200R4 vs. 700R4
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 1
From: OKC Oklahoma
200R4 vs. 700R4
I originally was going to put a 700R4 into my '79. Recently, I have been concidering a 200R4. I know that the 200R4 is a virtual "bolt-in". As far as I can tell, the typical 700R4 is stronger from the factory than the typical 200R4. To beef up the 200R4, you need to drop alot of money. Is the 700R4 going to be stonger in stock form than most 200R4's without alot of aftermarket parts? If it is only a shorter drive shaft and different trans mount, is it reasonable to say that the 700R4 is a better value?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,807
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From: Hoosier
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: 200R4 vs. 700R4 (79VetteMike)
That's on my list too. I've done a lot of studying and contacted some of the aftermarket trans suppliers. I'm convinced the 200R is the best bet.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke VA
Re: 200R4 vs. 700R4 (biltogo)
That's on my list too. I've done a lot of studying and contacted some of the aftermarket trans suppliers. I'm convinced the 200R is the best bet.
[Modified by Crickett, 10:57 PM 3/31/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Re: 200R4 vs. 700R4 (79VetteMike)
The 200R4 has better gear spacing than the 700R4 & was used in the GN & MC SS.
TH7004R or TH2004R? http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zero...288021#5288021
TH7004R or TH2004R? http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zero...288021#5288021
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: 200R4 vs. 700R4 (79VetteMike)
I've gotta disagree with the basic premise. The 700R4 in stock form has certain shortcomings that must be addressed, such as weak 3-4 clutch packs.
Bowtie Overdrives sells 700s and 200s at identical prices. The choice is left up to you. I don't recommend a "junkyard swap" of either of these trannies. Spend the money and do it right up front. Otherwise you'll be yanking it out and rebuilding it in 6 months :yesnod:
BTW: The decision criteria that BTO suggests is that cars with low rear gear ratios (3.08 and below) should go with the 700 because of its "granny gear." Those with 3.55 and higher should go with the 200 due to it's closer 1-2 gear spacing and slightly taller overdrive.
Bowtie Overdrives sells 700s and 200s at identical prices. The choice is left up to you. I don't recommend a "junkyard swap" of either of these trannies. Spend the money and do it right up front. Otherwise you'll be yanking it out and rebuilding it in 6 months :yesnod:
BTW: The decision criteria that BTO suggests is that cars with low rear gear ratios (3.08 and below) should go with the 700 because of its "granny gear." Those with 3.55 and higher should go with the 200 due to it's closer 1-2 gear spacing and slightly taller overdrive.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: 200R4 vs. 700R4 (79VetteMike)
Well first off, I have NO experience with a 200 tranny...only the 700, and frankly, in my '87 vette with 65k miles on it and maybe allready a new tranny in it....I bought it used, the fluids were turning allready....with cooler in lines....
now since the 700 I put in my '72 here 5 years ago only lasted 4 years, true it was HP driving all the way...mainly on the top end...but that 3/4 clutch pak failed right enough a year ago...far as I"m concerned that is the weakest thing about the 700, IF you can cure that fault.....it should be relatively ok...NOW having said that....the BAND on the 2/4 upshift was failing also in my tranny....the attachment points in the 'stake' end as well as the actuating PIN end of the band were both ripped and distorted....so failure there was immenant....SO if you can find reasonable solid cures for those failures...
should be home free....
I find the shift kit in my tranny is from Superior/Fairbanks....and is the recommended kit...BUT, I"m severely disappointed in it.....
next time around I hope to go with a 200 tranny that has NO inherent clutch failures apparently, and a Trans Go shift kit, as TG was allways fine for my 400/350 cars over the decades...
GENE
now since the 700 I put in my '72 here 5 years ago only lasted 4 years, true it was HP driving all the way...mainly on the top end...but that 3/4 clutch pak failed right enough a year ago...far as I"m concerned that is the weakest thing about the 700, IF you can cure that fault.....it should be relatively ok...NOW having said that....the BAND on the 2/4 upshift was failing also in my tranny....the attachment points in the 'stake' end as well as the actuating PIN end of the band were both ripped and distorted....so failure there was immenant....SO if you can find reasonable solid cures for those failures...
should be home free....
