55 powerglide

Are the original iron power glides out of a 1955 chevy even worth using or should I modernize a little bit. I have no experience with these trannys so any input or information would be very helpful. I have one that is in use able condition but don't know how much of a beating they can take or how well they will stand up behind any kind of power. Thanks for your time.

 

They work ok if you are running one in a totally restored 55 that isn't going to be driven hard but I wouldn't think you would want one in a car with a hot engine that you intend to drive hard. I remember that a couple of friends that had them back in the early 60's (high school years) tore them up on a regular basis.
There might be someone who builds them for serious driving but the expense would probably be way higher than putting in a newer stronger trans.

 

Stong when they work. You can get a surprise dump of oil whenever the trans decides to dump it. I had a good one the other day and gave it to the junk man. Not worth the trouble to try to sell..

 

It is not just a boat anchor, it's a SHIP anchor. ANYTHING will be an improvement.

 

Thanks for the info, it seems the consensus is to throw is away and use pretty much anything else. That is kinda what I figured but wasn't sure. Thanks for the help.