[PITTSBURGH 64]

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[Jon Wood]

The Bellhousing & torque convertor should mount without problems, but I don't know how much power the super hydramatic can handle.

[Jon Wood]

Pittsburg, Could you please email me with details on the modifications you make to the tranny when you do it? I will be rebuilding mine this summer.

Thanks

[Floyd Hand]

Pittsburgh,

Are you sure you want to run the four-speed hydro behind your 455? What car is it going in, a Cat.GP or a Starchief or Bonny?

The first gear in the Hydro will be wasted with a 455. The first gear in a Hydro is 3.97, second 255, third 1.55 and forth 1:1. A T-400 has a first of 248, second 1.48 and third 1:1.

Years ago, Hydro-Motive Trans Specialities at 6311 S. kilpatrick Ave. in Chicago built performance Hydros. One model was called a Hydro-Three. They reworked the gearbox so that first gear doesn't function. That would be idea with the 455. You might talk to your builder to see if he can build one like that.

The best approch would be to install a T-400 and save money, parts are easy to find, the T-400 will be better and stronger. These are just my thoughts, its your car, build it to suit you.

[RAJNWDY]

Like you say, the 455 likes low revs with all the bottom end. I'd find a set of 2.56's....63-64 Catalina, and just cruise. I had my 455 in a 74 TA with original 3.08's. it ran fine but seemed to be out of place. I installed a set of 2.41's in the car and it would scratch the tires about 15' and cruise about 2400 at 72 MPH. I got on a good day around 15 MPG with it too if I watched how heavy my foot was...Now that engine is in a 63 Catalina wagon and I'm running 2.56's with a t-400 trans. It just hum's along!!!!