700-R4 or 200R4
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 27
From: Eastern North Carolina
700-R4 or 200R4
I have a 81 that I am thinking about putting a overdrive trans in. Since the 82s came with a 700-R4 would that be a better and easier swap for a 81 Vette.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 945
Likes: 0
From: Ventura California
Keeping in mind that I have no personal experience with either trans, I am only going to comment on the impressions that I have got from reading from others on the forum. The things I have heard in regards to the 700-R4 (not only in regards to Corvettes) is that they are a somewhat "weak" trans. Prone to failure behind decent horsepower. I understand that they can be built up to handle a bit but that it takes a fair amount of dollars thrown at them. I would look forward to getting someones expert opinion as opposed to the "stuff" that I have merely heard. I've read good things about the 200 through.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette Louisiana
200 is a near bolt in. 700 needs a shorter drive shaft and you have to mod the cross member or buy one of the over priced ones that will work.
200 has higher ratio 1st gear and less difference between 1 &2. 700 has a lower ratio 1st gear. If you stay with the 2.87 rear you may want the lower gear of the 700. My 81 has a 3.08 rear and I wanted the 3.? whatever the 700 had.
You will need a tv cable and convertor for both.
Then it becomes a matter of opinion as to which is more durable and I ain't goin' there.
Use the search function, it is your friend.
200 has higher ratio 1st gear and less difference between 1 &2. 700 has a lower ratio 1st gear. If you stay with the 2.87 rear you may want the lower gear of the 700. My 81 has a 3.08 rear and I wanted the 3.? whatever the 700 had.
You will need a tv cable and convertor for both.
Then it becomes a matter of opinion as to which is more durable and I ain't goin' there.
Use the search function, it is your friend.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 7
From: Fort Pierce Florida
I've gone through three 700R4 rebuilds in my '82 with about 430 lb. ft. of torque, and I've never even thought about bolting slicks to it. It really dosen't shift quickly enough despite all the tricks and tweaks my tranny guy has thrown at it. With the short first gear and my 3.45 rear ratio, it definitely melts some tires though!
I'll probably look into going a different route next time it breaks.
I'll probably look into going a different route next time it breaks.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 741
Likes: 1
From: Woodstock GA
Either trans can be built to shift hard and perform well, behind just about anything. Not all transmission builders are equal as far as the results they get. For what its worth, my builder far prefers the TH700R4. Says in stock form that it is a lot stronger than the TH2004R, at least in the later versions. Everyone pretty much agrees the early TH700R4s are junk. For a good builder, I would ask around on a forum where the transmissions are more common, and beat on harder than they are here (Buick GN boards for the Th2004R, F-body boards for the TH700R4).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
I'm gettin' a 200 4R from Bow Tie Overdrives when I can muster the cash. Rebuilt for strength and firm shifts, 80's theme, direct fit with stock driveshaft, and better gears. I had a 700R4 in my 93 vette, and have the electronic version of the same trans in my 02 vette, and I'm not impressed with the shift points, especially between 2nd to 3rd. I'm definitely goin' to try the200 4R on my 80.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
I don't think that strength is not an issue with either transmission if you buy a "built" one.. In stock trim, the 700R4 is stronger.
Here are the advantages of each transmission:
200R4
Positive:
Bolt in swap for most Vettes (dropped it right in place of a manual tranny)
great gearing with good gear spacing and a 2.74 first gear and .67 overdrive (IMHO - optimum gearing)
can be built very strong (mine held up to over 200 low 10 second passes in the 1/4 mile)
low parasitic loss compared to the 700R4
same driveshaft length as stock
Negative:
too weak with factory parts - aftermarket unit needed for performance applications
governor spring might pop out when stopping a burn out. That however is easily fixed by soldering a pin on the governor to prevent that from happening.
700R4:
Positive:
very aggressive first gear (if you like that)
very commonly available transmission
can be built very strong
proven reliable transmission
Negative:
requires modifications (i.e. transmission mounting location) to install
higher parasitic loss than 200R4
requires shorter driveshaft
Here are the advantages of each transmission:
200R4
Positive:
Bolt in swap for most Vettes (dropped it right in place of a manual tranny)
great gearing with good gear spacing and a 2.74 first gear and .67 overdrive (IMHO - optimum gearing)
can be built very strong (mine held up to over 200 low 10 second passes in the 1/4 mile)
low parasitic loss compared to the 700R4
same driveshaft length as stock
Negative:
too weak with factory parts - aftermarket unit needed for performance applications
governor spring might pop out when stopping a burn out. That however is easily fixed by soldering a pin on the governor to prevent that from happening.
700R4:
Positive:
very aggressive first gear (if you like that)
very commonly available transmission
can be built very strong
proven reliable transmission
Negative:
requires modifications (i.e. transmission mounting location) to install
higher parasitic loss than 200R4
requires shorter driveshaft
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Yea do the search, I have posted a few times on my build, but I would say go with the 2004R. Crossmember will need mod/replace for either one, Gen a GN code if you can locate one. Stay away from early 7004R if you go that route.
I made my own crossmember and one for annother forum member, not that hard if you got the tools. The BTO unit will be close to $300 delivered. You will need a TV cable, shifter kit in addition to what you need for the tranny itself.
This is a good project if you like doing things yourself
I made my own crossmember and one for annother forum member, not that hard if you got the tools. The BTO unit will be close to $300 delivered. You will need a TV cable, shifter kit in addition to what you need for the tranny itself.
This is a good project if you like doing things yourself
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 27
From: Eastern North Carolina
Thanks to everyone. I am going to leave the motor stock so performance is not a big issue. I'm leaning towards the 200-4R for the ease of putting it in. I'm mainly looking to improve the gas mileage.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 816
Likes: 107
I have had plenty of exsperience with both, like mentioned stock for stock a 700 is stronger but both can be built for strenght. I have a 200 in my '87 Buick GN and it did ok untill I started making some real Horse power. I went through about 12 rebuils before it was right
I built it myself a handful of times before I gave up. It finaly went to a pro and got all major heavy duty parts, big pump, big servo race clutches and so on and so forth.
My GN makes around 600-650 hp and around 600foot pounds of tq , it shifts great on the street and is very firm but not a slam under hard throttle.
I think both trans are great but if you have some decent power they will need to be built. I am not sure price on a 700 but I have about $1,500 in my 200 not including a $550 9" 3000 stall converter.
If you are running a big or small block with not much more than 350 horse and not much than 400 pound feet of tq, a slightly built 200 should be fine. If you run more power than that the 200 is going to need work. There are plenty of Buick GN's running well into the 9's with a 200 so if built properly they will hold up, plus they are lighter than a 700.
Hope this helps in your decision.....good luck
I built it myself a handful of times before I gave up. It finaly went to a pro and got all major heavy duty parts, big pump, big servo race clutches and so on and so forth.My GN makes around 600-650 hp and around 600foot pounds of tq , it shifts great on the street and is very firm but not a slam under hard throttle.
I think both trans are great but if you have some decent power they will need to be built. I am not sure price on a 700 but I have about $1,500 in my 200 not including a $550 9" 3000 stall converter.
If you are running a big or small block with not much more than 350 horse and not much than 400 pound feet of tq, a slightly built 200 should be fine. If you run more power than that the 200 is going to need work. There are plenty of Buick GN's running well into the 9's with a 200 so if built properly they will hold up, plus they are lighter than a 700.
Hope this helps in your decision.....good luck
