BowTie Overdrives- Opinions
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 33
From: Folsom Ca
BowTie Overdrives- Opinions
I was curious to see if anyone has converted to a Bowtie overdrive unit.I wanted to see how it worked out.What problems they might have had and whether they would recommend it for other Shark owners.
A friend had one put in his 81 and he said that he liked the low RPM cruising on the freeway.He was about 1800 RPMs at 70MPH.He also gained some off the line snap but he complained about the harsh shifting.He had a Stage 2 put in and the shifts are really firm and the kickdown is brutal.
Thanks for any input.
A friend had one put in his 81 and he said that he liked the low RPM cruising on the freeway.He was about 1800 RPMs at 70MPH.He also gained some off the line snap but he complained about the harsh shifting.He had a Stage 2 put in and the shifts are really firm and the kickdown is brutal.
Thanks for any input.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 292
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From: Thomasville Ga
I put a 2004R in my 71 vert...damn near doubled my MPG and my miles per fun...nothing like a vette at 70 with the engine running 2000rpm instead of 3500!
I used the stage one...shifts are smooth...
I used the stage one...shifts are smooth...
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 591
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From: Batavia IL
I put the 700r4 stage 2 in mine. I was one of the best things I did to make my vette more enjoyable to drive. I needed to play around with the governer to get it to shift to my liking. High rpm shifts at W.O.T. and barking the tires each shift, but still has decent manners at part throttle driving.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
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CI-VIII Burnout Champ
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
I have the BTO Stage II in my 1980. I love it, Love It, LOVE IT !!
As said before, one of the best improvements you can do for a Corvette.
As said before, one of the best improvements you can do for a Corvette.
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 511
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From: St. Louis MO
stage3 700r4 behind my big block with 8000 miles on the od, no problems since I replaced the worn govenor and installed the speedo stator wheel on the out put shaft. I love the second gear bark even at part throttle. 3rd gear will bark when I'm on it a little harder than that.
Definitely would buy anohter one for the price.
Definitely would buy anohter one for the price.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
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From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
twice now I have gone to order the complete setup for my wifes 1973. But twice I've winced at the price. I do understand all the adapters, harnesses, and cables they have to make this a painless swap; but the price of their used/rebuilt trannys (even the stage 1) seems kinda high??? (looking for input here).
It would be easier for me to justify the expense if the current TH400 would die; but it's really strong and shows no signs of pending failure
It would be easier for me to justify the expense if the current TH400 would die; but it's really strong and shows no signs of pending failure
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,330
Likes: 1
From: Kerrville Texas
Mike, I did mine locally. Got a 200r4 core had it rebuilt and installed for $1,600 that included the cost of the crossmember I bought from Bowtie.
Shop around you might find out you can get it done pretty reasonably mine came with a two year 24,000 mile warranty.
Kona
Shop around you might find out you can get it done pretty reasonably mine came with a two year 24,000 mile warranty.
Kona
Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 326
Likes: 19
From: Napa CA
I installed a stage II 700R4 in my 64 impala, the linkage conversion is real nice, but the adjusting of the cable that adjusts the line pressure was a pain. The stage II is also kind of rough shifting for a low rider!
(I added a pic, just because I like looking at my cars! especially since it is raining here in Nor Cal and both my cars are convertibles)
Eric.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
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From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by Mike Mercury
; but the price of their used/rebuilt trannys (even the stage 1) seems kinda high??? (looking for input here).
:
:
i got everything but the Trans from them. and sourced the trans locally
Guest
Posts: n/a
One of the guys in our Corvette club bought a car from another club member. He had bought and had installed, a new Bowtie 700R4. The transmission failed with less than 1000 miles on it. He took it to a local transmission shop [the best in town] and according to that specialist, the transmission had not been rebuilt and had substandard parts installed. If you're interested, the owner has some very pointed views of the Bowtie product line.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 33
From: Folsom Ca
Originally Posted by Rick Church
One of the guys in our Corvette club bought a car from another club member. He had bought and had installed, a new Bowtie 700R4. The transmission failed with less than 1000 miles on it. He took it to a local transmission shop [the best in town] and according to that specialist, the transmission had not been rebuilt and had substandard parts installed. If you're interested, the owner has some very pointed views of the Bowtie product line.
Yes I would be interested in what they had to say.
My friend with the 81 doesnt care for the 2nd to 3rd shift.He has adjusted the kickdown/TV cable and he still isnt satsified with it.He let me drive it once so I could understand what he was unhappy with.
First to second is fine but during 2nd to 3rd gear it feels less like a shift and more like a snap.It is a little annoying around town.It actually jolts his car a little.3rd to overdrive was normal as far as I could tell.He also told me that there is a shift kit in there.Is that the problem?