General Motors TH400

TH400 'Turbo 400' Transmission Specs & Ratios

The Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 transmission was General Motor's heavy duty, 3 speed automatic transmission. It first appeared in 1964, where it was used as a production option for Cadillac cars. When the 6.2L Detroit was introduced in 1982, the TH400 was the only available automatic transmission for 3/4 and 1 ton pickups, while the lighter duty 1/2 ton C/K series trucks used the overdrive TH700R4 instead. The TH400 is highly regarded for its strength and reliability, even in heavy duty applications. Its central design would become the foundation of late model overdrive transmissions used in GMC and Chevrolet pickups. Conceptually similar to the TH350, the TH400 is praised for its high strength and reliability in performance applications. As it was mass produced and remains popular in many motorsports, aftermarket support is high and parts are readily available.

The Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 transmission made its first appearance in 1964 Cadillac models. It has been given a conservative input torque rating of 450 lb-ft, although its application in many high performance vehicles suggest that the transmission can handle much more abuse. It is slightly larger and marginally stronger than the TH350, as it was designed for use behind General Motor's various big block V-8 engines. In trucks, the TH400, or "Turbo 400" as it is often referred to, the transmission was used until 1990 when it was replaced by an overdrive evolution of itself, the 4L80E. The name changed in 1987 to the 3L80, which was essentially the result of General Motor's new drivetrain naming convention. The "3" stands for three speed, the "L" for longitudinal (mounted), and the "80" for a GVWR of 8,000 lbs.

The transmission, like other automatics, relies on the Simpson planetary gearset, which revolutionized the operation of the automatic transmission. As previously stated, the transmission is popular in high performance applications and can be affordably built to manage a tremendous amount of power and is praised for its high strength to weight to ratio.

TH400 Transmission Ratios

1st

2nd

3rd

R

2.48 : 1

1.48 : 1

1.00 : 1

2.07 : 1

TH400 Transmission Specs

Transmission:

Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 (TH400)

Type:

3 speed automatic transmission

Manufacturer:

General Motors

Applications:

1964 - 1990 GMC, Chevrolet cars and trucks, as well as vehicles from other divisions of General Motors
1982 - 1990 C/K series pickups (6.2L diesel, 3/4 and 1 ton models)

Case Material:

Aluminum

Case Length:

24 3/8"

Input Shaft:

32 spline

Max Input Torque:

~ 450 lb-ft

Weight:

~ 150 lbs w/ ATF

ATF Type/Spec:

DEXRON automatic transmission fluid

Identification:

Integrated 1 piece bellhousing

GM TH400 transmission pan bolt pattern