700R-4 in a 14,500GVW Motor Home

[Ben McBride]

I want to put a 700 with TV and Lockup TC in a GM motor home with a carb 454 presently running a TH400. Can a sound '92 700 be rebuilt using 5 pinion planetaries, best clutches, wide band, best sprags and components to handle 14,500GVW if driven reasonably?
I dont know the rearend ratio yet. Its a 27ft dually with 8R19.5 tires around. Engine is well tuned and I get a consistent 7.5 to 8 mpg at about 60mph. Do you think the OD tranny will make a worthwhile difference for what will undoubtedly be a couple grand to accomplish? I would call 12mpg worthwhile. I built the 700 in my S10V8 SBC conversion and I like it. Ben

[Cameron@TCI]

I want to put a 700 with TV and Lockup TC in a GM motor home with a carb 454 presently running a TH400. Can a sound '92 700 be rebuilt using 5 pinion planetaries, best clutches, wide band, best sprags and components to handle 14,500GVW if driven reasonably?
I dont know the rearend ratio yet. Its a 27ft dually with 8R19.5 tires around. Engine is well tuned and I get a consistent 7.5 to 8 mpg at about 60mph. Do you think the OD tranny will make a worthwhile difference for what will undoubtedly be a couple grand to accomplish? I would call 12mpg worthwhile. I built the 700 in my S10V8 SBC conversion and I like it. Ben

Ben,

I can understand why you would want to do this, but in my opinion you would not see a successful swap with a 700R4. Even with the best components, the 700R4 would not last in a motor home of that size. You really need to think about using a TH-400 or 4L80E. A TH-400 will put you right back into horrible fuel economy, but will be the most economical choice. A 4L80E will last in the vehicle, and be reliable, but will hurt the "couple grand" budget.

Thank you,