- The TH400 or Turbo 400 is a good transmission that was used in several cars years ago. This popular transmission was found in GM’s cars, as well as, Rolls-Royces, Jeeps, Jaguars, Ferraris, etc. The TH400’s high-level of adoption could be tied to its remarkable features, and it proved that people can once again rely on GM transmissions.
- Automatic Transmission, 3-Speed, Ultra-Bell Bellhousing, Reverse Shift Pattern, Full Manual Valve Body, ER310 Input Shaft Material, GM, TH400, Each Part Number: FTI-TH400-5UB Not Yet Reviewed.
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The Turbo 400 transmission was a 3 speed automatic transmission developed by General Motors. This was one of General Motors editions of the Hydramatic transmission series.
This transmission is known more commonly by the name TH400, although it did receive another name change in the late 80s, adopting the name 3L80.
This is a durable and very well-known transmission, as it was in production for many years and applied to a wide variety of vehicles, not only General Motors. The TH400 was initially placed in Buick and Cadillac cars and later added to Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Pontiac cars.
This transmission eventually made its way into many of the truck applications for General Motors. The transmission was not exclusive to General Motors, as many luxury brands such as Jaguar, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce and many others made use of this transmission.
The TH400 was first introduced beginning in 1964, as it began to replace the Super Turbine 300 transmission, which was a 2 speed automatic. The Turbo 400 was placed in many cars across GM as well as other car manufacturers during its long production life.
Overall the transmission remained in production an impressive 27 years before it was eventually replaced by a 4 speed electronically controlled transmission, the 4L80E, in 1991.
Common Problems
The TH400 was very popular, particularly known for its strength. One of the attributes that is credited with providing this strength is the cast iron center support.
Although the overall sentiment is that this is a very strong and durable transmission, some of the most common problems seen are clutch wear and hydraulic fluid leaks.
Turbo 400 Performance Specs
The Turbo 400 is rated conservatively at peak torque of 450 lb-ft. That being said, this transmission is commonly used in hot rods and paired with engines making far more torque, although these transmission also must commonly updated with some aftermarket parts.
Many of the other specifications for this transmission are defined by the name 3L80 that was given late in this transmission’s life cycle:
- The “3” represents that this is a 3 speed transmission, and in the case of the Turbo 400, a 3 speed automatic transmission.
- The “L” represents the orientation of the transmission, with L specifically calling out a longitudinally position transmission.
- The “80” indicates that this transmission was rated for GVW up to 8000 lbs.
This 3 speed transmission has its gear ratios defined as 2.48 for 1st, 1.48 for 2nd, and 1.0 for 3rd gear.
Materials and Size
The Turbo 400 is primarily constructed of cast aluminum, with the bell housing being integrated into the transmission and also made of cast aluminum. Some areas are cast iron, such as the center support for the transmission.
The TH400 is 24.37” long and comes in at a weight of 135 pounds dry. This transmission does vary in the amount of fluid required, based on certain specifications such as which torque converter is used. That being said, a common fill volume is between 11-12 quarts for a stock transmission.
The TH400, or Turbo 400, transmission was a 3 speed automatic that was first produced in 1964. This transmission became well-known for its strength and was very popular, based on its life and the number of applications in which it was installed.
It was not only used in General Motors applications, but was also used for many luxury cars. Overall this transmission was in production for 27 years, and to this day is commonly used for many aftermarket applications.
400 TRANSMISSIONS
Mike's Transmisson is the home of the worlds quickest and fastest automatic
transmissions. Each transmission is custom built to our customers application.
With high quality components. Our transmissionsare all extensively modified to be
highly competitive and very durable. Weather it is a drag racing, circle track,
offroad or street. We have the transmission for your application.
These transmissions are dyno tested before shipping.
Turbo 400 Transmission Front Pump
We have a full line of components to upgrade any of these units for big power!
Such as specialty planetaries in over 35 different ratios, aftermarket sfi cases,
large diameter input shafts, custom converter pressure manipulation systems and
lock up converter systems.
Contact us today for more information on these upgrades!
