hardcore racing it, I don't see a benefit to doing the swap. TH400 is a 3 speed no OD...2.48 1st gear... coupled with an automatic std rear gear of 3.23 it would kinda suck off the line to get 4500lbs moving. What are your plans for the car that you would want to do the swap? __________________ 2014- Crystal Red-ZL1 #1601, M6, Recaro, sunroof, Nav-stock-SOLD 1968 Camaro SS Clone- 496 BBC, Legend 5speed, 12 bolt 1970 Nova SS- 383 SBC 588hp, 200-4r, 12 bolt

03-18-2019, 10:25 AM	#7
DSMer1 Drives: 14 and 15 SS's Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Posts: 387	If you want a th400 but don't want to give up much drivability for a true street car you can consider a 4L80. The 4L80 is a excellent compromise offering excellent durability once built and a .75 overdrive 4th gear __________________ Bolt-ons!

03-18-2019, 10:27 AM	#8
ZED SLED Drives: 2017 Mosaic Bk ZL1 M6 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South of Raleigh, NC Posts: 9,477 View My Garage	Saw an episode about 6 months ago I think on one of the Power Nation shows where they showed how to take the best features and parts from a TH400 and a 4L60E and make the ultimate transmission. Looked interesting. __________________

03-16-2019, 04:20 PM	#3
rmcbee Drives: 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Gulfport, MS Posts: 250	Would you lose the backup camera?

03-18-2019, 05:25 AM	#4
rmcbee Drives: 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Gulfport, MS Posts: 250	Has anyone here with a ZL1 swapped in a TH400 and what are the lessons learned, because I'm thinking of doing it.

03-20-2019, 02:16 PM	#10
Vegas Bound Account Suspended Drives: 2013 Sparkly Red One Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Hospitality State Posts: 2,558	I have a 4L80. Best mod yet on the car. But NO WOT in OD, sprag will go bye bye.