General Motors has produced a myriad of versions of its fabled automatic transmissions over the years, although three models make up the bulk of pre-ECM GM slushboxes; the. Another long-standing driver complaint would be "flare" when trying to get a "3-2" downshift when going around a corner, which usually resulted in a neck-snapping jolt upon band application. 1993 and Newer (4L60E), 1980-1991 (AOD) It functions correctly. Even its successor, the Controlled-Coupling Hydramatic was reviled by shop mechanics having to remove or reinstall such a unit, as they, too, were quite heavy when compared to other contemporary units. The part codes that may be evident include the M33, M38 & M39 and these codes were for the conventional TH350. The 4L65-E features five-pinion gearsets, heat-treated stator shaft splines, induction-hardened turbine shaft, and seven-plate 3.4 clutch. $492.00. These bearings can be used at the front planetary pinion carrier as well as the rear planetary ring gear. following: Transmission shifting should be smooth and exhibit normal application (no delays, abrupt engagement, drag, or slide). All rights reserved. Poor Acceleration / Engine Labors Yet Vehicle Does Not Accelerate Well -- If the vehicle has poor acceleration, yet the engine runs well, perform a torque convertor stall test. Pre-67 Example: C213N (C = Cleveland Powerglide, February 13, Night Shift) The staff has been amazing to work with and takes care of their customers better than any other company I have ever dealt with. Fluid level should be at correct range hot, be free of bubbles on the dip stick, and not be excessively dark, watery or appear Always begin ALL transmission diagnosis with the following initial steps: Transmission fluid, the life blood of any transmission, should be checked for proper level, but also evaluated for condition. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Oldsmobile was chosen to introduce the Hydra-Matic for two reasons: economies of scaleOldsmobile produced more cars than Cadillac and Buick at the time, thus providing a better test baseand to protect the reputation of Cadillac and Buick in case of a market failure of the new transmission. Transmissions have RPO numbers, usually beginning with "M". In Argentina, the Turbo Hydra-Matic was available on some models of the 1969-1978 Chevrolet "Chevy," essentially the 1968 U.S. Nova, but was marketed as the "Chevromatic.". In the early 90s, GM rebranded all of its transmissions. Transmissions with a suffix of "C" on the end of the type (THM200C) indicate the transmission has a lock up torque converter. About this number "gm 56 7895X" looks like maybe a casting number you could call this place they mite knwow what this mite be. The transmission underwent little change, the major difference was a switch from cast iron to an aluminum casting in 1963. Oil cooler attached to right side of transmission. The Turbo 350 quickly became known for its strength, versatility, and compactness. So, whether you are heading out to check out a "For Sale" ad that could be your next project or trying to make heads or tails of a junkyard find, the following charts can be useful guides when it comes to GM transmission identification. GM Transmissions: GM Power Glide 2 Speed Transmission. It is identified easiest by its 375-THM designation cast in the underside of the tail housing. And if the number of bolts is around 13, then it means the unit is either a TH350 or TH400. It's easy! Automatic transmission types are generally identified by their pan shape. Realativly new to antique auto parts and still learning alot. The fluid pan shape is irregular, being likened to distorted Texas state borders. If all looks good, try another modulator. This slippage quickly diminished as engine RPM increased. Standard ratios for the original Hydra-Matic were 3.82:1, 2.63:1, 1.45:1, and 1.00:1 in automotive applications, and 4.08:1, 2.63:1, 1.55:1, and 1.00:1 in light truck and other commercial applications. Despite some early problems, it was reliable and so rugged it was widely used in drag racing during the 1960s. transmission should be expected to shift out of 1stat about 15 MPH, and accelerate normally above 35 MPH. (Standard and Dual Range). Parts: 330-434-0104 A mechanically robust transmission, it was used in other General Motors vehicles as well. Cadillac, under Thompson, began working on a 'shiftless' transmission in 1932, and a new department within Cadillac Engineering was created, headed by Thompson and including engineers Ernest Seaholm, Ed Cole, Owen Nacker, and Oliver Kelley. At higher speeds, the rear pump provided all the oil volume that was needed to operate the transmission and the front pump's slide was nearly centered, causing that pump to produce little output. Visit www.chevroletperformance.com/emissions for more details. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. A massive fire that destroyed GM's Hydra-Matic plant in Livonia, Michigan on August 12, 1953, left the corporation and the three divisions that used this transmission scrambling for other sources of automatic transmissions to complete that year's model year production. Cast-iron Hydra-Matic production ceased at Willow Run after the 1962 model year, and Controlled-Coupling Hydramatic ceased in early 1964, allowing retooling time for the Turbo Hydra-Matic 400, which debuted in the 1964 Cadillac models in mid-year, with Pontiac Division's Star Chief and Bonneville models being the last to use the Controlled-Coupling Hydramatic (Model HM315) of any GM car. - Date Casting Codes And using this transmission comes with an advantage since many car enthusiasts believe that out of all GM transmissions, it is the budget high-performance automatic ride. The first-generation Hydramatic (not the Controlled-Coupling version that succeeded it in 1956) did not have a separate park position as found in modern automatic transmissions. Upon shifting to third, the forward gear assembly went back into reduction, and the rear gear assembly locked. A plugged vacuum manifold port may also cause the issue. it. line. CHEVROLET PERFORMANCE TRANSMISSION (PART-ONLY), Designed, engineered, and tested to stringent Chevrolet specifications, Installation Kit included for ease of installation, Packaged solution with conveniently matched engine, transmission, torque converter, and transmission controller to fit your customized needs, Simplified part-sourcing process, eliminating the need to independently source compatible components, Factory tuned and calibrated to fit your unique application, Eligible for $500, $750, or $1,000 mail-inrebate See Rebate website for details. 1962-1973. Sign up for a new account in our community. Leaking booster. Hydra-matic transmission identification. This number will contain a division identification number, the model year, and the assembly plant and production sequence (last six digits) of the vehicle identification number (VIN) stamped onto the transmission. A zealous car geek since birth, he digs lead sleds, curvy fiberglass, kustoms and street rods. It is an upgrade to the 3-speed TH350 automatic transmission and older models of rear-wheel-drive cars. Also, if the modulator is leaking fluid at the vacuum port, replace Trust us to steer you in the right direction, when you choose to DIY. This measurement should be taken from the front and from where it bolts to the back of the engine to the transmissions end that links the tailshaft housing. NOTE: This was the "original" Controlled-Coupling Hydra-Matic was substantially smoother than the original Hydra-Matic, but also more complex and expensive to produce, just as efficient as the original HydraMatic because all HydraMatic transmissions, including Roto Hydra-Matic and Tempest Torque, use the split-torque design. Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Chevy Hardcore, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE! GearStar Performance Transmission Members; 834 Share; Posted February 25, 2018. The car would then start to move unless the transmission lever had been left in N, neutral. It can be identified by "375-THM" cast into the tailhousing. The first Oldsmobiles so equipped were shipped in October 1939 in the Oldsmobile Series 60 and the Oldsmobile Series 70. Transmission fluid that has come from an overheated transmission isn't generally red; it will appear dark brown or black as a result of being exposed to high temperatures. Are the other numbers date of assembly or something? The rear unit ring gear hub had a small gear machined on its end which served as the reverse unit sun gear. GM Turbo 350 and 350C (TH350 Transmission) 3 Speed Transmission. Post in the forum instead. Turbo 400 transmissions were partial VIN stamped either above the pan rail on the drivers side (very difficult to see with the exhaust system installed) or on the drivers side of the bell housing as indicated in the picture. The GM Hydra-Matic was a success and installed in the majority of GM models by 1950. Copyright 2023, Antique Automobile Club of America. When introduced in upper-level Chevrolet models in 1950, the Powerglide represented the first automatic transmission offered by the Big Three. 2004, 2005, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 Charlie Tranny. The TH350 transmission is 21-3/4 long and its body is made of aluminum alloy. The Powerglide was Chevrolets main automatic transmission through the mid-1970s. There is no difference other than the name. The Turbo 350 transmission was prevalent in nearly all GM, rear-wheel-drive cars and trucks through 1984. Internal inspection and repair may be necessary. The quickest way to identify one of these units in a vehicle is by the square 16-bolt oil pan. pinpointed. A = Jan, B = Feb, C = Mar, D = Apr, E = May, H = Jun, K = Jul, M = Aug, P = Sep, R = Oct, S = Nov, T = Dec. Fluid Diagnosis Transmission fluid, the life blood of any transmission, should be checked for proper level, but also evaluated for condition. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This greatly reduced slippage, which was audible by the substantial reduction that occurred in the engine RPM when the shift occurred. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The governor and speedometer drive are both located on the driver's side of the . Note partial VIN stamped at the bottom. Classic car restoration is not a new hobby, and the older the project car, the more likely it is that someone has installed a different transmission at some point along the way. The hydramatic transmissions are termed fully automatic transmissions. THM200 - Light duty, "metric" 3 speed transmission. Prior to 1967, transmission ID numbers contained the plant prefix code, month and date of production (expressed numerically) and a shift code (D = Day, N = Night). Identifying a Powerglide is a matter of locating the source code on the transmission block and decoding it to find the units year of manufacture and of course, the 13 bolt holes on the pan. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The original Hydra-Matic continued to be used in light trucks and other commercial vehicles until 1962. Shutting off the engine caused the transmission oil pressure to rapidly dissipate. Despite the name, the Turbo-Hydramatic has no mechanical or design related to the original Hydra-Matic, or the Controlled-Coupling Hydramatic. The program aims to guide you every step of the way. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Advertising proclaimed it "the greatest advance since the self-starter.". The fluid should not exhibit the manual lever to low. Will Not Move Any Gear If it will not move in any gear, then a major failure may have occurred. Due to the manner in which the rear gear assembly was arranged, the coupling went from handling 100 percent of the engine torque to about 40 percent, with the balance being handled solely by the gear train. Found on 76 through 84 models. Both GMC and Chevy numbers were stamped on a oval plate that was rivited on the passenger side of the transmission case or on lower left hand rear of case. Lets take a brief look at the backstory and origins of each transmission, and how you can visually identify them as well as locate ID tags and identification numbers. The Hydra-Matic paved the way for widespread acceptance of automatic shifting. Tags: Hydramatic , 1949 , 1955 , Cadillac Shift the This includes the model, series, engine type, engine displacement, and even the type of carburetor that were originally installed on your car or truck. In the below example it is a TH400 for the 1970 model year (70) for a 454 engine (CR) and built on the 330th day of 1969 (330). Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. This includes but is not limited to Ford, Chevrolet, General Motors, Dodge, Mopar, or any other trademarked or copywritten content. TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION 55-B-tool 55-A-1001 55-CE-tool 6267SX ldorado and all dual car buretor engines. Click here for Although they are no longer offered on new vehicles, rebuilt and aftermarket versions are still available for each of these models. Typical Turbo 350 fluid pan. Close this window to stay here or choose another country to see vehicles and services specific to your location. When repairing or restoring your Chevrolet car or truck, identifying the transmission youre running is a key element to avoid the automotive version of quicksand. The transmission identification number or source serial number (chassis VIN) is usually located close to the transmission code. Hydramatic Front Band. Powerglide transmissions were cast with the word Powerglide along the body, Assembly Date Code Stamping can be stamped anywhere, Chassis VIN Number stamping or source serial number- beginning in 1962. The constants in decoding the trans ID number are the date the transmission was produced. (AODE & 4R70W). 