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. The modern aftermarket gear set for powerglide transmissions should feature many of these upgrades as found in our own BTE powerglide planetary gear sets.
- Straight or spur cut gears are stronger and have less thrust loading
- USA made 9310 vaccumelt steel gears that have been heat treated and processed for maximum durability
- The output shaft is made of forged steel
- Pins made from aerospace-grade steel
- A locking retainer system to reinforce and maintain the gear pinions
- A billet steel flange plate for the sun gear
What To Avoid
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.
Why? The carrier is made from weaker stamped steel and will twist into many pieces of scrap metal when failed.
Somewhere In Between
The 1.76 is stronger, featuring a machined steel carrier and heavier duty gears. However, the upper limit of the 1.76 for most cars is ~800 hp. Some may take more or less power as none of the parts were originally designed for high performance usage.
Maintenance
A well made planetary assembly should be relatively maintenance free, however, we do offer pinion and bearing replacement kits that are a recommended service item that should be replaced at least every two years. Be sure to also use quality transmission fluid that offers proper lubrication to keep things functioning properly.
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