What transmission came with a Chevy 350?

The Chevy 350 engine has been paired with many transmissions over its long production history; there isn’t a single standard transmission. Typical matchups include three- and four-speed automatics, plus several manual options. The most common pairings were TH350 and TH400 automatics, along with later overdrive units such as the 700R4/4L60E, and various 4-speed manuals like the Muncie and Borg-Warner/T-10 families, with some late-model configurations offering a 5-speed manual in select applications.

Historic pairings by era

Chevrolet offered a range of transmissions with the 350 across decades. The list below highlights the main options that enthusiasts most often encounter in classic and late-model Chevrolets equipped with the 350 V8.

Manual transmissions

In the 1960s–1980s window, several 4-speed manuals were commonly paired with the 350, and a few late-1980s configurations included 5-speed options in certain models:

• Borg-Warner T-10 4-speed manual


• Muncie M20/M21 4-speed manual


• Saginaw 4-speed manual (less common, in some base models)


• Tremec/T-5 5-speed manual (in select late-1980s/early-1990s Camaros/Firebirds and other GM applications with 5.0/5.7 V8)

These options varied by model and year, so the available manual transmission could differ between a Chevelle, Camaro, Nova, or pickup, and between mid-1960s to late-1990s builds.

Automatic transmissions

Most 350-powered Chevys, especially as production advanced, used automatics. The main automatic options included:

• Turbo-Hydramatic 350 (TH350) — a ubiquitous 3-speed automatic used across many Chevrolet cars and trucks with the 350 engine


• Turbo-Hydramatic 400 (TH400) — a heavier-duty 3-speed automatic used on higher-performance or heavier applications


• 700R4 / 4L60 — a 4-speed automatic with overdrive, introduced in the early 1980s and widely installed on late-1980s to 1990s 350-powered vehicles


• 4L60E — the electronically controlled successor to the 4L60, introduced in the mid-1990s and common through the 2000s


• 4L80E — a heavy‑duty 4-speed automatic used in some trucks and high-power applications that employed the 350 engine

As with manuals, availability depended on model, year, and intended use; some vehicles used different transmissions or optional configurations in different trims or market regions.

How to verify the exact transmission on a given Chevy 350

The best way to confirm the precise pairing for a specific vehicle is to check multiple sources: the vehicle’s build sheet or window sticker, the VIN/engine code, and the transmission code stamped on the transmission itself. The model year and trim level also influence which transmission was originally installed.

Summary

In short, there is no single transmission that came with the Chevy 350. Over the years, GM offered a broad spectrum of choices—from manual options like the Muncie/M20/M21 and T-10 family to automatics ranging from TH350 and TH400 to overdrive units such as the 700R4/4L60E and 4L80E. The exact transmission depended on the model, year, and market, and verifying with build documentation is the most reliable way to know which one your 350 uses or used to use.

How do I tell if I have a TH350 or TH400?

You can tell a TH350 from a TH400 by the pan shape, with the TH350 having a square-like pan with a corner cut off, and the TH400 having a unique, more irregular shape with one side straight. Other differences include the kickdown mechanism: TH350s use a cable, while TH400s have an electrical switch and plug on the case. The TH400 is also visually larger and heavier than the TH350.
 
You can watch this video to see a visual comparison of the TH350 and TH400 transmissions: 58sPrecision TransmissionYouTube · Jun 6, 2020
Key differences

• Pan shape:
  • TH350: Square-ish with one corner cut off. 
  • TH400: Irregular shape, with one side straight and a bulge on the other ("elephant ear"). 
• Kickdown mechanism:
  • TH350: Has a mechanical kickdown cable that runs from the carburetor or throttle linkage to the transmission. 
  • TH400: Uses an electrical kickdown with a slide switch and a plug on the side of the case, eliminating the need for a cable. 
• Size and weight:
  • TH350: More compact and lighter. 
  • TH400: Larger, heavier, and visibly more rugged. 
• Strength:
  • TH350: Designed for lighter-duty and moderate-performance applications. 
  • TH400: Built for heavy-duty and high-torque applications. 

What transmission does a 350 Chevy have?

The TH350 is an automatic shift, three-speed transmission.

How do I tell if I have a TH350 or 700R4?

Visually, a 700R4 is longer than a TH350 at around 30 inches, depending on the tailshaft housing, but the 700R4 bellhousing shares the one-piece design with the earlier transmissions. They also do not have vacuum modulators like the TH350 and TH400.

Is TH350 transmission any good?

Yes, the TH350 is a good transmission, known for its strength, reliability, and versatility in a compact and simple package. It's a popular choice for classic restorations and high-performance builds due to its durability and ease of modification, but its lack of an overdrive gear makes it less ideal for highway-heavy driving where fuel efficiency is a priority. 
Why the TH350 is considered a good transmission 
This video explains the differences between a TH350 and TH400 transmission: 51sSpeedway MotorsYouTube · Apr 14, 2025

• Strength and reliability: It was built to be durable and can handle significant power, especially when rebuilt or modified. 
• Simplicity: It's a non-electronic, 3-speed automatic with a reputation for being easy to service and maintain. 
• Versatility: The TH350 works well in a wide range of applications, from daily drivers to street/strip and full-competition racing. 
• Compact size: It is smaller and lighter than other heavy-duty GM transmissions like the TH400, making it a great fit for muscle cars and classic builds. 
• Aftermarket support: It has extensive aftermarket support, with many parts available for upgrades and performance builds. 

When the TH350 might not be the best choice

• Highway fuel economy: Its three-speed design means it lacks an overdrive gear. This can result in high RPMs at highway speeds, which is less fuel-efficient than transmissions with an overdrive gear, such as the 700R4. 
• Higher horsepower applications: While it can be built to handle significant power, there are limits. For extremely high-horsepower applications, a larger transmission like a TH400 might be a better starting point. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the TH350 and 700R4 transmissions: 58sRaybuck Auto Body PartsYouTube · Apr 5, 2019