The Turbo 350, also known as the TH350, is a legendary automatic transmission that found its way into countless muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s․ It’s a simple, rugged design, and with the right upgrades, it can handle serious horsepower and torque․ But even the toughest transmissions need a rebuild eventually, especially when pushed to their limits․
Why Rebuild a Turbo 350?
Here’s why rebuilding your Turbo 350 is essential for high-performance muscle cars⁚
- Increased Power Handling⁚ A stock Turbo 350 can handle a decent amount of power, but modern muscle cars often make significantly more․ A rebuild allows you to strengthen the transmission’s internals and increase its power handling capabilities․
- Improved Reliability⁚ Over time, parts wear down, leading to slipping, harsh shifting, and potential catastrophic failure․ A rebuild replaces worn components with fresh ones, enhancing reliability and extending the transmission’s life․
- Enhanced Performance⁚ Upgraded components like high-performance clutches, valve body modifications, and shift kits can significantly improve shift times and overall performance․
Essential Turbo 350 Rebuild Components
Here are some key components to focus on during a Turbo 350 rebuild for high-performance applications⁚
- Clutch Packs⁚ Replace the friction and steel plates in the clutch packs with high-performance units for improved grip and durability․ Consider using Kevlar-based clutches for even greater strength․
- Valve Body⁚ The valve body controls shift timing and line pressure․ A modified valve body, along with a shift kit, can provide faster, firmer shifts and increased line pressure for better power handling․
- Input Shaft⁚ A heavy-duty input shaft can withstand the increased torque output of high-performance engines․
- Planetary Gearset⁚ Consider upgrading to a stronger planetary gearset, especially if your engine produces significant torque․
- Seals and Gaskets⁚ Replace all worn seals and gaskets with new ones to prevent leaks and ensure proper lubrication․
Professional vs․ DIY Turbo 350 Rebuild
While rebuilding a Turbo 350 transmission is a relatively straightforward process, it requires specialized tools and knowledge․ If you’re comfortable working on your own car and have experience with transmissions, you might consider a DIY rebuild․ However, if you lack the necessary experience or tools, it’s highly recommended to entrust the task to a professional transmission shop․ A qualified mechanic can ensure the rebuild is done correctly, preventing any potential issues down the line․
Conclusion
Rebuilding a Turbo 350 transmission is a vital step in maximizing the performance and reliability of your high-performance muscle car․ By upgrading key components and using proper techniques, you can unleash the full potential of this legendary transmission and enjoy worry-free performance for years to come․