C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

OverDrive Auto Install

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 1, 2012 | 06:35 PM
  #1  
2501967's Avatar
2501967
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Default OverDrive Auto Install

Anyone ever install an over drive auto in a 71 vette Big Block. I want to looking for advice!
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2012 | 07:06 PM
  #2  
johnt365's Avatar
johnt365
Drifting
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
Default

You basically have two choices. 700r4 with a granny low'ish first gear or a 2004r.

What kind of advice are you wanting specifically. This is a pretty robust topic here in the archives.

Last edited by johnt365; Nov 1, 2012 at 07:38 PM. Reason: Granny is probably a little strong...
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2012 | 08:20 PM
  #3  
mrvette's Avatar
mrvette
Team Owner
Active Streak: 120 Days
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Default

A friend of mine down the road a bit, has built his own 200 4r behind a '81? BBC and so runs fine.....I have built my own 200 4r behind my roller 350 FI engine....basic L98 with LT1 injection....serp drive, electric fans/etc......

if you need a hand, PM/email me and the 3 of us can get together on specifics.....otherwise this thread maybe lost......

He posts here also....

Reply
Old Nov 1, 2012 | 11:34 PM
  #4  
Shark Racer's Avatar
Shark Racer
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Default

Originally Posted by johnt365
You basically have two choices. 700r4 with a granny low'ish first gear or a 2004r.

What kind of advice are you wanting specifically. This is a pretty robust topic here in the archives.
I agree on "Granny" being strong language... 2nd gear in most trucks that have an actual granny low is as low or lower typically. Granny is usually 4+. My F-250 had a 6.2 or so 1st.
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2012 | 11:41 PM
  #5  
7T1vette's Avatar
7T1vette
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Default

The 200-4R is the better choice, as it fits in the same space as the THM-400, can use the same crossmember, and the same driveshaft (with a different yoke on the tranny end). There are some changes you still have to deal with: adding TV cable and getting it hooked up and calibrated properly with the carb; modifying or replacing the shift and lockout cable brackets on the sump pan; deciding how you want to manage the lockup clutch function; modifying or replacing the shifter detent plate (so you can select low range alone...not really necessary, but most folks want that capability).

Probably some other minor 'issues', but that's about it. BTW, make sure the 200-4R is built to take the HP/torque your engine can produce.
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2012 | 10:39 AM
  #6  
johnt365's Avatar
johnt365
Drifting
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Shark Racer
I agree on "Granny" being strong language... 2nd gear in most trucks that have an actual granny low is as low or lower typically. Granny is usually 4+. My F-250 had a 6.2 or so 1st.
That's right.

How bout this, if both of these transmissions were ladies, the 700r4 has "spread" more than the other. Some guys like that ya know.
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2012 | 03:28 PM
  #7  
Shark Racer's Avatar
Shark Racer
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Default

Originally Posted by johnt365
That's right.

How bout this, if both of these transmissions were ladies, the 700r4 has "spread" more than the other. Some guys like that ya know.
Most guys I know prefer a tighter spread.
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2012 | 05:36 PM
  #8  
diehrd's Avatar
diehrd
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,000
Likes: 299
From: New York
Default

700R4 IMOP gives ya that kick out of the hole.And the 2004R will perform like the trans you have now which should be the TH400 but add better mpg .
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Nov 2, 2012 | 08:02 PM
  #9  
redwingvette's Avatar
redwingvette
Safety Car
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 60 Days
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,681
Likes: 200
From: Waterford Mi
Default

200-4R: 2.74 first, 1.57 second, 1.00 third, .67 fourth
Turbo 400: 2.48 first, 1.48 second, 1.00 third.
Turbo 350: 2.52 first, 1.52 second, 1.00 third
The 200 will give you a better take-off then the TH400 as well as the OD
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To OverDrive Auto Install





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:30 AM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE