What was the last year of the Powerglide transmission?
The Powerglide transmission, a hallmark of General Motors' engineering, holds a special place in automotive history. Known for its simplicity and durability, this two-speed automatic transmission was a staple in GM vehicles for decades. But when did this iconic transmission see its final year of production? Let’s dive into the details.
A Brief History of the Powerglide Transmission
Introduced in 1950, the Powerglide transmission was General Motors' first automatic transmission designed for Chevrolet vehicles. It quickly gained popularity for its smooth operation and reliability, making it a favorite among drivers who wanted a hassle-free driving experience. Over the years, the Powerglide underwent several updates to improve its performance and adaptability.
The Final Year of the Powerglide
The Powerglide transmission remained in production for an impressive 23 years. Its final year of use in passenger cars was 1973. After this, GM transitioned to more advanced transmission systems, such as the Turbo Hydra-Matic, which offered more gears and improved efficiency. However, the Powerglide continued to be produced for specific applications, such as drag racing and industrial uses, well beyond 1973.
Why the Powerglide Remains Popular Today
Even though the Powerglide is no longer in mainstream production, it remains a favorite among car enthusiasts and racers. Here are a few reasons why:
- Simplicity: The two-speed design makes it easy to maintain and repair.
- Durability: Its robust construction can handle high levels of torque, making it ideal for drag racing.
- Aftermarket Support: A wide range of parts and upgrades are available, ensuring its continued use in custom builds.
Conclusion
The Powerglide transmission may have seen its last year in passenger cars in 1973, but its legacy lives on. Whether you're restoring a classic Chevrolet or building a high-performance drag racer, the Powerglide remains a testament to the ingenuity of mid-20th-century automotive engineering. At Kevin's Autos, we celebrate the history of iconic components like the Powerglide and are here to help with all your transmission needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower can a 2 speed Powerglide handle?
With all the available upgrades, both the Powerglide and the TH400 are capable of withstanding an incredible 3,500 horsepower.
What's better, Powerglide or TH400?
Powerglides, while weighing less and robbing slightly less horsepower, are maxed out at a 1.62 low gear, making them less forgiving than a two-speed Turbo 400. Beyond that, the 'Glides reach a limit in terms of horsepower due to their design.
What did a 2 speed Powerglide come in?
Chevrolet
The Powerglide is a two-speed automatic transmission designed by General Motors. It was available primarily on Chevrolet from January 1950 through 1973, although some Pontiac models also used this automatic transmission after the fire at the Hydra-Matic factory in 1953.
What's the best automatic transmission for drag racing?
For the all-out drag racer, two of the most historically prevalent automatic transmissions have been the GM Powerglide and the three-speed Turbo 400. They are simply proven tough units, perhaps earning their reputations as the result of money only being spent up-front, these are the ones that took the most abuse.
What is the HP limit for the 1.82 Powerglide?
The OEM powerglide was manufactured with two first gear ratios - 1.76 and 1.82. The 1.82 gear set is not suitable for most drag racing applications as its power limit is no more than ~ 550 HP engines in even lightweight cars.
What Powerglide is best for drag racing?
ATI's Superglide 4 is the strongest Powerglide in the industry, exclusively from ATI!
What years did they make the Powerglide?
The Powerglide is a two-speed automatic transmission designed by General Motors. It was available primarily on Chevrolet from January 1950 through 1973, although some Pontiac models also used this automatic transmission after the fire at the Hydra-Matic factory in 1953.
What is the best transmission for drag racing?
For the all-out drag racer, two of the most historically prevalent automatic transmissions have been the GM Powerglide and the three-speed Turbo 400. They are simply proven tough units, perhaps earning their reputations as the result of money only being spent up-front, these are the ones that took the most abuse.
What cars did Powerglide come in?
Powerglide Applications
- 1963- 1972 full-size cars equipped with a six-cylinder engine came with a Powerglide.
- 1964-1972 Chevelle and Malibu.
- 1967-1972 Camaros.
- 1962-1973 Nova.
- 1962-1967 Corvette.
- 1970-1972 Monte Carlo.
- 1971-1973 Vega.
- 1964-1971 Full-Size Trucks and Vans.
What is so special about a Powerglide transmission?
A Powerglide transmission is very durable in stock form — start adding some aftermarket parts and you have one stout unit. This elevated level of durability is another reason a Powerglide is perfect for bracket racing, as they can take a beating for an extended amount of runs.
