"Backing the motor is what I feel is the best for my money, a TCI Automotive 700-R4 trans with a Constant Pressure valvebody. I like the 3:1 low gear and the combination of a 67 percent overdrive and a lockup converter, basically making the trans a five-speed; it works well all around. Also, it's not just a lockup converter; it's a 10-inch street and strip converter that has a lockup piggybacked onto it, which means the truck launches like it has a 4.56 gear (2.15 60 foot) and cruises like it has a 2.54, 2,200 rpm at 70 mph. The Constant Pressure valvebody is the icing on the cake because the trans can be better tailored to my driving style due to the fact that the TV cable is no longer critical for line pressure.
"Another factor is the overall driveability. An important part of the whole package is comfort. Some trucks can wear you out to drive; however, this truck doesn't. Part of that is because the cab is quiet, for a hot rod truck, thanks to the Quietride insulation and the new windows, door panels, door rubber, and more from LMC Truck. Not to mention the Corbeau buckets are great looking, supportive, and comfortable.
"Along with the interior, I also replaced the front fenders with new Year One sheetmetal and Classic Industries headlight bezels. Even the cheapy One Day white paintjob I threw on the truck makes for a nice clean look when combined with the orange Stockton Wheel steelies. Also aiding in the overall driving factor is the suspension and braking. Between the combination of parts from McGaughy's and Classic Performance Products, the suspension and brakes work really well. The truck sits just right and looks great. It also rides very well for a 4/6 drop. The antisway bar, shocks, and springs combine to deliver predictable and fun handling. Unlike when the truck was stock, the new brakes are awesome and consistent. The CPP HydroBoost brake system was an excellent addition; all you need any time is light pedal pressure to put your nose on the dash.
"At the end of the day, when everything is said and done, my truck runs mid-13s in full street trim, makes 320 hp to the wheels, runs on 89 Octane, got 15.03 mpg over a 1,700-mile test, does the 70-foot cones in the slalom at 40.1 mph, pulls .82 on the skidpad, stops from 60-0 mph in 167 feet, and it does all this on 60-series everyday regular street tires. Not to mention it looks good and it's fun to drive...now that I think about it, what's not to like?"
"The key to the performance and mileage is that the total package works well together, and the overall driving enjoyment I get from the truck is much more than the motor/trans combination. The truck feels solid and quiet (for a hot rod) because of the interior, the insulation, the suspension, and the exhaust system. It's confidence-inspiring because the motor will put you where you want to go anytime, the suspension will keep you in control, and the brakes inspire the feeling that you can stop easily, not to mention it looks cool all the while."
 ...clockwise and counterclockwise,...  ...clockwise and counterclockwise, as fast as possible without skidding out. Depending on how fast the truck clocks in at the point of a complete 360, it measures how many g's it pulled on the skidpad. |  Classic Performance Products...  Classic Performance Products installed new tubular control arms, disc brakes, a HydroBoost system, and a few other items on the '74. |  The new TCI Automotive 700-R4...  The new TCI Automotive 700-R4 not only shifts and performs great, but it also helped out the truck's overall driveability significantly. |