It wont last. I know there are many who will point to the fact that some pretty powerful grand nationals ran them. Those cars didnt have the torque our cars do. If you want an overdrive trans that will last you'll have to get into a 4L80e. Can be done with manual valve body or if you want auto shifting the computers can be had now for around $500. A stock 4L80 can probably handle 5-600 hp. Know a lot of guys with muscle cars that literally bolted them in straight from the donor van. At our HP levels though you may need stronger components. That begins to add up....with the torque converter, trans itself, adapter plate, shortening the driveshaft, etc.
Again, bolting in a stock unit is the least expensive way to go, and you might get away with $1200-$1500 for the conversion by keeping your eyes open for a deal. If you want a stoutly built unit with a real converter you are looking more like $3000-$3500 for everything. That would probably handle you to 8-900 hp. If you want a trans capable of handling 1200-1500hp, you'll have to get all the best from converter on down and it'll probably run $5000 by the time you are said and done.
Nice thing is with the computer you can make custom programs for cruising, or racing, etc. These will handle lockup points, shift points in relation to throttle position, etc. Beautiful stuff. Dont let ANYONE tell you that a lockup converter is not an option for a high HP unit. Used to be that way, but nowadays its not so. In addition, you can get paddle shifters if you want......even with use of the computer. Talk to Jake Shoe on here. He's an expert with these things and has even designed the best trans brake for these things available. He's also capable of building a unit that will give you compression braking...........so if you downshift it will pull the car down........like a manual trans would. He's the man.
Another option would be a Gear Vendors over/underdrive. Lots of race and rod cars have them, and they can be made to handle 2000 hp if you talk to them ahead of time. I think they turn up the pressure when manufacturing the casings for those units. To me though at almost $2800 (and you still need to shorten the driveshaft) I'd rather have the computer controlled and programmable 4L80e for a bit more. A used Gear Vendors can be had for beteen $1000-$2000.....depending on how good you are at searching. Be careful though, there are older less capable units out there. You want the recent types. You also want all the components it comes with for YOUR application. Theres a little computer with these too, and some people have old garbage without everything................so buyer beware.
Good luck!
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