May 09, 2017
Level Up with Sonnax: 5 Key Powerglide Transmission Areas to Upgrade for Optimum Performance
The options for taking a Powerglide transmission to the next tier of performance can be overwhelming for the average builder. The charts below identify the five major part groups for which Sonnax offers upgrade options. Strong, durable components for every build level guarantee racers never underspec or overpay for unmatched transmission performance.
Input Shaft & Stator
The input shaft area is one of the most highly stressed parts of the transmission. Delivering modern power levels through the transmission is no easy task. Having the right shaft and stator support for your power level is the key to avoiding spline twist and shaft breakage at the track.
Servo
A servo that applies and releases as expected is the key to a reliable transmission. Old-school servos fall far short leading to frustrating problems like band failures, broken shafts and staging issues. Complete servo kits from Sonnax use innovative engineering to solve these long-standing problems.
Drum
Mixing parts from various sources can lead to hidden apply problems. A Sonnax drum kit is the best way to make sure the drum, piston and hub work together for trouble-free operation.
Planetary & Output Shaft
Stock planetary gears are time bombs waiting to fail in a racing transmission. When picking a replacement, “one size fits all” is a recipe for disappointment. With four ratios plus Premium and Extreme performance options, Sonnax planetary assembly kits are the #1 choice for outstanding performance and reliability at any power level. Each kit includes a custom, high-strength output shaft designed to prevent twisting and breakage.
Slip Yoke
Once the internals are upgraded to handle big power, don’t let an OE-style slip yoke be the weak link. An upgraded yoke engineered to handle increased power and torque is the best way to avoid a twisted yoke or an outright driveshaft failure. Sonnax slip yokes deliver track-proven performance and are available for 27- or 32-spline output shafts with bushing or bearing support.
Custom Build Examples
The three builds shown here are EXAMPLES ONLY. Sonnax offers multiple options in each part category so that you can tailor builds to your needs.
Click here to view all available Powerglide parts.
| Improved Durability for Budget Builds | Improved Durability, Reasonable Cost | Max Durability, Cost is a Secondary Concern | |
| Usage | Quarter Mile | Quarter/Eighth Mile, Mud | Quarter/Eighth Mile, Mud, Monster |
| Power | Up to 1,500 HP | Up to 2,000 HP | Up to 3,000 HP |
| Input Shaft & Stator | Stator Support Tube 28154S Use with 1" Input Shaft | Ringless Stator Tube Kit 28154S-07K Use with 1" Input Shaft | 1-1/8" Big Input Shaft Kit 353532-01K Big Input Shaft Stator Tube 28154S-125 |
| Servo | Race-Calibrated Servo Return Spring Kit 28133-HD Servo Piston & Cover Kit 28821-05K | Supported Servo Master Kit 28821-20K | Smart-Tech® Ratio-Style Servo Kit 28821-10K |
| Drum | 10-Clutch Drum, Hub & Piston Kit 28756-15K Friction (Red) S019740A | 10-Clutch Drum Kit 28756-01K Friction (Red) S019740A | Smart-Tech® 10-Clutch Drum Kit 28756-25K Friction (High Energy) 104120-03 |
| Planetary & Output Shaft | 1.80 Premium Planetary Assembly Kit 28180G-01 | 1.69 Premium Planetary Assembly Kit 28169G-01 | 1.58 Extreme Planetary Assembly Kit 28158G-NS 27-Spline, Long Extreme Stength Output Shaft 28924-27L Ring Gear Stabilizer Kit 28510-S3 |
| Slip Yoke | 27-Spline, Bushing-Style Slip Yoke T3-3-6081HP | 27-Spline, Roller Bearing-Style Slip Yoke T3-3-6081H | 32-Spline, Roller Bearing-Style Slip Yoke T3-3-2431CBH |
More Critical Sonnax Components to Extend Durability
You’ve got the big upgrades specced out, now it’s time to ensure other key components are in top shape to help the transmission run efficiently all season long. These Sonnax performance parts are highly recommended in every Powerglide build.
| Part Name | Part No. | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pump Bushing | 34034T-01 | Drop-in replacement, precision, PTFE-lined |
| Filter Extension Kit | 28801-S09K | For 28801-S, standard Powerglide filter & valve body. Chrysler filter to Hipster kit also available |
| Band Adjustment Screw Kit | 28612-01K | Includes jam nut |
| Shift Lever Kit | 28431-05K | Bolt-together, anti-leak kit works with all common competition shifters. One-piece kit also available. |
| Output Shaft Support Kit | 28080K | High-strength billet aluminum, includes roller bearing |
| High Clutch Drum Small Parts Kit | 28755-SPK | Spring retainer, springs, retaining rings, wear plates, lip seals & PTFE bushing |
| High Clutch Steel | S019701AK | 12-Tooth, .060" thick, without turbulator holes, Kolene® material. Other options available. |
| Extra Wide Band | S019961 | Red material, Kevlar® lining also available |
| Heavy Duty Reverse Clutch Return Spring | 28320A | 17/Bag |
| Heavy Duty Reverse Clutch Spring Retainer | 28709 | No-flex design |
Learn More
Related Units
Related Parts
Required
Recommended
AT-540, Powerglide, Powerglide, Cast Iron, TH350, TH350C, TH400
Pump Bushing 34034T-01
While Sonnax makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of technical articles at time of publication, we assume no liability for inaccuracies or for information which may become outdated or obsolete over time.