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Turbo 400 Transmission Gear Ratios
MONSTER 400
Our top of the line 400 transmission with forged aluminum drums,
billet planetary carriers. Our stoutest 400!
This transmission features:
~ High pressure protree transbrake valve body.
~ 2.10 - 1.40 Billet straight cut planetary assy.
~ Billet Intermediate shaft.
~ Billet input shaft & aluminum drum assy.
~ Roller bearing thrust.
~ Forged steel stator tube.
~ Forward & direct 7 X 7 clutch packs.
Modified direct aluminum drum with Big sprag that is 3
times larger than the 34 element.
~ Reinforced 5 pack intermediate clutch.
~ Billet forward hub.
~ Deep aluminum pan kit.
~ 475 heavy duty spirol lock case trimmed for clearance.
MTULTM400 - Ultimate Monster 400........................$6995.00
This price includes core!
Upgrade this unit with aftermarket Case, Bell & Extension Housing +$1950.00
This is a custom unit built for your combination!
ULTIMATE VASCO 400
The Ultimate vasco 400 transmission is a brutally tough transmission
for high horsepower applications. This transmission has the performance,
quality,and reliability that Mike's is famous for !
This transmission features :
~High pressure protree transbrake valve body.
~Billet intermediate shaft.
~Billet input shaft & drum assembly.
~Roller bearing thrust.
~Forward & direct 7X7 clutch packs.
~Reinforced five pack intermediate clutch.
~Modified direct drum with heavy duty 36 element sprag that is
3 times larger than the 34 element sprag.
~Billet steel forward hub.
~Deep aluminum pan kit.
~475 Heavy duty spiral lock case trimmed for clearance.
MT ULTV400 - Ultimate Vasco 400......................$3995.00
This price includes core!
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ULTIMATE TURBO 400
If you are looking for racing 400 we have the transmission for you!
Our Ultimate turbo 400 is specifically modified for use with high horsepower
engines and heavy cars. If you are looking for
a durable three speed automatic this is it!
This transmission features:
~High pressure protree transbrake valve body.
~6 Clutch forward & direct packs.
~Roller bearing thrust.
~Modified direct drum with 34 element sprag.
~Deep aluminum pan kit.
~400 Spiral lock case trimmed for clearance.
MT ULT400 - Ultimate 400 transmission..............$2495.00
This price includes core!
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COMPETITION 400
If you are looking for a competition 400 that does not
have a transbrake we have a transmission for you! This unit is
built with either a forward or reverse manual valve body. Our Competition 400 is
specifically modified for use with high horsepower engines and heavy cars.
If you are looking for a durable three speed automatic this is it!
This transmission features:
~Forward or reverse manual valve body.
~6 Clutch forward & direct packs.
~Roller bearing thrust.
~Modified direct drum with 34 element sprag.
~Deep aluminum pan kit.
~400 Spiral lock case trimmed for clearance.
MT COMP400F- Competition 400 with forward manual
valve body...$2150.00
MTCOMP400R-Competition 400 with reverse manual
valve body...$2150.00
This price includes core!
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STREET STRIP 400
This transmission is built for the weekend racer who also drive their
car on the street. It has the durability of a competition transmission.
This transmission features:
~ Special street strip shift kit installed in valve body.
~6 Clutch forward & direct packs.
~Roller bearing thrust.
~Modified direct drum with 34 element sprag.
~Deep aluminum pan kit.
~Trimmed case for clearance.
MT SS400 - Street strip 400 transmission.............$1795.00
This price does not include core! If you don't supply a core there will be an
extra charge added to above price. See core charge page.
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IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ON ALL APPLICATIONS THAT A TEMPERATURE GAUGE
AND AUXILLARY TRANSMISSION COOLER BE INSTALLED !
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ALL OF OUR TRANSMISSIONS ARE CUSTOM BUILT TO YOUR APPLICATION PLEASE CALL US AND LET US SET UP THE PERFECT TRANSMISSION FOR YOU TODAY!!!
(661) 723-0081
FAX (661) 723-1521
ALL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE !