Not sure I was clear on my reply. The manual valve body is usually used for racing, but they work well on the street also. My reply was more about the whole package you have planned. These large cubic inch, high HP engines are not something you install and forget about. They will take occasional tuning to keep them running well, and may not be too good on a strictly street car.

 

Ok, I understand what you mean. What continuous tuning and maintenance does a 572 engines require? I did not get into that detail with the engine builder yet. That was my next topic but once you mentioned, it is good to talk about it.

I was going to maintain the 572 engine same as a 454 (as per my Hanes automotive repair manual routine maintenance intervals). ie engine oil change/filter, spark gap, coolant check, drive belts tension, idle speed check, air filter etc etc

May I ask you to come up with a list the tasks and maintenance required to maintain correct operation of these type of engines? And any special test equipment and skills required? Thank you

 

Some of what you'll be doing will be the same as you would do on any standard stock engine, as far as maintenance goes. But these high HP engines just require more attention when driven mostly street. Often they will load up from running at lower rpm ranges that they weren't designed to run so often at. Spark plugs can foul, and you may find yourself fiddling with jets and carb settings more often than you would a lower HP 454 version.
I really can't make a list of things that might need addressing later, as it's never the same thing that might act up.

 

Hello. Understand you perfectly and make sense. Regarding the manual valve body, you said that it could be used as well in street. In your past experience, which one gives you fun for street? TH400 Automatic or TH400 with manual valve body?

If you have a manual valve body, when you shift from first to second and second to third, do you need to reduce the engine rpm same as you do on a manual gearbox ie: lift off the gas pedal until you shift the gear? And if you want to accelerate and need to change to a lower gear, you have to do the same thing? Can you explain please? Thank you.

 

You do not need to let off the gas when you shift, regardless of up or down. It shifts just like a regular automatic, except you choose when to select the next gear. I prefer the manual shift automatic myself.

 

I have a manual valve body in my TH350. Put it in first, stomp on the gas, and upshift it wherever you want. The trans doesn't shift until you do it. You also have to manually downshift, as whatever gear you have it in is what it stays in. Accidentally leave it in 3rd at the stop light, and it's still in 3rd when the light turns green. Basically, it's like a manual trans without the clutch pedal, only different.

 

I have a 468 blown big block in my 74. Puts out just over 900hp. It has subframe connectors, better springs and shocks front and rear, no cage, TH400 trans with manual valve body. I don't have any handling problems or body twist, then again, I don't put big a$$ slicks on it and drag race it. Strictly street fun. You can see here the room with that BBC installed.

 

Wow guys, thanks for your feedback. The manual valve body looks interesting for me. I will go for it. Is there any special maintenance/adjustments required over time on these type of G/boxes? Where is the correct location to install the oil cooler? And what pipe diameter should be used? What is the operating temperature of these G/boxes?

Hey nikogto, well done on your engine what a beast.... What rear end you have and what gear ratio if may I ask?
Thanks all

 

Not sure what my trans fluid temps are, they were too hot this past summer because it would come out the vent tube so I added and external trans cooler and mounted it just in front of my radiator. I use both now, goes into the radiator cooler, out of cooler into external cooler than back to trans. Have'nt had an overheat problem since. Only real maintenance is keeping fluid clean by changing it out when needed. I have the stock rear housing with an auburn 4:11 gear.

 

Hi, yes a cooler will help a lot. There are coolers with integral fan to help out better cooling effect. You are using 4.11 gears so you must have big tyres at the rear? How is the car being used? For drag or street?