200r4/700r4 question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
200r4/700r4 question
I know there are tons of these threads but I am looking to pick up a transmission to swap out in my car. I know about the pros and cons of each. I am looking for a 200r4 but they seem harder to find and if I don't find one cheap then I will be getting a 700R4.
My question is, I am looking for one used to rebuild. Anyone have good info on any specifics that I need to look for to get one that fits? I have found a couple of 200r4s for sale but have no idea what they came out of. Are they all basically the same or do I need to look for specific years, tail shafts, etc?
The 2 that I found are cheap enough but I don't want to throw the cash away on the cores if I won't be able to use them. One is from a grand national and I think that is one of the ones to look for but it is a little more pricier of the 2 and either one will get rebuilt.
My question is, I am looking for one used to rebuild. Anyone have good info on any specifics that I need to look for to get one that fits? I have found a couple of 200r4s for sale but have no idea what they came out of. Are they all basically the same or do I need to look for specific years, tail shafts, etc?
The 2 that I found are cheap enough but I don't want to throw the cash away on the cores if I won't be able to use them. One is from a grand national and I think that is one of the ones to look for but it is a little more pricier of the 2 and either one will get rebuilt.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
The one from the GN would be the best one to get, but I believe the cases are all the same. The big difference is the valve body although you can buy an updated one from the 200-4R experts. There are several things that need updating while you're building it, but a minimum is a hardened stator support and a 10 or 13 vane pump with hardened rings. I don't recomend a kevlar band and I do recomend using a larger intermediate servo. Unless you have huge horsepower, a standard rebuild kit and a Gil younger shift kit, a wide band, billet servo and hardened stator support will do the job. In my opinion of course.
Last edited by '75; Jan 10, 2012 at 04:47 PM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
Mine came out of a late 70's el camino from the junk yard. Didn't have to cut drive shaft and added a bowtie crossmember. Also, bought the shifter modification and lockup wiring from bowtie. My vette is a 80'
I am sure the trans would have worked great.... but then ditched it and went with a 4l60/ls1
I am sure the trans would have worked great.... but then ditched it and went with a 4l60/ls1
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Pull one from a car with engine of about the same HP as yours. If yours has been modifed for increased HP, you need to make appropriate changes to the internal hardware, so that the rebuilt unit will withstand the additional load.
Check internet for a good transmission parts supply center near you. Then research internet for what parts need to be upgraded. Take the S/N of your unit and the list of required parts to this supply place and they will get you the additional parts you need. I would also suggest that you swap out the existing torque converter with a new one that is sized to match your car's/engine's requirements. It will only be about $100 for a new converter. The parts place can select and supply you with the T/C, too.
Check internet for a good transmission parts supply center near you. Then research internet for what parts need to be upgraded. Take the S/N of your unit and the list of required parts to this supply place and they will get you the additional parts you need. I would also suggest that you swap out the existing torque converter with a new one that is sized to match your car's/engine's requirements. It will only be about $100 for a new converter. The parts place can select and supply you with the T/C, too.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
"glarior" brings up a good point. Although he changed the entire driveline to LS, the 4L60E(electronic 700R4), is far easier to dial in with computers cheap now. You'll be needing to shorten the drive shaft and move the crossmember, but think the results will be worth it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Well, if the engine has the correct harness installed, also, the 4L60E installation would be a 'piece of cake'. If not, lots of splicing. But, it's a decent idea; then you can go to the dealer and reprogram the shift points. [I wonder how much that will cost?]
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
Right now the '81 is stock but the engine and rear will be changed in the future. I figured why not start looking now because they are so hard to find and if I found one in running condition now, I could go ahead and swap it out until time to put in the new engine and then rebuild it then.
The gn one looks like there are definite problems and he is trying to get $$$$ for it like it is out of a running car and you could use it as is. So still on the hunt. Might be just as cheap to buy one from bowtie overdrives maybe a level 1 or 2 in the long run.
The gn one looks like there are definite problems and he is trying to get $$$$ for it like it is out of a running car and you could use it as is. So still on the hunt. Might be just as cheap to buy one from bowtie overdrives maybe a level 1 or 2 in the long run.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
since yours is a 81 id look in to a 700r4 it has the same mounts as a 350 but youll need to cut 3 in off the driveshaft shiftworks sells a shifter conversion for it so u can use the stock shifter try to find a 87 up tranny preferably from a f body
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