Lower cruising RPM?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
the 700 isn't that much harder to put in. If you don't have a problem spending an extra 200 bucks on a new cross member and another 150 or so to have your driveshaft shortened, the two swaps become pretty much identical after that. If you've got an honest 400 hp at the crank engine, and 4.10 gears, you'll probably be happier with a 200. Once you get much past 1 horsepower per cubic inch, the engine's powerband becomes narrower, and the wide gear spacing of the 700 may have you shifting into second and falling on your face, because you've dropped out of your powerband. For example, if your rpm drops 2000 rpm when you shift into second now, you may find that it drops 2500 rpm with a 700. With a 200, it may only drop 2250 rpm. The 700 was really meant to be installed behind a motor with a wide, flat torque curve.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 800
Likes: 15
From: Currently Buffalo NY, originally from MI
Well I am going off of numbers my dad gave me before he passed. He said the place he had do the work builds 350's all the time for race cars. They told him it is 435hp and 486ft-lbs. I am not sure if they dyno'd the engine or if that is estimated numbers from similar builds.
The 200 is sounding more and more like the way to go. Simply because I am going to be building on a budget, so cutting costs down is a priority. So starting out $350 cheaper makes the 200 more appealing. However I still want to build it to handle the power. So assuming I can get a good 200r4 from say a turbo GN or along those lines, I plan to put a shift improvement kit in it, but what else would I need to beef up?
The 200 is sounding more and more like the way to go. Simply because I am going to be building on a budget, so cutting costs down is a priority. So starting out $350 cheaper makes the 200 more appealing. However I still want to build it to handle the power. So assuming I can get a good 200r4 from say a turbo GN or along those lines, I plan to put a shift improvement kit in it, but what else would I need to beef up?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,931
Likes: 962
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
Well I am going off of numbers my dad gave me before he passed. He said the place he had do the work builds 350's all the time for race cars. They told him it is 435hp and 486ft-lbs. I am not sure if they dyno'd the engine or if that is estimated numbers from similar builds.
The 200 is sounding more and more like the way to go. Simply because I am going to be building on a budget, so cutting costs down is a priority. So starting out $350 cheaper makes the 200 more appealing. However I still want to build it to handle the power. So assuming I can get a good 200r4 from say a turbo GN or along those lines, I plan to put a shift improvement kit in it, but what else would I need to beef up?
The 200 is sounding more and more like the way to go. Simply because I am going to be building on a budget, so cutting costs down is a priority. So starting out $350 cheaper makes the 200 more appealing. However I still want to build it to handle the power. So assuming I can get a good 200r4 from say a turbo GN or along those lines, I plan to put a shift improvement kit in it, but what else would I need to beef up?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
What's your rear gears? To make the best tranny choice you need to know. 3.08 or 2.78 go 700R4 ....3.55 or 3.73 go 200R4...I went Richmond 6spd with a 3.27 first gear,mated to the 3.08 rear gears makes for quick start offs....Best upgrade for sure.....
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 800
Likes: 15
From: Currently Buffalo NY, originally from MI
I am trying to figure out the gear ratio right now. I think it is either 3.73 or 4.10, however, I was busy at home the last few days, and I am over night at work tonight, so hopefully I can get to it by this weekend and tell you guys for sure. I know at about 65mph my engine is turning about 31-3200 RPM
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 344
Likes: 4
From: Island Lake IL
those power numbers are pretty big for a street friendly 350... whats your idle?
anyhow, you do not want the 700 since your first gear will be very short with 4tish rear end, plus the driveshaft/crossmember mods, power consumption and weight don't help either.
there is no point of installing a used 2004R if you cant drive the donor car (and by driving I mean pushing it hard and warm not just 400 yards arround the block). 2004R professionaly rebuild is not overly expensive, has warranty, get yourself a shift kit installed and your good to go, you might consider selling your current trans when still in the car...
anyhow, you do not want the 700 since your first gear will be very short with 4tish rear end, plus the driveshaft/crossmember mods, power consumption and weight don't help either.
there is no point of installing a used 2004R if you cant drive the donor car (and by driving I mean pushing it hard and warm not just 400 yards arround the block). 2004R professionaly rebuild is not overly expensive, has warranty, get yourself a shift kit installed and your good to go, you might consider selling your current trans when still in the car...
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