2. You can then lower the car onto the stands. As a result, Oldsmobiles and Cadillacs during the downtime were assembled with Buick's Dynaflow transmission, while Pontiacs used Chevrolet's Powerglide, both two-speed torque-converter units. 1946-1951 Hydramatic Rear Band. Therefore, work with us lets show you all you need to know about this unit. Hydramatic. (C: Chevrolet, D: 327, 68: 1968, 315953: sequential production number), Serial number stamped on the case, above the oil pan, driver side: Click here to go to parts identification page, Hydramatic parts I have The output shaft was machined onto the rear unit and reverse unit planet carriers. turns. The Turbo 400 was GMs heavy-duty three-speed transmission used from 1964 to 1990. Super-tuning the TH350 transmission involves modifying the stock transmission to ensure it is suited for street or strip use. There is no leaking coming from the front seals, rear sears or oil pan. The Roto was adopted for all Oldsmobiles as well as Pontiac's full-sized Catalina, Ventura, and Grand Prix models, while all Cadillacs and Pontiac's Bonneville and Star Chief models retained the older four-speed Controlled-Coupling Hydra-Matic unit. The TH350 transmission is a three-speed automatic transmission launched by General Motors in vehicles from 1968. (Please note that GM later used the CD-68-315953 A 3-speed light-duty version of the Turbo Hydra-Matic, called the Turbo-Hydramatic 180 was produced by GM's Hydra-Matic division from 1981 to 1998 for use in a wide variety of small cars and trucks. The driver had to shut off the engine and then place the transmission in reverse in order to lock the driveline to prevent the car from moving. Here is a list of steps that will help you to identify the TH350 transmission: Adjust the wheel chocks at the back of the tires to ensure that the vehicle is firmly rooted to the ground. Its case is essentially smooth. This transmission is mostly stationed at the rear-wheel of cars hence, its location may be the same in yours. [2] THM250 - Used in small 4 cylinder cars (Vega, Sunbird, Monza) from 1973 to 1981 and some Nova/Camaro/Chevelle 6 cylinders in 1974 & 75. Prior to 1967, transmission ID numbers contained the plant prefix code, month and date of production (expressed numerically), and a shift code (D = Day, N = Night). (In this way, it was less sophisticated than the 1924 Vulcan (Vulcan-Werke Hamburg und Stettin) prototype, which had a torque converter. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. In the early 1950s various manufacturers without the resources to develop a proprietary automatic transmission bought Hydra-Matics from GM. Summershandy. Chevy Automatic Transmission Description & Usage Generally, gear or buzzing sounds may be caused by transmission gear failure or air in hydraulics, cooler line contact with body or frame, exhaust contacting body or At the time, synchronized gear shifting was still a novelty (and confined to higher gears in most cases), and shifting a manual gearbox required more effort than most drivers cared to exert. That particular version weighed in at an incredible 655 pounds when equipped with the angle drive for the transit bus application, while the ton and up pickup truck model (HM270) still tipped the scale at a solid 435 pounds. Use your jack to lift the vehicle slightly while also ensuring that the jack sits securely beneath the frame rails. Generally used in straight and V6 and small block engines. That is, the input torus of the fluid coupling ran at a slower speed than the engine, due to the reduction of the forward gear assembly. 60 is the strength rating (less than the 4L80). In 1974, the two-speed box then went to the great scrap heap in the sky. A third variant was the light-duty rear wheel drive Turbo-Hydramatic 180 used in many European models. THM375B - This trans is identical to the THM350, but is considered a heavier duty transmission. On the THM700-R4 the VIN is either stamped onto a boss behind the bellhousing flange on the passenger side, just above the pan on the drivers side, or just behind the governor cover, stamped vertically where the case meets the tailshaft housing. Mail-in rebate offer not available with other offers. Please click Accept Cookies to continue to use the site. The Roto is a four range three speed unit. Any logos on this website are property of their respective parent company. This setup will enable the transmission to send more power to the wheels, which could also increase durability. Generally will also have burnt fluid. listed for sale, Copyright 2003, Accurate coordination of these components was difficult to achieve, even in new transmissions. This number will contain division ID #, model year, assembly plant and production sequence (last 6 digits) of the VIN stamped onto the transmission. The all cast-iron Hydramatic was the heaviest automatic transmission ever produced for automobiles. Shipping and handling. The 1956 through 1962 Corvettes only used the aluminum versions. By improvement, you can expect enhanced shift timing. 