How to Swap a 700R4 to Turbo 350 in a Camaro Bracket

Changing the transmission in your Camaro may be more complicated than you expect.

The fundamental problem with swapping a 700R4 transmission to a Turbo 350 in a Chevrolet Camaro is that the 700R4 is 3 inches longer than the Turbo 350 or the stock transmission. That likely means aftermarket work was done to install the 700R4 in place of the stock model, and this aftermarket work needs to be undone to install the Turbo 350. This may necessitate replacing the driveshaft, as well as the mounting crossmember.

Things You'll Need

• Lift or 4 jack stands
• Tailshaft cap
• Driveshaft
• Crossmember
• Transmission jack
• Vacuum line
• Throttle valve cable
• Dipstick

Instructions

1. Prepare your Camaro for the transmission swap. Disconnect the battery and throttle-valve cable, remove the distributor cap and shift the car into "Neutral" gear. Raise the car on either a lift or jack stands.

2. Disconnect the shift linkage from the transmission, then disconnect the driveshaft from the tail of the transmission. Cap the transmission tailshaft to avoid fluid leaking out.

3. Replace the shortened driveshaft that fits the 700R4 with a longer one that will match the Turbo 350.

4. Rotate the flywheel to access the bolts that hold it to the torque converter, then remove the bolts securing the crossmember and mounting pad. Remove the speedometer cable and linkage from the transmission.

5. Attach the transmission jack, then remove the crossmember. Remove the shift cable, shift arm and dipstick; plug the dipstick hole.

6. Remove the 700R4 transmission, using the transmission jack.

7. Attach the vacuum line to the carburetor and install the replacement throttle-valve cable for the Turbo 350.

8. Install the Turbo 350 transmission, and connect the various cable ends to it.

9. Measure the distance the crossmember must be moved to accommodate the new transmission, then drill new holes and attach the replacement crossmember.

10. Replace the dipstick, then reattach the distributor cap. Adjust the throttle-valve cable and top of the transmission fluid.

11. Road test the Camaro to make sure the new transmission is working properly.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to alter or replace the shifter mechanism, as the Turbo 350 is a 3-speed transmission and the 700R4 is a 4-speed.

• The 700R4 transmission allows overdrive; the Turbo 350 does not. The 700R4 also has lower rpms and greater fuel efficiency.

References

• Car Corner: Turbo 350 Vs. 700-R4
• Monte Performance: Installing the 700R4
• Performance Automotive and Transmission Center: Swap a 350 Transmission...
• Max Chevy Magazine: Overdrive Jump!