Durango_Boy

I was excited to see the box truck pull up. He opened up the doors, and sitting all by itself in the cargo box, was a lone transmission sitting on a pitiful looking pallet. He asked how I was going to unload it, and I just said, help me cut it off the pallet and I'll carry it. Yes, it really is heavy, and no, I didn't hurt my back. Here's what it looks like. I have not had a chance to inspect it yet, and while it came with a torque converter I need to start look for a good stall converter for this trans. It's dirty, and I plan to clean it up...but it looks great sitting in my garage waiting to be installed.

BlueL36

Should clean up really nice. Keep us updated on the progress

marshrat99

Great feeling isn't it. Hope ya the best of luck with the installation. It should go pretty smooth.

Durango_Boy

The best feeling is the price. It was rebuilt maybe 10K miles before the car was wrecked. I got this trans for $250 plus $80 freight. Maybe I'll drop $100 in rebuild parts for my application, and a few more bills for a torque converter.

Speaking of the converter...anyone have any suggestions? I don't race, and I would rather stay on the cheaper side of it all.

SILVERSIXX

Congrats. I'm considering going this route myself.

gator79

I had a hughes convertor, 2500 stall in my 81 with a built 383 and it worked very good. resonably priced also.

Eddie 70

You will love the OD. Made a world of difference in the way mine drove. Made the car seem to be much quieter when loafing along at 70 mph. Keep the pics coming and good luck with the install.

Durango_Boy

Thanks. Right now I'm putting together a list of everything I still have to get for this part of the swap. My 200 will be gong in bolted to the LT1 405 this next spring. I'll probably pull the existing 350 out and clean and prep everything over the winter.

NHvette

Looks pretty decent ... and a good buy.
Someday I expect to swap to a 200-4R, but for now my TH400 is still fresh.

tsm75

Ok, I'll ask my, perhaps silly, question.......why the swap and how much altering of the undercarrage needs to be done?

Durango_Boy

No modifying of any type, to anything except the mounting location of the cross member. It needs to be slid back about two inches I think. Other than that, the transmission, so long as it's a multi-fit or Chevy case...bolts right up to any Gen1 SBC. Even the stock drive shaft can be used. This is all assuming it's a TH350 that's being replaced. The TH400 requires even less work as the cross member does not need to move.

BlueL36

About your torque converter questions, I noticed a new Forum Vendor over in the vendor list on the left that you might want to check out:

http://fuddleracing.com/

Durango_Boy

Just sent him an email.. Thanks for the suggestion.

Kalway

Just remember, it has no fluid or filter in it.

Durango_Boy

Oh, you can't always believe what you read on strange transmissions.

Anyone know what that tiny tube on the top is? It's sticking out from a hole in the bell house with a tiny red cap on it.

TERRY CLARK

Vent I would think!

BLACKHORSEVET

Do you know what that baby came out of?There's usually a metal tag on the rear housing.I have a chart somewhere that shows the codes,if you need to know.I hope to do the same someday.
Good luck with her..........

TimAT

Matt, that's a vent. If you need any info about parts, give me a shout. I've got a supplier in KC for trans parts too.

marshrat99

Here are some links that may help out on the install if you've never done one.

http://www.2004r.com/faq/faq.shtml
http://www.tvmadeez.com/tvinstadj.php
http://www.tvmadeez.com/article/index.php
http://www.tvmadeez.com/pressure_test/index.php

redwingvette

It is a very easy upgrade. Just make sure you get the timming right on the TV to carb mount. I am happy with the 2200 stall converter in mine. A lot depends on your motor and rear gear. I had to make a bracket for the steering column lock cable.
Trans