Powerglide (Automatic Transmission) for 1967

Q: Powerglide (Automatic Transmission) for 1967

I’m in the process of (finally) getting some serious work done on my 1967 firebird – it’s been a nice cold Pennsylvanian winter. I have a 326 w/2bbl and when I get it rebuilt I’m putting the Carter AFB 4bbl on it (I have a correct Pontiac 4barrel intake from an HO.) My question is regarding the transmission. I have never driven a car with a powerglide and I was wondering if i could get a little bit of people’s thoughts on the transmission. I want to say right now that this car is my baby and will NOT be taken to the strip, but will be taken on some long trips. Is the powerglide reliable, and is it worth sending out to be rebuilt? (the trans runs, but I’m rebuilding it anyway ’cause I dont want to have to rip it out once the car’s together.)

A: The ‘Glide is a very good transmission. Its’ one real draw-back is it only has two forward gears. This isn’t really a problem but most of us are becoming more used to at least three (or more). The first gear ratio is numerically lower than that of a Turbo’ tranny because it’s a compromise. Let me try to explain: If it had a taller ratio in first you’d have a better hole shot but you’d have to wind the RPMs of your motor to keep it from stalling it when the transmission shifted into second (final). The final gear is the same as the Turbo’… 1:1. So really, it’s more of a drive-ablity issue.

Unless your car is a very special model or you are a purest, most people (whether driving or buying) prefer the 350/400 Turbo-Hydromatic for the above reasons. Hope this helps.

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