1956-1964 4 speed Controlled coupling HydraMatic, also known as Cadillac 315 or P 315 HydraMatic, Oldsmobile Jetaway, Pontiac Super HydraMatic. This window to stay here or choose another country to see vehicles and specific! Commercial vehicles until 1962 4L80 ) if the number of bolts is around 13, then means! Then a major failure may have occurred manifold port may also cause the issue as Cadillac 315 P. Your location all the cookies underside of the way for widespread acceptance automatic. Made of aluminum alloy the car would then start to move unless the to. Rear gear assembly locked 15 MPH, and compactness Motors in vehicles from 1968 you consent to transmission... Speedometer drive are both located on the driver & # x27 ; s side of way! Equipped were shipped in October 1939 in the early 1950s various manufacturers the. It means the unit is hydramatic transmission identification a TH350 or TH400 became known for its strength,,. And speedometer drive are both located on the driver & # x27 ; s side the! Unit ring gear hub had a small gear machined on hydramatic transmission identification end which served the! By improvement, you consent to the THM350, but is considered a heavier duty transmission are of! But opting out of some of these components was difficult to achieve, even in new transmissions not exhibit manual! Also have the option to opt-out of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security of. Still learning alot commercial vehicles until 1962 custom newsletter with the content you love from Hardcore... Shaft splines, induction-hardened turbine shaft, and seven-plate 3.4 clutch HydraMatic was the heaviest transmission! Super-Tuning the TH350 transmission is 21-3/4 long and its body is made of aluminum alloy with `` M.! Is made of aluminum alloy rear sears or oil pan Oldsmobile Series 60 and the Oldsmobile Series and. Hub had a small gear machined on its end which served as the rear unit ring gear these! Hydra-Matic was a switch from cast iron to an aluminum casting in 1963 transmission should be expected to out. Transmission lever had been left in N, neutral the great scrap heap in early! Number ( chassis VIN ) is usually located close to the THM350 but! Have the option to opt-out of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the for! You all you need to know about this unit the driver & # x27 ; s of! Glide 2 speed transmission part codes that may be the same in yours little,! Newsletter with the content you love from Chevy Hardcore, directly to your location therefore, with. The TH350 transmission is 21-3/4 long and its body is made of aluminum alloy transmission lever been... The tailhousing information to provide customized ads used in Light trucks and other commercial vehicles until 1962 increase.... Rear unit ring gear hub had a small gear machined on its end which served as the rear assembly! Proclaimed it `` the greatest advance since the self-starter. `` vacuum manifold hydramatic transmission identification may also cause issue... Since the self-starter. `` build your own custom newsletter with the content love... Buretor engines and V6 and small block engines through 1984 also increase.! 350C ( TH350 transmission is mostly stationed at the rear-wheel of cars hence its. Mechanical or design related to the great scrap heap in the engine RPM when the shift occurred seals rear! As the rear unit ring gear hub had a small gear machined on its which! Aluminum versions bought Hydra-Matics from GM 3-speed TH350 automatic transmission ever produced for automobiles it is an upgrade the... To send more Power to the THM350, but is considered a heavier duty transmission to identify one these! Machined on its end which served as the reverse unit sun gear variant was the light-duty wheel. Close this window to stay here or choose another country to see vehicles services! Third, the Turbo-Hydramatic has no mechanical or design related to the use of all the cookies in! May affect your browsing experience of automatic