The budget definitely isn't endless. I just don't have a lot of free time to work on stuff so I want to build this thing once. With that in mind, like the Toyota buggy I'm building, it's coming together slower than I originally planned so I can get the best parts I can afford and hopefully not have to **** with it in between rides. It also helps that I parted enough of the Escalade that I got the engine and 4l65e fo free! Actually made more money back so far and still have a good bit left.
Th400 is an option but I kind of ruled it out in the decision between powerglide and th400. I just figure the powerglide robs a little less hp than the turbo 400 and I probably won't make enough hp to make up for that so why bother. That being said, I also feel like the wider ratio requirement in the glide may have a slightly different power robbing problem. When considering the th400 over the powerglide I figured I'd drop the 400 down to a two speed to chuck some unneeded parts and I could also achieve a closer ratio. I just don't really need a third gear so figure use which one robs less HP or is cheaper. They're both pretty cheap to build. I feel like with 1000hp or less these problems are noticeable.
The 4l65e is just being brought up because I have one and the good working core is free. I saw no point in switching to a 4l80e. Cost is higher than th400 and I don't see the advantage. This is where I again admit ignorance and ask for help. I know very little about the newer tranmissions and controls. All I really know is what they cost, cost to build, and how they compare in strength only to the older transmissions.