automatic overdrive
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 866
Likes: 0
From: Columbus Ohio
automatic overdrive
my dad has a 69 big block 427. Its a full roller engine and it has the original turbo 400. The problem is is that he has a 4:56 rear end and the car is now a RPM monster. I told him that a lot of u guys on here have auot overdrives and he got very interested. And no he wont convert it to a 5 spd or 6spd OD cuz he said that hes "sihfted enouigh gears in his lifetime", lol. But i forgot what the trannies were called. Was it somethin like 700r4 or w/e? And if so will it bolt in directly or will we need to make some mods to it?
thx!
thx!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
700R4 is the transmission (or 200R4 which I don't prefer, but there are differences of opinion). A stouter transmission is a 4L80E, which is basically a TH400 with overdrive. The problem with a 4L80E is that it requires a computer to run it and it may require tunnel mods to make it fit in a C3. I have heard you can use a controller from a mid-90s diesel pickup, but don't know that for sure. Either will bolt right to your block. Both will require shortening the drivesahft and a different transmission crossmember.
See www.bowtieoverdrives.com
do a search on 700r4 swap
See www.bowtieoverdrives.com
do a search on 700r4 swap
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 215
Likes: 1
From: Belton Missouri
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Oh
I did the TH350 to Bowtie 2004R swap this past winter on my 79 and haven't regretted it. I've got a 355 rear and now tack @ 2K RPM at 70MPH. On their website, Bowtie has a calculator so you can see where your RPM is going to end up with their tranny and your rear. The conversion was straight forward with no issues and didn't have to shorten the drive shaft. Although I did purchase the BTO cross member, I've heard on the Forum that the stock 79 cross member will work. The first 3 gears of the 2004R are identical to the TH350 so I didn't loose anything, just gained a great 4th gear for crusing. Mileage increased from 15MPG to 20+MPG.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 199
From: Waterford Mi
I have the BTO 200-4R and love it. I also run a 3.55 rear gear and mine came with the TH400. overdrive auto install
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'd recommend the TH200R4! It's a bolt on swap and even uses the same driveshaft length!! Same mounting location etc..
It can be built to hold up to 800+ Horsepower. I have about 100 drag strip passes on my TH200R4 (with a 600+ HP engine) and it still works perfect
It can be built to hold up to 800+ Horsepower. I have about 100 drag strip passes on my TH200R4 (with a 600+ HP engine) and it still works perfect
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Originally Posted by GrandSportC3
I'd recommend the TH200R4! It's a bolt on swap and even uses the same driveshaft length!! Same mounting location etc..
It can be built to hold up to 800+ Horsepower. I have about 100 drag strip passes on my TH200R4 (with a 600+ HP engine) and it still works perfect
It can be built to hold up to 800+ Horsepower. I have about 100 drag strip passes on my TH200R4 (with a 600+ HP engine) and it still works perfect
A 2004R built up just like his will last your Dad a long time.
If you purchase a 2004R or 700R4 that is poorly built or fail to set it up correctly, either one can have a VERY short life.
Keep us updated on your decision.
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 29
From: The Netherlands
Originally Posted by GrandSportC3
I'd recommend the TH200R4! It's a bolt on swap and even uses the same driveshaft length!! Same mounting location etc..
It can be built to hold up to 800+ Horsepower. I have about 100 drag strip passes on my TH200R4 (with a 600+ HP engine) and it still works perfect
It can be built to hold up to 800+ Horsepower. I have about 100 drag strip passes on my TH200R4 (with a 600+ HP engine) and it still works perfect
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 3
From: Burlington WI
Originally Posted by worship79
Very interesting! What else does one need besides the tranny itself? Kabels, brackets, switches...? How does a 200R4 cost these days anyway?
www.bowtieoverdrives.com has all the goodies.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,608
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS - you mean there are other states?
Miker - nice info on eth rpms/speeds.
Jackson - I did not know about the 6 speeds - now that sounds interesting - but can they hold up to the hp?
I searched real quick and found that there may even be a 6L90E model. But there is some discrepancy as to when they will actually be in production
Jackson - I did not know about the 6 speeds - now that sounds interesting - but can they hold up to the hp?
I searched real quick and found that there may even be a 6L90E model. But there is some discrepancy as to when they will actually be in production
Last edited by kaiserbud; Jul 11, 2006 at 07:07 PM.
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
Originally Posted by worship79
Very interesting! What else does one need besides the tranny itself? Kabels, brackets, switches...? How does a 200R4 cost these days anyway?
The kit comes with:
1) Transmission
2) Converter (built to your specs)
3) tv-cable
4) tv-cable bracket (for Holley carbs)
5) filler tube
http://www.cpttransmission.com
That's all you'll need...
This unit is a lot stronger than most other TH200R4's available. With stock power, the BTO TH200R4 should be strong enough..
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 866
Likes: 0
From: Columbus Ohio
thanks for all the great info guys. I told my dad what u guys said and hes still contemplating about it. He still doesnt know which one to get at the moment so i'll try to keep everyone informed.
thx again!
thx again!