Powerglide Transmissions

Comprehensive review flashcards covering OEM specifications, high-performance modifications, assembly clearances, and racing components for Powerglide transmissions.

During what production years was the aluminum case Powerglide manufactured, and how many forward gears does it possess?

The aluminum case Powerglide was manufactured from $1962$ to $1973$ and features two forward gears.

What are the pump options and maximum horsepower rating for a stock Powerglide transmission case?

A stock Powerglide case is available in single or dual pump configurations and supports up to $600\,\text{HP}$.

What high-performance aftermarket transmission case is shown here, which features a separate bellhousing, SFI approval, an adjustable brake, and is rated for $2{,}000+\,\text{HP}$?

J.W. Ultracase

What are the key design specifications and horsepower rating of the Dedenbear Powerglide case?

It features a Chevy bolt pattern, internal shielding, a one-piece case design, an adjustable brake, and is rated for $2{,}000+\,\text{HP}$.

What are the components and specifications of the FTI Powerglide transmission?

It is rated to $1500\,\text{HP}$ and features an SFI certified aftermarket case, FTI billet aluminum valvebody, deep aluminum pan, 8 clutch drum, new straight cut planetary, proprietary alloy high-flow billet input shaft, 4340 billet output shaft, and a new 7 bolt high volume pump.

In which direction must the pump gear tangs face in an OEM Powerglide front pump?

The tangs must face toward the rear.

What specialized tools should be used for the removal and reassembly of a Powerglide front pump?

Slide hammers or a pump puller should be used for removal, and a band alignment tool must be used during reassembly.

What three clearance checks are performed on a Powerglide front pump using a feeler gauge?

1. Checking driven gear to crescent clearance
2. Checking driven gear to pump body clearance
3. Checking end clearance of gears to pump body

What quick rule of thumb determines whether Powerglide pump gears are in good condition?

Good pump gears will not pull apart.

How do Powerglide input shaft lengths correspond to planetary gear ratios?

An input shaft length of $12\frac{7}{8}\,\text{in}$ corresponds to a $1.76:1$ ratio, whereas a length of $12\frac{5}{8}\,\text{in}$ corresponds to a $1.82:1$ ratio.

What is the function of a Turbo-style input shaft in a Powerglide transmission?

It allows the transmission to use a Turbo 400 torque converter (modification required).

What are the horsepower ratings for Powerglide input shafts made of 6418 Hy-Tuff versus 300M (E4340)?

6418 Hy-Tuff is rated for up to $800\,\text{HP}$, while 300M (E4340) is rated for $1{,}000\,\text{HP}+$ (with Vasco also used as an alloy option).

What is the primary effect of installing a manual valve body in a Powerglide?

It removes all automatic transmission shifts, requiring manual shifting.

What precaution should be taken when installing a trans-brake solenoid install kit?

Be cautious of the wires on the solenoid during installation.

What is the correct length of the upper to lower valve body attaching bolts in a Powerglide?

The upper to lower valve body attaching bolts are $1\frac{5}{8}\,\text{in}$ in length.

What hydraulic pressure was the stock Powerglide servo ring designed for, and what pressures do transbrakes require?

The stock ring was designed for a maximum of $150\,\text{psi}$, whereas transbrakes operate at $250\text{--}280\,\text{psi}$, which may affect 60-foot times.

What are the advantages of using an aftermarket dual-ring servo in a Powerglide?

An aftermarket dual-ring servo provides superior sealing and prevents damage to the transmission case.

What lining and material options are available for aftermarket first gear bands?

Aftermarket bands are available with Red lining, Kevlar lining, or constructed as billet bands.

What are the specifications of the Powerglide Super band?

It is $21\%$ wider than the OEM band, features Kevlar lining, and is rated to hold $1000\,\text{HP}+$ before an upgrade is required.

What is the proper procedure and frequency for setting a Powerglide band adjuster?

Tighten the band adjuster to $72\,\text{in}\cdot\text{lb}$, back it out four full turns, and readjust it at every oil change (extra length is used for machined drums).

How many clutch discs can OEM versus aftermarket Powerglide direct clutch drums accommodate?

OEM drums come in two heights accommodating 4–6 discs (or 8 discs with Alto clutches); aftermarket steel drums hold 10 discs, and aftermarket aluminum drums feature a red band.

Why should OEM cast direct clutch hubs be replaced with aftermarket units in high-performance Powerglides?

OEM cast clutch hubs are extremely weak, whereas aftermarket hubs are wider and considerably stronger.

What are the standard steel plate thicknesses used for the Powerglide rear and front clutch packs?

Rear clutch steels are $0.100\,\text{in}$ thick (OEM may have selective notch), while front clutch steels are $0.070\,\text{in}$ or $0.060\,\text{in}$ thick.

What three types of steel plates are available for Powerglide clutch packs?

Plain, Kolene, and "Turbolator" steels.

How does the air pressure application port differ when removing the reverse piston from a front pump only case versus a rear pump case?

In front pump only cases, air pressure is applied at the lower passage port; in rear pump cases, air pressure is applied at the upper passage port.

What benefits do heavy-duty (HD) rear clutch springs provide, and in what application are they required?

They return the piston straighter and quicker, and they are only required when running a trans-brake.

How do OEM Powerglide planetary gear carriers differ between 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder engines?

The 6-cylinder planetary uses a $1.82:1$ ratio with a stamped steel carrier, whereas the 8-cylinder planetary uses a $1.76:1$ ratio with a cast housing.

What safety equipment shown here is SFI-approved and mandated around the Powerglide case in racing environments?

Transmission Shield

What materials are used to manufacture standard and extra capacity Powerglide oil pans?

Steel, cast aluminum, fabricated aluminum, and carbon fiber.

What are the operating temperature range and maintenance requirements for a Powerglide transmission cooler?

The normal operating temperature is $190\text{--}210^\circ\text{F}$; the cooler must be flushed after a rebuild and completely replaced following a transmission failure.

In a circle track Powerglide setup, what components shown in the diagram drive front-mounted accessories?

A drive sleeve and an HTD belt drive accessories such as a multi-stage oil pump and power steering.