Best Current Source for 454 and 400 Turbo Trans?????

[redneckrigger]

I am currently gathering parts for a project that will need a 454 V8 as well as a 400 Turbo transmission. I am asking for opinions on what is currently available in a current production kit. I am TRYING to build a replica of my old ride from many years ago, my 1985 GMC K35 SRW pickup. I bought the old girl new and drove it to death. I HOPED to rebuild it and gathered all of the parts, new cab, box, doors, fenders, chrome, a crate 502, wheels, tires and almost everything else needed. Started doing the frame and got most of it done, but ran out of steam and finally sold the entire kit and caboodle when we built a new house and moved. I have a lot of the required parts, but in the interest of availability, I would like to find a good source for a 454/502 big block and a Turbo 400. Any help greatly appreciated! 

[aurfalien]

I bet Norm@Replicas and Miniatures of Maryland would know.

I'll PM you his number.

[aurfalien]

BTW Norm has a HUGE catalog.  I just found his Fotki page.  So get a bag of popcorn, sit back, relax and enjoy;

http://public.fotki.com/crstan/replican-and-miniat/replicas-and-miniat/?view=roll#1

I don't know how he keeps track of and has all these molds for his stuff.  It's mind blowing!

[Longbox55]

The big block really wouldn't be the issue, as there are many kits that have them. The trick would be finding them with the transmission you want. If I'm not mistaken, I'm pretty sure that the AMT '68 El Camino, '70 Monte Carlo, and the '76 Caprice all have the engine/transmission combo you are looking for.

If you want to go with a resin transmission, M.A.D. has the TH400 http://www.madmodeling.com/store/ccp0-prodshow/turbo400.html. Kris is a great guy to deal with, and his products are top notch.

 

[redneckrigger]

  On 8/15/2016 at 10:21 PM, Longbox55 said:

The big block really wouldn't be the issue, as there are many kits that have them. The trick would be finding them with the transmission you want. If I'm not mistaken, I'm pretty sure that the AMT '68 El Camino, '70 Monte Carlo, and the '76 Caprice all have the engine/transmission combo you are looking for.

If you want to go with a resin transmission, M.A.D. has the TH400 http://www.madmodeling.com/store/ccp0-prodshow/turbo400.html. Kris is a great guy to deal with, and his products are top notch.

 

I'm just asking for input from people for the big block that is the best as far as accuracy etc. is concerned. It does not have to come attached to the 400 Turbo. I will check the kits mentioned to see if the trans is a 400. THANKS!

[Steven Zimmerman]

The AMT 57 Chevy  ' STREET MACHINE '  has a well detailed big block Chevy, and ( I think) a turbo 400 behind it ? I don't know if it's a 454, but then all Chevy big blocks are pretty much identical on the outside.

[Longbox55]

That's the nice thing about the Big Block Chevy, unless you're doing a tall deck 366 or 427, plus some of the larger crate engines, the 396-454 are all pretty much the same externally. Personally, as far as the engine itself goes, I find the Revell big blocks from the '67 Chevelle, '69 Camaro Yenko/Balwin-Motion/Convertible, and the '68/69 Corvette to be some of the best overall as far as details go.

[Crazy Ed]

   I just checked and the '69 El Camino's Trannie is the 400.

[MeatMan]

VCG Resins has a 396 that comes without a tranny, and also a separate TH400 for reasonable $.

[redneckrigger]

Checked out the Monte Carlo kit and it has a reasonable big block and the 400. Will work fine. THANKS TO ALL! Am going to build two versions, one stock as bought new in late 1984 and another in what I wanted to make her after a total rebuild, with a crate 502.

Edited August 17, 2016 by redneckrigger