Hello, I'm considering swapping out my 2-spd Powerglide trans for an automatic (preferably 4spd). My car is a stock '68 convert with 350ci, 2-bbl with A/C, P/S... The car is the final stages of resto and all orig with 50k on the clock, numbers matching). I want to be able to take long trips, running highway speeds and also make the car a little more responsive. I was wondering what everyone would recommend. TIA!

What are the rpm now highway speed. I don't they used steep gears on 2 speed cars.

I'm not sure since I haven't completed the resto and taken it out for a highway cruise, but just moving it around the garage and on/off the trailer leaves a little to be desired. I believe the rear axle ratio was around 2.83 and this trans has a 1:1 2nd gear. Maybe I'm just spoiled with the latest 6+ speed trans, OD, & lock-up torque converters ;-)

Personally I would drive it first, with 350 2 barrel car, which is what mine was it will be a cruiser all the way and will drive fine down the highway, Especially if it is numbers matching original type restoration, Without much more power what are you really going to gain with the tranny swap... or would a rear end gear change be the way to go maybe...??

Mine came with 2.56 gears in that set up... Good luck with it
Throw some pictures up when you can too, would love to see it.

On long trips, your butt will go numb first due to the old style seats. But with the powerglide, you will have lots of stops for gas due to lack of higher gears. Even my 4 speed 350-2 could use that xtra gear.

These older cars are more set up for long trips of back roads, stopping to see the scenery, not cruising at 75 MPH on the open freeways,

If the latter, consider something with five (or six) gears.

You won't pull too much power increase without spending a LOT of money on engine upgrades. Simply throwing a 4 bl quadrajet with stock 4 bl intake will be a quick and (cheaper) way to (slightly) increase power. But the best thing is it will increase your mileage a bit unless you have a lead foot.

I also agree with Fuzz's comments about keeping her stock.

Thanks guys, I have done my best to keep her original, but ultimately i want to enjoy driving the car. I have an original bb SS Nova 4 spd (man) which is also original but I don't drive it as much because of similar reasons. I have done several resto's and always kept them original, shy of those items (e.g.: mild eng work/mods) that no one would know of, or visibly detectable, other than me. I like to keep them like they came off the showroom floor, but now that I am getting older I find myself wanting to enjoy the ride too and since this is the first car I have had with a 2-spd trans, I was concerned of how much a dog it might be and how nice she will cruise on long trips. I'm going to take your advice and put her through her paces and see how i feel then.