[chuckies76ta]

Another thing worth mentioning is use Ford type F fluid. Different manufacturers make it.
https://www.napacanada.com/en/p/CAS0175842

[mgarblik]

If you like doing mechanical work and have a little transmission experience, I would do the rebuild yourself. Overhauling a turbo 400 as your very first automatic transmission experience could be a little intimidating IMO. But the nice thing is a turbo 400 is very straightforward and requires a minimum of tools beyond normal hand tools and snap ring pliers. As far as cost, using ATI, a well respected large manufacturer, the $2500.00 price quote is on the high side from an unknown independent. ATI has on their web site a complete 400 turbo ready to ship with upgrades rated to 600 HP for $2000.00. This does not include a converter. But they have been in business for decades and have a great reputation. FWIW.

[ta man]

Originally Posted by chuckies76ta

Another thing worth mentioning is use Ford type F fluid. Different manufacturers make it.
https://www.napacanada.com/en/p/CAS0175842

My trans builder told me to not use type F anymore. He says it can cause hot spots on the clutch discs.
A good transmission builder will show you any damage in a trans also show you or detail the mods made. I just had a th 350 rebuilt for my car and he didn't blink an eye when I told him how much power my car makes and how much it weighs. All he said was "Them Pontiacs make torque..what gear"? 308's for years..into the 10's ..I told him 373's now ..he said your trans will say thank you for years. .He went over his mods and parts with me..explained the benefits on the new part- synthetic trans fluid that doesn't break down..told me to bring the trans back in 2 years even if it feels good to check out..Meanwhile smoking a big fat cigar all the time..
These guys are worth the extra cash just for their experience and time..35 years experience plus he is a drag racer..its worth extra just for his time and his hands on the trans.

But for the do it self guys..go for it..it is just a learning curve , especially with a tough th400 and not a baby th350 like mine.

[chuckies76ta]

Originally Posted by ta man

My trans builder told me to not use type F anymore. He says it can cause hot spots on the clutch discs.
A good transmission builder will show you any damage in a trans also show you or detail the mods made. I just had a th 350 rebuilt for my car and he didn't blink an eye when I told him how much power my car makes and how much it weighs. All he said was "Them Pontiacs make torque..what gear"? 308's for years..into the 10's ..I told him 373's now ..he said your trans will say thank you for years. .He went over his mods and parts with me..explained the benefits on the new part- synthetic trans fluid that doesn't break down..told me to bring the trans back in 2 years even if it feels good to check out..Meanwhile smoking a big fat cigar all the time..
These guys are worth the extra cash just for their experience and time..35 years experience plus he is a drag racer..its worth extra just for his time and his hands on the trans.

But for the do it self guys..go for it..it is just a learning curve , especially with a tough th400 and not a baby th350 like mine.

Thanks for posting the info. I'll have to do some more reading. I did the th400 rebuid myself that is in the car right now and so far so good. I have seen the hot spots on the clutches. So I'm wondering on brand specific synthetic oil that your builder recommends? I'm thinking GM dexron 6.

Thanks again.

[78w72]

Originally Posted by chuckies76ta

Thanks for posting the info. I'll have to do some more reading. I did the th400 rebuid myself that is in the car right now and so far so good. I have seen the hot spots on the clutches. So I'm wondering on brand specific synthetic oil that your builder recommends? I'm thinking GM dexron 6.

Thanks again.

synthetic ATF is available from many brands that are compatible with dex3 & 6 for TH transmissions & many others... most are considered more of a universal ATF. the best priced one that is a high quality 100% synthetic fluid is valvoline maxlife, i use it in my TCI th400 with excellent results as well as my toyota 4runner with a 5 speed, its rated for toyota WS fluid & many many other types.

other popular options like amsoil, mobil1 & higher end brands will work good too. even the supertech synthetic or conventional ATF is good stuff. another option is B&M trick shift & TCI ATF, ive heard the B&M is a mix of type F & dex3 ??

[Sirrotica]

This statement came from a speedshop owner, Valvoline dealer, that also was a dealer for B&M.

"The Trick Shift is just Type F ATF packaged by a refiner for B&M."

That was in the early 70s, it could have changed since then.....

I always used type F in all my Pontiac hot rods. I never had any complaints, or problems using it. The viscosity of type F is higher than dexron, so it improves the hydraulic function in the transmission, firmer, more positive shifts.

On Jake's site, he used to not recommend using synthetic fluid, not sure if that is still up on his site, or not. He wasn't specific why he didn't recommend it though.

I was told that no matter who made, say dexron, it all was made to certain specs by GM, I assume type F was the same as. It had to meet the manufacturers spec to be called dexron, so that the label of the refiner wasn't any different than another refiner, same quality no mater who refined, and blended it.

From Jake's FAQs:

What type of fluid should be used?

In most applications, regular Dexron III type fluid is fine. Dexron VI or synthetic is also fine but not necessary. In some very harsh conditions, the use of tractor transmission/hydraulic fluid can help fluid and clutch life. This fluid is clear and harder to see on the dipstick. It is equivalent to Caterpillar TO-4 fluid and is available in different viscosities. We recommend using the low viscosity if you decide to use it unless you are trying to use it to tighten up the converter stall slightly. We do not feel Type F fluid is up to modern specs but it will not harm anything to use it.

[Scott65]

Originally Posted by chuckies76ta

Thanks for posting the info. I'll have to do some more reading. I did the th400 rebuid myself that is in the car right now and so far so good. I have seen the hot spots on the clutches. So I'm wondering on brand specific synthetic oil that your builder recommends? I'm thinking GM dexron 6.

Thanks again.

Take a look at the Caterpillar TO-4 spec oils, as well as Hyguard. They offer better/heavier viscosity than regular ATF.
At the recommendation of the converter manufacturer, I use Cat TO-4 30wt in my TH400, and have for years now.

[ta man]

Originally Posted by chuckies76ta

Thanks for posting the info. I'll have to do some more reading. I did the th400 rebuid myself that is in the car right now and so far so good. I have seen the hot spots on the clutches. So I'm wondering on brand specific synthetic oil that your builder recommends? I'm thinking GM dexron 6.

Thanks again.

Red Max Life Valvoline

Please note..it is one of his recommendations..he likes the higher heat the synthetic can take before break down, he loves temp gauges, regular fluid changes, tossed out the restrictive "Mopar filter" that came with the B&M deeppan and added his own custom screen filter.

[FrankieT/A]

Back in the day the two big modifications to the TH400 were a "Bullet proof" sprag and a Cadillac clutch pack due to its increased clutch capacity. Now of course that has changed, our cars have more horsepower today.

As for fluid, B&M always recommended Type F fluid (Before they marketed their own) because of the Ford friction modifiers. I have used Type F since the seventies in all my automatics(3 speeds) and have never had a problem. I have never used a synthetic in any of my traditional automatics as of today so I can't speak about that. I do question the reaction of synthetics on older clutch lining material since that's about the only fluid available today as well as being more leak prone. Trans fluid is always supposed be backwards compatible but I don't know if they considered technology that old. JMHO