<VV> Gearing

[Sethracer at aol.com]

In a message dated 1/4/2009 1:13:30 PM Pacific Standard Time,  
airvair at earthlink.net writes:

It all  depended on model. The Corvette, for example only had the powerglide
for  its automatic thru '67, even for the big blocks. Then in '68 the 'glide
was  replaced with the turbohydro three-speed automatic.



The Turbo-Hydramatic would not fit into the Stingray frame/floorboards  
(chassis was released in 1962 as a 63), only the PG. The 68 "C3" chassis opened  up 
the area around the trans so the Turbo 400 would fit. 
 
Again, in defense of GM, they pioneered both the "switch-pitch" torque  
converter used in the turbo 400 for some applications and also used in several  
2-speed automatics. The converter ratio change was almost like an  additional 
upshift. My father's 1966 Buick Skylark Gran Sport (Yea,  Dad!) had a two speed 
automatic behind the 401 "nailhead". With all that  torque in an "A" body, it 
really didn't need a transmission at all! I suppose  the 2.70 to 1 rear gearing 
contributed to the highway speeds of the car. I saw  125 mph once. But that 
was back when I was young and stupid. I'm older  now.
 
Seth  Emerson

C's the Day! - Corvair, Camaro, Corvette



**************New year...new news.  Be the first to know what is making 
headlines. (http://www.aol.com/?ncid=emlcntaolcom00000026)