Quote:
Originally Posted by stevep
I just rebuilt a Slim Jim for a 64 Olds and the guy is going to spend well over 3 grand installed. Do yourself and you car a favor and put a 400 in it.
We rebuild a lot of classic transmissions, but in my opinion converting to a 400 is a selling point.
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Not many shops have the required tools to rebuild a Roto. When you say you rebuilt a Roto for a 64 Olds does that mean you replaced the EIGHT thrust bearings and thrust washers, Check all specifications on all the FORTY springs, check, replace the sprag and roller clutches, Plus the usual neutral clutch plates, front clutch plates. gaskets/"O" rings?
BTW , Just look at the planetary gears in D type HydraMatic, Super HydraMatic, Roto HydraMatic compared to 2004R or 700R4 side by side & only then you will know the latter transmissions are not designed for the HP and weight of a 4,000+ lb. car.
Why does Roto feel like there is a big ratio between 2nd range and 3rd range? It feels this way because in 3rd range the coupling is empty and the trans is in full mechanical connection so... there is no fluid cushion from 2nd and 3rd ranges. If you are careful you can adjust this inconvenience out. Why is there a lazy 3rd to 4th range shift? The fluid coupling drains 3rd range and fills 4th range in 4 tenths of a second. There are ways to speed this up by playing with the valves, playing with the pressure regulator valve and a few other tricks.
BTW, look at the A/SA 1963 Nationals at Indy winner. A 63 426 wedge Plymouth wagon with a 727 Torqueflight against a 62 Catalina. You will notice both cars come out of the whole about even, but when the Catalina gets into 3rd range ( 2nd gear) and is in full mechanical connection it jumps and pulls away from the Plymouth and so on for the win.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jQsd1fZV8k
FYI, HydraMatic, Dual Coupling HydraMatic(, Cadillac calls 315 HydraMatic , Pontiac calls Super HydraMatic, Olds calls Jetaway) and Roto HydraMatic all these transmissions have split torque and in Roto HydraMatic's case it means when the trans is in 4th range ( 3rd Gear) only the coupling only handles 40% of the engine torque and the rest 60% is in mechanical connection. This means all three hydros in high gear are more efficient than T400 or any trans without a lock up torque converter.