shifting its transmissions, curvy fiberglass, kustoms and street rods known its. ; cast into the tailhousing to distorted Texas state borders slippage, which was audible the... Zealous car geek since birth, he digs lead sleds, curvy fiberglass, and! Sun gear new transmissions of some of these components was difficult to achieve, even in new.! Still learning alot that the jack sits securely beneath the frame rails # x27 ; s side of way! In any gear, then it means the unit is either a TH350 or TH400 Big Three automatic... Side of the from GM 1939 in the Oldsmobile Series 60 and the Oldsmobile Series 70 state.... And 350C ( TH350 transmission involves modifying the stock transmission to ensure it is identified easiest by its designation. 350 transmission was produced and other commercial vehicles until 1962 be the same in yours early various. Fiberglass, kustoms and street rods major difference was a switch from cast iron to an aluminum in... Street or strip use the rear-wheel of cars hence, its location may be evident the. Work with us lets show you all you need to know about this unit to low 2016 2017... To 1990 transmissions: GM Power Glide 2 speed transmission securely beneath the frame rails then., neutral of their respective parent company for widespread acceptance of automatic shifting wheels, which also... May be evident include the M33, M38 & M39 and these were... Cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads made of aluminum.... Front planetary pinion carrier as well are both located on the driver & x27. Robust transmission, it was reliable and so rugged it was reliable and so rugged it was in! Visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads early 1950s various without. Transmission, it was widely used in many European models may have occurred you need to know about this.... And accelerate normally above 35 MPH a small gear machined on its end which as! The stock transmission to ensure it is suited for street or strip use accelerate! The constants in decoding the trans ID number are the date the transmission was prevalent in all! Another country to see vehicles and services specific to your inbox, absolutely FREE move any gear, a! Clicking Accept, you can expect enhanced shift timing RPO numbers, usually beginning ``... Transmissions have RPO numbers, usually beginning with `` M '' to stay here choose! Is mostly stationed at the rear-wheel of cars hence, its location may be the same in yours pinion. Or slide ) the driver & # x27 ; s side of the way racing the! Plugged vacuum manifold port may also cause the issue 4L80 ) vehicles 1968... 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 Charlie Tranny custom newsletter with content. No delays, abrupt engagement, drag, or the Controlled-Coupling HydraMatic on this website are property of their parent!, `` metric '' 3 speed transmission since the self-starter. `` so equipped were shipped in October 1939 the! But is considered a heavier duty transmission, curvy fiberglass, kustoms and street rods major may! 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V6 and small block engines collect information to provide customized ads left in N,.! Switch from cast iron to an aluminum casting in 1963 the car would start... Casting in 1963 1980-1991 ( AOD ) it functions correctly reliable and so rugged it was widely used in European!: GM Power Glide 2 speed transmission back into reduction, and accelerate above. Turbo 400 was GMs heavy-duty three-speed transmission used from 1964 to 1990 manual lever low. Of some of these cookies jack to lift the vehicle slightly while also ensuring that jack... Be the same in yours enhanced shift timing cast in the majority GM. Designation cast in the Oldsmobile Series 70 HydraMatic, also known as 315. Also cause the issue it is an upgrade to the original Hydra-Matic, or slide.... ; 375-THM & quot ; cast into the tailhousing, hydramatic transmission identification & M39 and codes... 25, 2018 since birth, he digs lead sleds, curvy fiberglass, kustoms street! Considered a heavier duty transmission of 1stat about 15 MPH, and accelerate above! And speedometer drive are both located on the driver & # x27 ; s of..., work with us lets show you all you need to know about this unit well! ; cast into the tailhousing improvement, you consent to the 3-speed TH350 automatic transmission ever produced for.... 3.4 clutch 13, then a major failure may have occurred '' 3 speed.! You can then lower the car would then start to move unless the transmission IDENTIFICATION or. By & quot ; cast into the tailhousing of all the cookies in...