What is a HydraMatic transmission?
Abigail Rogers
Updated on March 15, 2026
Hydramatic (also known as Hydra-Matic) is an automatic transmission developed by both General Motors' Cadillac and Oldsmobile divisions. Introduced in 1939 for the 1940 model year vehicles, the Hydramatic was the first mass-produced fully automatic transmission developed for passenger automobile use.
Keeping this in consideration, is a Turbo 400 transmission a 4 speed?
Turbo 400 Transmission (TH400) Specs. The Turbo 400 transmission was a 3 speed automatic transmission developed by General Motors. Overall the transmission remained in production an impressive 27 years before it was eventually replaced by a 4 speed electronically controlled transmission, the 4L80E, in 1991.
One may also ask, what is a Jetaway transmission? The Super Turbine 300 (abbreviated ST-300) was a two-speed automatic transmission built by General Motors. It was used in various Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac models from 1964-1969.
Similarly one may ask, how do I know what transmission I have?
Open the driver's side door and find the white card on the side of the door that is filled with small black lettering. This card contains specific details about the year the car was made, its transmission, engine specifications and other details. Underneath or beside the “TR” symbol will be a number code.
What cars came with a th400 transmission?
Generally, here's a list of cars that used the TH400 transmission:
- 1965-1967, 327 V8 (Rambler/AMC)
- 1968-1971, 350 V8 (Buick)
- 1969-1972, 225 V6 (Buick)
- 1972-1975, 232 I6 (AMC)
- 1975-1979, 258 I6 (AMC)
- 1972-1979, 304 V8 (AMC)
- 1972-1979, 360 V8 (AMC)
- 1974-1975, 401 V8 (AMC)
Related Question Answers
How much is a Turbo 400 transmission worth?
However, selling it as a good unit and with a "it will work" or your money back warrantee, it should be worth $150-200. There are many shops that sell a stock rebuilt TH400 for $600.Does a 400 Turbo transmission have overdrive?
The Turbo 400 has earned the reputation of a tough, reliable transmission that can survive harsh duty, but is there a better alternative? Although not often considered as such, much like the Turbo 400, the 4L85E is a solid contender for use in heavy, high-horsepower vehicles, and has the added benefit of an overdrive.How heavy is a Turbo 400 transmission?
135 poundsIs 350 or 400 transmission better?
The Turbo 350 (top) and the Turbo 400 (bottom) are the quintessential GM automatic transmissions. Both are three-speeds, but the Turbo 400 is physically larger and designed more for the torque capacity of big-block engines.What's better 700r4 or Turbo 400?
The TH400 is much stronger, but it doesn't have overdrive and the first gear is only 2.48:1. The 700R4 has an overdrive gear (0.7:1), and a 3.06:1 first gear, but it's not as strong. So it depends on what your using it for and how much power you have.How many gears does a Turbo 400 transmission have?
TH-400 transmissions are three-speed automatics, with a 2.48:1 first gear. Reverse gear is 2.08:1 and third gear is an even 1 to 1. Turbo 400s use three tail shaft lengths; the most preferred units for a GM swap would have the short 4-inch tail shaft.How much power can a Turbo 350 handle?
The TH350 can easily handle 600 lb/ft when properly built. It doesn't take anything super fancy. I have a couple at 600+ using a stock intermediate roller clutch setup. The int roller clutch setup is the common failure point of a TH350 when making HP, getting aggressive shifts, and burnouts.What's the difference between Turbo 350 and Turbo 400 transmission?
The TH-350 was a low-torque transmission that was used in heavy cars. With modification, the TH-350 could be used as a high-torque transmission in a light car. The TH-400 was a high-torque transmission that was used in heavy cars --- it was a much stronger transmission than the TH-350.Can I tell what transmission I have by the Vin?
Unfortunately, other OEMs use the same 10-digit VIN patterns for Automatic and Manual transmission vehicles, meaning that VIN alone will not be enough to determine the vehicle's transmission type. The good news is that the number of transmission-specific VIN patterns is on the rise.Where do I find my transmission code?
Similar to the engine identification code, the transmission identification code supplies information about the transmission such as the manufacturing plant, Julian date of manufacture, shift number and model. The transmission number is located on the (dipstick side) right side rear boss plate of the transmission.What transmission oil do I need?
What Transmission Fluid Do I Need?| Car Make | Transmission Fluid Type |
|---|---|
| Ford Mercury Lincoln | Mercon V |
| Ford (DuratecHE) MAZDA (Europe / Asia) | Mercon LV |
| GM Toyota (pre-2004) | Dexron VI |
| All Honda (except CVT) Acura (except CVT) | ATF DW-1 |
What vehicles have a 46re transmission?
A518 (46RH/46RE)- Dodge Ram pickup and vans 150/250/350 V8 and diesel engines (DGT)
- Dodge Ramcharger SUV 1988-1993 5.2L & 5.9L V8.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 1993 5.2L, 1998 5.9L.
- 1996 Dodge Dakota V8 (Also 98-03 Dakota 5.9L R/T)
- 1998-2003 Dodge Durango 5.9L V8 (4WD or 2WD)
- 1998–2003 Dodge Dakota R/T.
How do I identify a Powerglide transmission?
