700R4 Swap Question

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May 31, 2010 | 05:01 PM

kirt8548

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 215

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From: Lakeland FL

700R4 Swap Question

Hello members and happy Memorial Day.

I'm considering swapping out my TH400 tranny with a 700R4. There is an extra gear, I think. How is this accommodated with the original shifter bezel? Is there a modification to the bezel that has to be made? Is there an after market bezel available?

Thanks...

May 31, 2010 | 05:08 PM

AT-82Collectors

Instructor

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 172

Likes: 2

From: Cumming GA

My 82 came with the 700R4 and the shifter only has three positions in drive. It will not allow you to hold the transmission in first gear so the best I can do is to hold the transmission in second gear.

Andy

Edit: My bezel shows 2, 3 and D. The bezel is available from several places. I got my replacement (new interior) from Ecklers.com

Last edited by AT-82Collectors; May 31, 2010 at 05:23 PM.

May 31, 2010 | 05:34 PM

kirt8548

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Instructor

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 215

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From: Lakeland FL

Thanks for the information. Just so that I'm clear (I'm somewhat a hammer head), the car will have access to o/d, d, and 2 from the 3 position that the stock shifter, right? That's all I really care about. This car will never be raced, but instead will be a cruiser.

I just want o/d to be accessible so that it is not only more comfortable at highway speed, but easier on the drive train.

May 31, 2010 | 05:49 PM

AT-82Collectors

Instructor

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 172

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From: Cumming GA

If by o/d you mean the Torque Converter lockup I am not sure how that will happen swapping a 700R4 for a TH400. There are others in this forum with a lot of experience that can advise you with that. I do know the lockup is electrically controlled to allow it to lock up.

Andy

Last edited by AT-82Collectors; May 31, 2010 at 06:09 PM.

May 31, 2010 | 05:54 PM

redwingvette

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 3,683

Likes: 201

From: Waterford Mi

I put my 200-4R overdrive trans in but the shifter is the same as the 700R4. Check out bowtieoverdrives.com for lots of infomation. They have everything including the shifter detent needed to do the job right.
You will need to change your trans crossmember for the 700R4 and shorten your driveshaft. You will need a new trans yoke to fit the700R4 too.
If you have interest in the 200-4R, you can still use your crossmember and you do not have to shorten the driveshaft.
The only part I was unable to find is the bracket that holds the column lock cable, I ended up making one for several other members here as well.

Jun 1, 2010 | 07:51 AM

U17

Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 2,070

Likes: 5

From: N.Richland Hills Texas

We put a ZZ383 and 700R4 in my '76... Great combo..Phoenix Transmission in Weatherford,TX did the custom 700R4. 20+ mpg and 1950 rpm at 70mph.

Jun 1, 2010 | 08:04 AM

markdtn

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 7,720

Likes: 12

From: Chattanooga TN

BowTie Overdrives is a great source of parts for this swap. They have the detent plates or you can modify your original.

Jun 1, 2010 | 11:55 AM

mxscooter

Racer

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 326

Likes: 0

From: Rochester New York

I've got a street-strip 700R4 behind a 300+ HP 355 in my '81 - drives like a modern car, 2000 stall, vacuum lockup, 24 mpg in overdrive on the x-way. With a Demon carb too lol.
I put in a Megashifter, no mods to the console plate, a little hammering and shaping and cutting to the trans tunnel, and some filing/grinding to a few small areas on the shifter, but the whole install is super clean and looks factory.
As stated, Bowtie is the place to go, everything in one place and helpful people too.