To T or not to T....that's the question

[Brian Lohnes]

Hey dudes,

I haven't written the trans swap story on Buford yet because I am still waiting on a driveshaft so I can declare the job done and begin roasting tires again. Other than the d-shaft, I have to hook up the vacuum modulator that is on the Turbo 350.

I realize that I could buy a two port vacuum fitting from Eckler's or wherever, but that would be like $25 bucks and I am wondering if I can just T-into the vacuum line that is already on the car which runs from the fitting on the rear of the intake manifold to the vacuum ball on the firewall for the heater controls. I think a T would be about 2.5 bucks, which is totally my speed.

Will the T be good enough for the time being or should I buck up for a fitting?

[yellomalibu]

Since there is a diaphragm in the modulator, there is no air flow to speak of; the vacuum is just "felt", right? I don't see why you couldn't use a T.

[TC]

Ya as long as your T'ing in before that ball on the firewall you should be fine......... The factory used to have vacuum T's that screwed into the intake runner that fed the modulator on the trans along with a couple of other things....... So what your doing is really no different.......

[Barry Donovan]

try a progressive spot..leave it on its own.

2 dollars in vacuum line.

the always on vacuum is doing nothing but...suck.

[Mater]

the TH350 i swapped into my '85 monte hafter the TH200 dead a horrible death had the vacuum modualtor refranced atached with a T fitting worked fine

[Brian Lohnes]

Thanks boys!

[squirrel]

Tee it close to the manifold, and notice the tubing size is a bit bigger than that used for the line you're probably planning to tee into.

This is where that box of spare brass fittings from 30 years of working on cars comes in handy....

[Scott Liggett]

My Impala, when it had a th350, I had the vacuum for the trans connected the same fitting as thw vacuum gauge and brakes. My Caprice is using the factory fitting shares the th400 vacuum line with the AC ball and the brakes. I dont see it as a problem. You will know right away when it wont shift out of first. If the shift is late and harder than you want, you may be able to adjust the modulator to the desired firmness. If not, then you will need a stronger vacuum signal..

[Brian Lohnes]

Cool. It is all plumbed in and hooked up. Soon as I get the driveshaft, I will know if it works!