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 so special about a Powerglide transmission?
In fact, a Powerglide can weigh less than a standard manual transmission, provide a direct-drive feel with minimal slippage at the torque converter (or none at all with direct drive), and maintain a relatively low rotating mass. Many Street Stocks, I.M.C.A.
Did Ford make a Powerglide transmission?
Ford introduced its automatic in 1951 and Chrysler in 1954. When a fire damaged GM's Hydramatic automatic transmission factory in 1953, GM fitted its Pontiacs and Oldsmobile with the Powerglide. Although the Powerglide was the first automatic, it wasn't the best by a long shot.
When was Powerglide introduced?
When the Chevrolet Powerglide made its debut in 1950, it was the first automatic transmission intended specifically for the low-priced field. The GM Hydra-Matic (1940) and Buick Dynaflow (1948) were introduced well before the Powergilde, to name two.
Who builds the best Powerglide?
BTE manufactures all of the critical components to make the powerglide transmission the best choice for drag racing. We offer a variety of gear ratios, input shafts, clutch drums, roller components, and other items to custom fit almost any high performance vehicle.
17 related questions foundHow much HP 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.
How much HP can a stock Powerglide case handle?
A powerglide can indeed handle 440 hp, hust put a good cooler on it especially if you are putting a higher stall converter in it. ATI and others make alot of good parts for glides nowadays too.
What was the 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.
Are all Powerglide transmissions the same?
Were the powerglides different to depending on the motor ? The powerglide trans for the 6 & V-8 are not the same. Some parts will interchange but as a complete assembly they are not the same.
How many gears does a Powerglide transmission have?
Although the venerable GM Powerglide has only two forward speeds inside its case, it has been the gold standard of durability in the racing world since the '50s.
What cars came with a 2 speed 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's better Powerglide or TH400?
Powerglide Versus TH400
In these types of applications, a Powerglide is the ultimate in consistency as well. On the other hand, for cars that will see any street time at all, a TH400 is a better option. In race cars, compared to a Powerglide a TH400 is better suited for cars with large tires and taller rearend gearing.
What speed does a Powerglide shift?
The factory setting will have the Powerglide shift at about 13 MPH under light throttle and at 45-50 MPH at full throttle.
Are Powerglide transmissions any good?
Powerglide was the first automatic transmission available on a low-priced car. As well as the last of its kind almost a quarter century later. Yes, the Powerglide's longevity was legendary, both in terms of its three decades of utilization, as well as its durability.
How do you date a Powerglide transmission?
The letter C identifies it as a Powerglide manufactured in Cleveland. The next number set identifies the date of manufacture (1115 for November 15th, etc.). The last letter identifies whether the transmission was built during the day or night shift (D or N).
How strong is a Powerglide transmission?
Today, powerglide transmissions are reliable up to as much as 3000 horsepower in certain applications. The backbone of this entire system is the planetary gear assembly.
Does a Powerglide transmission have overdrive?
Registered. The overdrive units were common on the standard shift 3 speed trans. There was no overdrive for the glide.
Who invented the fully automatic transmission?
The first automatic transmission using hydraulic fluid was developed in 1932 by two Brazilian engineers, José Braz Araripe and Fernando Lehly Lemos.
Who invented the first transmission?
Alfred Horner Munro, a Canadian steam engineer, designed the first automatic transmission in 1921 and patented the transmission in 1923. He created the automatic transmission with four forward gears and no reverse or parking gears, and he used air pressure instead of hydraulic fluid.
Will a Powerglide bolt up to a 350?
The powerglide should be fine with the 350 unless it is an air cooled version.
How does Powerglide work?
Powerglides built prior to 1968 had a rear pump in addition to a front pump and could be push-started because the turning of the driveshaft creates enough hydraulic pressure to engage the clutches and spin the motor. This is another advantage for racing enthusiasts who use a Powerglide.
What is the meaning of Powerglide?
Wikipedia. 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 kind of fluid goes in a Powerglide transmission?
Modern Dexron is fine.
Is a Powerglide Streetable?
They are very streetable. I have several guys with glides and a gear vendor OD unit giving them a 4 speed trans if they split shift them.
