Overdrive Auto Trans for C3's
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 368
Likes: 4
From: . New Zealand
Overdrive Auto Trans for C3's
I've started a project which I will start installing during our winter on the 76 Vette. I purchased a 2004 Escalade LQ9 6 litre engine, which originally had a 4L60E 4WD trans fitted, but because I am not going to run a GM computer, I want to run a 4 speed O/D auto trans behind it. I will be fitting a Comp Cams cam and springs, and using a Link Plus PCM to run the injection, etc. Should be good for 450hp I guess. I won't be racing it, but may do the occasional club sprint, so I have been thinking trans options.
What I have considered so far is:
- TH400 or TH350 with Gear Vendor O/D (TH350 in car now, seems healthy). Disadvantage - Expensive.
- TH700R4 early 90's box. (Just OK if modified?)
- 4L60E or 4L65E with shift emulator (weaker?)
- 4L80E with shift emulator (too espensive)
Has anyone any knowledge about how the Gear Vendors O/D fits the Vette?
Or, feedback on the 700R4, this appears to be the most cost effective but has some critics. One other trans is the 200R4, but every trans technician gives the thumbs down on them, need to race kitted for reliability.
Come on guys, any help or info/feedback would be appreciated.
What I have considered so far is:
- TH400 or TH350 with Gear Vendor O/D (TH350 in car now, seems healthy). Disadvantage - Expensive.
- TH700R4 early 90's box. (Just OK if modified?)
- 4L60E or 4L65E with shift emulator (weaker?)
- 4L80E with shift emulator (too espensive)
Has anyone any knowledge about how the Gear Vendors O/D fits the Vette?
Or, feedback on the 700R4, this appears to be the most cost effective but has some critics. One other trans is the 200R4, but every trans technician gives the thumbs down on them, need to race kitted for reliability.
Come on guys, any help or info/feedback would be appreciated.
Last edited by Thmprr; Mar 1, 2006 at 05:38 AM. Reason: Not Complete
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
I have my slightly modified 700r4 mated to my ls1 ,it held up fine behind my tuned port motor but will see how long she'll last behind the ls1.But even if i t goes ill probably build up another 700.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
See another very recent thread on this same topic, and those tranny guys are getting confused between the 200 'early metric' design which was total junk, and the later 200 4r which came behind V8s in Monte carlo, and in Grand Nationals....
I gave my opinions and thumbs down on the 700---4l60e units there...
GENE
I gave my opinions and thumbs down on the 700---4l60e units there...
GENE
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
It depends on who builds the TH200R4.. I put 78 passes on my TH200R4 with a 600 HP engine and the tranny still works perfect!!!
A stock TH200R4 isn't all that strong and reliable, but a pro built TH200R4 can be strong and reliable. My TH200R4 is rated 800 HP..
Best of all, it's a true bolt on!! Same driveshaft length as TH400 and TH350 and same yoke as TH350!!
Drops right in!!! Eats less HP than TH400 and TH700R4!!! Same mounting location as TH350 and TH400!!
A stock TH200R4 isn't all that strong and reliable, but a pro built TH200R4 can be strong and reliable. My TH200R4 is rated 800 HP..
Best of all, it's a true bolt on!! Same driveshaft length as TH400 and TH350 and same yoke as TH350!!
Drops right in!!! Eats less HP than TH400 and TH700R4!!! Same mounting location as TH350 and TH400!!
Last edited by GrandSportC3; Mar 1, 2006 at 08:10 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Oh
with GrandSportC3. Today is my first official drive to work in my 79 using Bowtie's 2004R. I think I'm in love. I went with Bowtie's Level 3. Additional purchases included Bowtie's installation kit, TV cable kit, OD shifter kit and optional crossmember. 
Racer
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Felton De
I've switched to the 700r4 myself. At the time there wern't as many discussions on the 200r4 and its advantages. My tranny has been great ever since it was installed. I've got it in a 71 l48 w/ about 325-330bhp or so, and a 3.55 rear end. I probably get 16-19mpg, or so it feels. I really love it, it makes using the vette as a daily driver possible, even if only for 4 months of the year. Moreover, the first gear is pretty nice. It means you have some slack/disadvantage when getting into second, but if you have a good street motor w/ low end torque i dont see a problem making that up. Another thing.... man, I love knowing my motor isn''t working as hard and killing itself when I'm going 70mph down the highway!
As for the 200r4, the more I hear about them I like them. I probably would trade out now if I could for free, and def. wish I had known more about them before installing the 700. Whichever way you go, you'll love it. FYI, i got my 700r4 off of ebay from Maddog Transmissions. Very honest people, and well grounded people. Had an issue regarding a transmission and it was like they were eating out of my hand to please me after a little mistake they made... all the while I'm in virginia and they are in floridia! Great people!
Brandon 
As for the 200r4, the more I hear about them I like them. I probably would trade out now if I could for free, and def. wish I had known more about them before installing the 700. Whichever way you go, you'll love it. FYI, i got my 700r4 off of ebay from Maddog Transmissions. Very honest people, and well grounded people. Had an issue regarding a transmission and it was like they were eating out of my hand to please me after a little mistake they made... all the while I'm in virginia and they are in floridia! Great people!
Brandon
