Some classic car systems represent a passing trend, while others changed the course of history. The Chevy Powerglide was one of the first widely available automatic transmissions. From its release in 1950, General Motors tweaked the simple design of this two-speed transmission until most of the country was driving automatic. This groundbreaking piece of machinery isn’t a relic of the past, however. You can buy a restored, optimized 1200 hp powerglide today to make many different cars easier and more satisfying to drive.
What Is a Powerglide Transmission?
General Motors came out with the Powerglide transmission in 1950 as an affordable alternative to the more complicated and heavier automatic transmissions of the time. Early models suffered from poor acceleration, so in 1962 the Powerglide underwent a total redesign.
The new Powerglide had a lightweight aluminum case, a 14-bolt pan and a two-speed shifter. This simple and reliable transmission powered some of the most iconic cars of the 20th century, including:
- Corvettes from 1962-1967
- El Caminos from 1971-1972
- Pickups from 1964-1971
- Camaros from 1967-1972
- Monte Carlos from 1970-1972
So many cars used these transmissions that it’s easy to find high-quality Powerglides today, decades after General Motors ceased production. Powerglide transmissions were all built in America from one plant in Cleveland, Ohio. The size of the transmissions depended on the size of the engines they were attached to, so be sure to match the perfect Powerglide to your engine and desired rpm.
What Makes a Powerglide Transmission a Good Choice?
Powerglide transmissions are an old-school favorite among racing and classic car enthusiasts. These transmissions are not overly long and they feature a standard Chevrolet bolt pattern that’s easy to adapt to a wide range of vehicles. Parts to customize or fix a Powerglide are easy to come by. A new and optimized Powerglide transmission helps older cars drive smoothly, alongside other quality of life improvements such as a Ford 400 power package.
These transmissions are a great choice for racing, as the simplicity of the two-gear system keeps a driver’s focus on the road. The top Powerglides are monsters on the racetrack, especially in quarter-mile drag racing. Top racers completed a quarter-mile in six seconds flat at 235 mph with a Powerglide transmission. Of course, this performance carries over into daily driving as hobby racing as well.
Is a Powerglide Transmission Durable?
Powerglide transmissions are some of the most durable you can find, as their simple design makes for fewer parts that can break or fail. In drag racing circles, Powerglide transmissions are described as “bulletproof.” While a Powerglide won’t actually stop a bullet, this transmission was a Chevy mainstay for a reason. Its two decades of use are a testament to its durable and reliable design.
Classic car enthusiasts know that many times, the simple old-school choice is the best one. A new optimized Powerglide transmission and a set of engine rebuild tools can work magic on any number of classic and modern cars. Choose a Powerglide transmission to experience a slice of car history, an excellent racing transmission and a practical choice all in one piece of machinery.
