The oil pan is the next item to be installed. We use Duraprene pan gaskets as they can be used over and over. My recommendation is NO SILICONE, period. If you have a pan leak, first make sure the pan rail is flat. If it still leaks give the trans case gasket surface a close look. It might have a burr on it that prevents the pan from sitting flush.
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The dipstick is up next. Most rules require a locking dipstick so it won’t blow out and spray trans-fluid on headers or under tires. Use a new O-ring or seal every time it is removed, as it is a pain in the butt to fix it at the track if it is leaking.
The obvious things are on the list now. Getting the converter fully engaged into the pump before installation. If you hold a straight edge across the face of the bellhousing the mounting pads on the converter should be 1 1/8” deep.
Check your cooling lines and make sure they have been thoroughly flushed and are in good shape as they will likely see pressures in excess of 200 psi and temperatures in excess of 250 degrees at certain times.
That wraps up my article on the Powerglide. I know there
are a lot more details but this tech article was intended to show you
“It Ain’t Rocket Science” and that if you are 
interested
in rebuilding or starting fresh on a Power glide it is a project you can
handle. I want to recommend Carl Munroe’s Powerglide Transmission
Handbook as a great reference to help you through the steps of building
a winning Powerglide.
This article has been a fun experience for me and it has resulted in my opening up a small race-only transmission shop. Midwest Performance Transmission is a new company but like a lot of small companies out there we try to put a little extra effort into everything we do. If we can answer any questions or provide parts or service we are more than willing to do our best for you. Whether it is a simple rebuild or a Top Dragster transmission we can handle it.
Our website is: www.midwestperformancetransmission.com.com
Thanks to the many people and companies that helped with
this article. In no particular order here they are:
Carl Munroe: TSR Racing Products, author of Power glide Transmission Handbook.
P.O. Box 1135
Keene, NH 03431
www.tsr-racing.com
TCI Automotive: Stan Poff and his crew of knowledgeable technicians.
151 Industrial Dr.
Ashland, MS 38603
www.tciauto.com
BTE Transmissions: Neal and the transmission assembly team.
2 Memphis Ave.
Mt. Pleasant, MS 38649
www.bteracing.com
Mike's Transmission
42541 6th Street East Unit #11
Lancaster, CA 93535
www.mikestransmission.com
Josh Kanselaar: For getting me interested in working on
Powerglides in the first place.
My customers who believed in our new shop and our Trackside Warranty.
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