I find the shift kit in my tranny is from Superior/Fairbanks....and is the recommended kit...BUT, I"m severely disappointed in it.....
next time around I hope to go with a 200 tranny that has NO inherent clutch failures apparently, and a Trans Go shift kit, as TG was allways fine for my 400/350 cars over the decades...
GENE
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 242
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From: Stony Plain AB.
Re: 200R4 vs. 700R4 (mrvette)
Do it right the first time and go with Art Carr or Bow Tie Overdrive.
The guys at Art Carr have been great to deal with and are very knowledgable.
E-mail them and they will answer all your questions.
The guys at Art Carr have been great to deal with and are very knowledgable.
E-mail them and they will answer all your questions.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 2
From: Severna Park Md
Re: 200R4 vs. 700R4 (79VetteMike)
I did alot of research between the two before deciding on the 200. The more direct bolt in as well as the closer ratio 1st 2nd shift is what sold me on it. If you get a 200 built by someone who has expierence with beefing them they're as strong as the 700. You dont nessisarily need to dump a crapload of money into them unless yur gonna be making serious power and tq like 500ft lbs plus. Then you get into billit internals and they can be expensive. The turbo buick guys have brought this trans a long way. An up to date quality rebuilt 200, without all the billit parts, would be good for any moderately warmed 350 engine.
Im having a problem with my 200 right now. I think it has some debris causing the TV valve to hang up and cause a intermitant upshift problem. This is a problem that is common to both the 200 and 700. So knowing this now, I would still opt for the 200. Its a great tranny and im satisfied with it.
Im having a problem with my 200 right now. I think it has some debris causing the TV valve to hang up and cause a intermitant upshift problem. This is a problem that is common to both the 200 and 700. So knowing this now, I would still opt for the 200. Its a great tranny and im satisfied with it.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
Re: 200R4 vs. 700R4 (Jvette73)
I am in the middle of installing the BTO 200R4. So far everything has worked out good. As far as the speedo calibration, BTO said it is setup for me with the right gears. $1700 delivered.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
From: MOBILE ALA
Re: 200R4 vs. 700R4 (79VetteMike)
The 200 -4r is an eaiser swap.It does not take much to bring one up to GN specs.Quality frictions,10 vane pump rotor,GN servo,and shift kit is all most people need.A hd input shaft can be installed if you feel the need.I ordered the lines,shifter conversion,switches,yoke and speedo gears from BTO.Built the trans myself,total coast just under $1000.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 2
From: Severna Park Md
Re: 200R4 vs. 700R4 (79VetteMike)
I solved the problem with my 200. I explained in another post. Heres the link http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=527772
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
Re: 200R4 vs. 700R4 (Jvette73)
Those of you that bought from BTO, did you get the level 1 or level 2? How is it holding up?
Jvette73, who is PTS? Do they sell complete trannys? Seems like a waste to buy a performance tranny plus a shift kit.
THanks,
Joe
Jvette73, who is PTS? Do they sell complete trannys? Seems like a waste to buy a performance tranny plus a shift kit.
THanks,
Joe
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 2
From: Severna Park Md
Re: 200R4 vs. 700R4 (joe73vette)
Heres the link for PTS, Performance Transmission Service. Bruce is the owner and he is also a moderator on the http://www.turbobuick.com site in the transmission talk area. He's one of the top in the country with the 2004r CLICK HERE FOR PTS>>> http://www.2004rperformancecenter.com/ Theyve been modding these trannys for a good while to go behind the turbo buick cars like the GN and T-Type. When I got my 200 from BTO, I was one of the first to request a 200 from them. At that time they didnt offer a level choice.
[Modified by Jvette73, 9:59 PM 4/2/2003]
[Modified by Jvette73, 9:59 PM 4/2/2003]
