Which transmission should I use?

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Aug 27, 2008 | 06:20 PM

hardworkinman

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hardworkinman

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 507

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From: TN

Which transmission should I use?

I have a 79 L82 Vette with the original 3 speed trans. in it. As you may as well know, at 65mph, I'm taching about 3000 + rpm. I have checked with Kiesler on a unit but a bit pricy for me. I was told that a 200R4 would be a direct replacement, but then I heard they are not good transmissions. A 700R4 would work, but then I would have to modify everything. Does anybody know of any reputable companies that I can buy a good quality unit from and keep my core without paying an arm and a leg for it? Toes will be fine...
Any and all input would be appreciated...

Aug 27, 2008 | 06:31 PM

mrvette

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Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 65,492

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From: Orange Park Florida

The 200 4r is the way to go, i'ts nearly a drop in for your 350, the driveshaft/yoke is the same, and the mount fits on the cross member....then to wire the lockup....

IMO....if you have any tools and mechanically inclined...do your own overhaul....not all that hard, really....

contact some EBAY tranny parts houses, put in nothing other than the heavy TRANS GO shift kit so it lasts, and a soft parts kit....the core should be easy out of a locak junkyard or tranny house....

BTW, YOU CAN DO IT.....just takes your time and get answers if you have problems....

HELL, if I can do it U can 2.....

Aug 27, 2008 | 06:41 PM

tjl82

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Joined: Feb 2008

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From: PORT ST LUCIE FLORIDA

i bought a 200r4 level 2 from bow tie overdrives installed it over the weekend it was a direct bolt in no drive shaft mods the shifts are firm, when you get on it ,it will chirp second gear

Aug 27, 2008 | 09:02 PM

hardworkinman

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hardworkinman

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 507

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From: TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjl82

i bought a 200r4 level 2 from bow tie overdrives installed it over the weekend it was a direct bolt in no drive shaft mods the shifts are firm, when you get on it ,it will chirp second gear

what did you put it in? what kind of HP are you running?

Aug 27, 2008 | 09:23 PM

markdtn

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Chattanooga TN

Do a search on 700R4 swap and 200R4 swap. There is plenty of info on both. Many people use BowTie Overdrives or at least their crossmember and/or installation kit. A 700R4 is a good trans IF you adjust the TV cable and use an '89 up core. What many people leave out of their posts on 200R4 is that yes it is a stout transmission ONLY if you rebuild it with good stuff. The Buick GNs that run fast are not using stone stock transmissions. Some people have to mod the floor to get a 700R4 to fit, I did not. I think the later C3s are more forgiving that way. I have a 700R4 and am very happy with it. By the way, you can only use an '82 driveshaft (stock with 700R4) with an aluminum differential car. Last thought; 200R4 was never used stock behind anything larger than a 307 Olds-never stock behind a 350, let alone a big-block. 700R4 was used in all these places....

Aug 27, 2008 | 09:46 PM

burgessdg

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Joined: May 2006

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200R4 are junk unless you have them upgraded. Do a search on Chevyhighperfomance, hotrod, etc. in their tech articles. The articles will tell you what upgrades need to be made (hardened sprag, drum, etc.) They are weak without the upgrades, but can be beefed up to handle some HP. If you drive like a grandma and your engine is stock, you maybe could get by with a stock 200R4. The tech articles will also point you to the vendors that sell them. They are the smartest choice as far as the least amount of work for the swap (again if they are beefed up)
Good luck, Dan