TCi Turbo Hydramatic 350 Installation Instructions

®
TCI 322200
Turbo Hydramatic 350 Manual/Automatic Valve
Body
Installation Instructions
®
TCI 's Manual/Automatic Valve Body gives you that hi-performance street/strip feeling. It
provides firm positive shifts for full performance street use. Automatic shift features are retained
in drive position. This valve body also works well with heavy-duty vehicle applications. It will
improve the transmission life of campers, motor homes, police, taxi and vehicles used for towing.
By carefully following these instructions anyone with a minimum of mechanical experience can
install this Manual/Automatic Valve Body.
NOTE: This Manual/Automatic Valve Body was not intended for installation in transmissions
that are in poor general condition. It will not correct the condition of malfunctioning or slippage in
transmissions.
MANUAL/AUTOMATIC VALVE BODY
INTRODUCTION
This manual/automatic valve body can be installed in a few hours by carefully following directions.
Read all instructions first to familiarize yourself with the parts and procedures. Work slowly and
do not force any parts. Transmission components and valves are precision fit parts. Burrs and dirt
are the number one enemies of an automatic transmission. Cleanliness is very important so a
clean work area or bench is necessary. We suggest a clean work bench top from which oil can
easily be cleaned or a large piece of cardboard.
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Automatic transmissions operate at temperatures between 150 F and 250 F. It is suggested that
the vehicle be allowed to cool for a few hours to avoid bums from hot oil and parts. The vehicle
should be off the ground for ease of installation. Jack stands, wheel ramps, or a hoist will work
fine. Make sure the vehicle is firmly supported! Try to raise it 1-2 feet so you have plenty of room
to work easily. Have a box or pan handy to put small parts in so they won't be lost. Also use a
drain pan to catch the transmission fluid.
DISASSEMBLY
STEP 1 Some Turbo 350 transmissions do not have drain plugs. You may want to install a TCI®
8058000 Drain Plug Kit before you reinstall your transmission pan. Drain the oil by removing the
back oil pan bolts and work towards the front slowly. (Note: Some vehicles will require removal of
the crossmember to remove the pan. Make sure you support the back of the transmission so you
don't damage the distributor.) Do not remove the front two (2) pan bolts yet. If the pan sticks to
the gasket, insert a screwdriver between the pan and case and pry the pan down slightly to break
it loose. Allow the fluid to drain. Now remove the two (2) front bolts slowly. This will lower the pan
to allow the rest of the fluid to drain. Lower the pan and set aside. Put the pan bolts in your tray.