I removed the original 305 and found a 383 stroker with a rebuilt 400 trans with an attached yoke from a pickup truck. I wanted some opinions on keeping the 400 or having my original 350 turbo rebuilt and then attached to the 383. I know if I keep the 400 I need to do some modifications with the yoke and mount and driveshaft. I am just wondering if these mods are worth it. Both engines are sitting in my garage taking up space. Any help would be appreciated.

 

T400 all day long!

 

Installing THM400 will require new crossmember for trans, longer trans oil lines, different yolk, and shorten/shorter driveshaft.
Don't forget speedo gear in keeping speedo calibrated.
Maybe a different shift cable hook-up on/to trans and relocation of speedo cable from firewall hole - around pedal - to further inside the hole, like on the drvr side curve of floor bellhousing, or a longer speedo cable.

 

All true but the T400 is much stronger and will hold up to the 383, worth it all IMO.

 

IMO it depends on the amount of torque you are expecting out of the 383 and the condition of the TH400. Your TH350 is a complete redo, What many people do not understand is that the trans is configured based on its original applications. Not all TH350s are equal. So a mid 70's 305 Th350 would not have as many clutches or planetary gears as a TH350 sitting behind 1970 Lt1 350.

It takes a lot of money to get any TH350 as strong as a stock Th400.

 

Its a lot more hassle and money to install a turbo 400 .Compared to installing a turbo 350 .And a Turbo 350 can usually do the job behind a small block.

 

I appreciate the replies. I am more inclined to use the 350 because I want the car on the road sooner than later but I'm still trying to educate myself.

 

No reason not to throw the th350 at it, the worst that can happen is it will break but unless you have a strong posi rear and good meaty tires in the back you are not putting down all that torque anyway. Until you get tracking the trans does not need to be strong. I have a friend that has a hot rod with a 383 in it and he had a built Th350. Never had an issue, He was the burn out king. They he got a custom 4 link and a 9 inch ford rear with 4:10 and a huge set of street tire. Trans sheared the main shaft on its first pass at the track.