How to Install a Turbo 350

When installing a Turbo 350 transmission, the vehicle must be high enough to slide the transmission under the vehicle, unless it is on a lift. They are heavy with their center of gravity at the front of the transmission pan. The Turbo 350 is one of the most commonly used transmissions and compatible with all GM V8 engines and many 6-cylinder engines as well. They are strong and extremely inexpensive to rebuild, although their biggest drawback is that they are three speed transmissions.

Things You'll Need

• Floor jack
• Jack stands
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• Set of 3/8-inch drive sockets
• Set of wrenches
• Common screwdriver
• Drip pan

Instructions

1. Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands. Position the transmission on the floor jack. Raise the transmission into position as close as possible to the engine flexplate. The engine has an alignment stud on either side of the block and a corresponding hole in the bellhousing for use as an alignment tool. Push the transmission against the engine block, making sure the alignment studs pass through the corresponding holes in the bellhousing.

2. Install the dip stick tube and the bolts in the bellhousing. Tighten with a socket. Install the transmission cooler lines and tighten with a wrench.

3. Raise the transmission close to the floor. Install the transmission crossmember under the transmission, install the two bolts in either side of the frame and tighten with a socket. Lower the transmission to the crossmember. Install the two bolts through the crossmember and into the transmission mount and tighten.

4. Guide the transmission TV cable up along the firewall to the top of the engine so it can be connected to the carburetor or throttle body. Install the bolts in the torque converter, securing it to the flexplate, and tighten securely with a socket. Install the torque converter cover and tighten with a socket.

5. Install the gear shift linkage for the shifter arm and install a cotter pin. Make sure the transmission is in park before installing the transmission shifter rod into the shifting lever.

6. Install the driveshaft by pushing it into the tailshaft and then lifting the rear up and installing the universal joint into the pinion yoke. Install the C-clamps over the universal joint bearings, thread the nuts on and tighten with a wrench. Plug in any electrical wiring connectors.

7. Install the speedometer cable and thread it on by hand as far as it will go. Lower the vehicle and connect the transmission TV cable to the bottom of the throttle linkage button by pushing the cable into the bracket and insert the button through the aft part of the cable. Fill the transmission with fluid.