Identifying an early Powerglide is easy: There was also no oil pan on these transmissions, and the word Powerglide is stamped into the top of the main transmission body facing the passenger side of the engine. The transmission was revamped in 1962 and is the unit of choice if you're looking for a Powerglide.Does it matter what transmission fluid I use?
Manual transmissions (MTs) use a variety of different fluids–from motor oil to ATF. They also take a specific type of transmission fluid that is designed for CVTs only. If your vehicle has a CVT, or if you're not sure what kind of transmission your vehicle has, check your owner's manual to find out.Is it better to rebuild or replace a transmission?
A transmission rebuild is a great option in most cases. This means you are only replacing the parts that have failed. Just like a replacement, you are fixing certain parts, but not doing it in a factory setting. In most cases, brand new transmissions are only done when new cars are produced.Is a Powerglide transmission good?
A Powerglide transmission in combination with a low rear gear is a good choice for quarter-mile cars or performance engines that live in the upper rpm limits. Also with muscle cars that have very large power bands. The aluminum Powerglide, at less than 100 pounds, is ideal for racing applications.How does a Dynaflow transmission work?
The Dynaflow was an automatic transmission used in various forms in Buick cars by the General Motors Corporation from 1947 until 1963. The transmission was incapable of automatic shifting, requiring the driver to move the shift lever from low to drive to cause an upshift.What year was first automatic transmission?
The First Automatic Transmissions General Motors then developed the first automatic transmission using hydraulic fluid in the 1930's, and introduced the “Hydra-Matic” transmission in 1940. The 1948 Oldsmobile was the first model to use a true automatic transmission.How much is a Powerglide transmission?
Quality rebuilt Powerglides are also still offered for around $800 to $1,000. However, with the availability of both stock and aftermarket Powerglide performance parts, locating a good used unit from one of these donor cars and then rebuilding it is definitely a less expensive alternative.What is a switch pitch transmission?
A switch pitch 400 is simply a TH400 with a few special parts in it. Primarily it is a torque converter that has vanes that can be set in one of two positions via a solenoid and hydraulics which changes the stall speed. They were initially installed in a lot of big GM cars from 65 through 67 I believe.What is a 700r4 transmission?
The 700R4 is a four-speed automatic transmission that features a 30 percent overdrive in the fourth gear. The transmission was launched by GM, and is sometimes referred to as Hydramatic. GM 700R4 transmissions were developed in 1982 as a replacement to the TH350.How does a Hydra Matic transmission work?
The AST was an automated manual transmission using planetary gears and a conventional friction clutch, requiring the driver to use the clutch to shift into or out of gear, but not between the two forward gears. The result, dubbed "Hydra-Matic Drive," went into production in May 1939 for the 1940 model year.What is a th350 transmission?
The TH350 is an automatic shift, three-speed transmission. The TH350 transmission was introduced in the 1969 model year as the successor to the GM Powerglide automatic transmission. Jointly developed by Chevy and Buick, it is also referred to as the CBC (Chevrolet-Buick Combined) 350.Are all th400 transmissions the same?
The TH400 is the largest of the common GM auto transmissions, but still surprisingly compact in light of the immense power they can handle. There are two significant variations of the TH400. The TH375 was a version of the transmission used from 1972-1976 in smaller displacement cars.How much power can a th400 handle?
About 400-450 HP/TQ is the limit on the stock TH400. With ONE almost free modification and some minor valve body calibration changes, 800 HP on an otherwise stock TH400 is not a problem if it's assembled well (good endplay, etc), and the 34 element sprag is a wise addition above 450 HP or any drag usage.Are all th400 the same?
They are, for the most part, interchangeable on the same vehicles; however, you would normally find the TH400 in larger engine applications because they are able to function more reliably at higher engine rpms.Is a th400 a good transmission?
The TH400 is an automatic shift, three-speed, longitudinally positioned transmission. It is widely regarded to be a supremely durable and legendary transmission. The TH400 is conservatively rated at 450 ft. lbs. of input torque. Aftermarket building techniques take it well past that figure.What is the difference between a th350 and a th400 transmission?
The TH350 uses a mechanical kick down switch, whereas the TH400 uses an electric one. A lot of people claim that he TH350 has less drivetrain loss than the TH400, which means that all things being equal, the TH350 is going to get more power to the rear wheels from an engine with equal power.What years did Chevy use the 700r4 transmission?
The four-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 700R4 was introduced for the 1982 model year for use in Chevrolet/GMC vehicles. In 1990, the Turbo Hydra-Matic 700R4 was renamed the 4L60.How strong is a th400?
The TH400 is an automatic shift, three-speed, longitudinally positioned transmission. It is widely regarded to be a supremely durable and legendary transmission. The TH400 is conservatively rated at 450 ft. lbs. of input torque.How does a th400 transmission work?
The TH400 transmission takes advantage of an electrical slide switch controlled by the throttle linkage. On the other hand, the TH350 uses a mechanical cable kick-down that is connected to the throttle linkage. Despite the difference, the TH400 is considered the heavy-duty version of the Turbo-Hydramatic 350.How much is a Turbo 350 transmission?
Exactly as described. Fit perfectly on Chevy 350 X-mission.Top Selected Products and Reviews.
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