Picking the right transmission

[JT8307]

Hi everyone,
I am new to SEMB, I just bought a 1971 Nova that is going to make a good project car. This is my first build project and first real muscle car, so I have a lot to learn. I am currently deployed in Iraq with the Army and in the little bit of free time that I get over here I am trying to come up with a complete layout of how I want to build the car for when I get home. I am already set on the engine, I am looking at getting a crate ZZ383. The specs on it are 425hp/460tq. The overall goal of this car is a 12.0 quarter mile, however, it is going to be more of a street car that will see the drag strip just a few times a year for fun. As far as the tranny goes, I'm leaning towards a 3 speed with overdrive. I plan on driving the car a lot and was looking for a setup where I can take it on the highway without stressing the engine to much, so I figured a 3 speed with overdrive would probably be the best. The car has a 4 speed manual in it and also comes with another Muncie 4 speed, not sure yet if it is a M20, M21, or an M22. The car was an awesome buy, it was next to nothing and came with a lot of extras that I am still getting all of the details on. I want to know what my options are as far as transmissions go. I want a tranny that can handle up to 550hp/tq to give me a little breathing room in case I ever want to beef up the engine a little more down the road. I was looking at a 700R4 tranny but I do not know a lot about them. I think I am leaning towards automatic. Anyone have any suggestions as to what tranny may fit my needs???

[defln67]

a 700r4 is basically a th350 turbo with overdrive, i know you can build a th350 up to handle alot of power but im not too sure bout the 700, the th350 is what they used in like the old 3-speed cars back in the day. the only thing bad bout a 350 is if you put a low rearend gear in it like a 3.73 or a 4.10, if you go down the highway at like 65mph, you'll be turnin like 4000rpms, the 700 wouldnt do that.

[wiersnova]

Are you stuck on a 700r4, I'v got a 73 Nova BBC that I'm using a th400 in and as long as you're smart with your choice of final gear. i.e. 3.42 or 3.55 depending on tire height it'll work fine and handle more power.