Switch pitch converter
July 14th, 2020, 07:28 PM
#5
I just can't make up my mind to keep the switch pitch or move to a th350. I know I would get a lower 1st gear and be able to get higher stall converters.. my first 67 from highschool had it's 2 speed still and I remember what fun that was. I am so torn. I have 330 320hp with a ****** thumper 286 cam in it and 308 gears. Street only nothing special just want it to get up and go.
July 14th, 2020, 09:36 PM
#6
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Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 764
Do you have the jetaway 2 speed (ST300?)with the switch pitch currently, or a TH400 with a switch pitch?
As Matt69OLDS said, there are some builders out there who do modify and upgrade switch pitch converters for higher stalls and heavy duty use.
on a switch pitch 400, the torque converter, stator, pump, input shaft, is all different than a regular TH400.
It sounds like you currently have the 2 speed with the switch pitch. If that is so, you will do good to get away from the 2 speed and go to the TH350 like you are speaking about.
If you have the TH400 with switch pitch, they can be fun, but don't cheap out on the torque converter.... I have had a working one of these with a Dacco switch pitch converter before, and the converter crapped out with a very mild 455 in front of it. I never had the money at the time to get a Kenne Bell switch pitch or other well-built converter to fix it, but, it was fun to drive with.
We had the original switch pitch jetaway in our 67 cutlass with 330, and it worked ok for a two speed (much better than a low stall with a powerglide), but the trans was not really ever performance optimized or strengthened for heavy use.
Also, if you go to the TH350, make sure it has a nice shift kit and a good PTC converter with at least 2,000+rpm stall speed. You will enjoy the car much more that way.
As Matt69OLDS said, there are some builders out there who do modify and upgrade switch pitch converters for higher stalls and heavy duty use.
on a switch pitch 400, the torque converter, stator, pump, input shaft, is all different than a regular TH400.
It sounds like you currently have the 2 speed with the switch pitch. If that is so, you will do good to get away from the 2 speed and go to the TH350 like you are speaking about.
If you have the TH400 with switch pitch, they can be fun, but don't cheap out on the torque converter.... I have had a working one of these with a Dacco switch pitch converter before, and the converter crapped out with a very mild 455 in front of it. I never had the money at the time to get a Kenne Bell switch pitch or other well-built converter to fix it, but, it was fun to drive with.
We had the original switch pitch jetaway in our 67 cutlass with 330, and it worked ok for a two speed (much better than a low stall with a powerglide), but the trans was not really ever performance optimized or strengthened for heavy use.
Also, if you go to the TH350, make sure it has a nice shift kit and a good PTC converter with at least 2,000+rpm stall speed. You will enjoy the car much more that way.
Last edited by Battenrunner; July 14th, 2020 at 09:38 PM.
July 15th, 2020, 05:19 AM
#7
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: central Indiana
Posts: 5,302
I saw switch pitch, automatically assumed the 400 switch pitch.
If you do have the 2speed Jetaway, absolutely look for a different trans. In my experience, putting a 3 speed in place of the 2 speed makes the car drive like it has an extra 50 hp, with no change to the engine.
The best of both worlds would be a 2004R, but unless the engine is mild, it’s going to need some performance upgrades. The first gear on the overdrive trans is even lower than the 3speeds. With a lockup converter and the overdrive you can hear the car to cruise at a lower RPM than you have now
If you do have the 2speed Jetaway, absolutely look for a different trans. In my experience, putting a 3 speed in place of the 2 speed makes the car drive like it has an extra 50 hp, with no change to the engine.
The best of both worlds would be a 2004R, but unless the engine is mild, it’s going to need some performance upgrades. The first gear on the overdrive trans is even lower than the 3speeds. With a lockup converter and the overdrive you can hear the car to cruise at a lower RPM than you have now
July 15th, 2020, 05:48 AM
#8
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Rogues Island, USA
Posts: 3,613
The two switch pitch converters either TH400 or ST300 are interchangeable. The difference is the diameter, one is 12" and one is 13". I think the 12" came in ST300 (I think) and might give you more stall. My current TH400 is a Kenne-Bell unit from way back. Other than the full manual configuration and the teeth rattling shifts the KB unit uses regular stock switch pitch converters. I too thought it was beefed up but I sent it to PAE to get rebuilt and he confirmed it was a stock unit. Unfortunately PAE isn't around anymore but others can rebuild yours but I know nothing about them.
July 15th, 2020, 07:37 AM
#9
Registered User
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 764
Great info there TripDeuces!
I always thought it was an upgraded converter from KB, but it sounds like it was either a factory new one or a very nice reman and not an upgraded unit.
I want to say that we had the Dacco 12” version we used with ours...
I always thought it was an upgraded converter from KB, but it sounds like it was either a factory new one or a very nice reman and not an upgraded unit.
I want to say that we had the Dacco 12” version we used with ours...
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