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Oct 28, 2004 | 06:56 PM

BerniesVette

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 2,662

Likes: 8

From: Knoxville Tennessee

Transmission choices/Need Advice

I am a new member with a 1979 Vette, 350 V-8 stock, 350 auto tranny and 3:55 rear end. I can put my hands on a 2004R overdrive or a six speed out of a late model camaro, bell housing, hyd. clutch and all. The six speed sounds like something I might be interested in doing. My question is; is it a direct bolt in or will I have to make changes to the tranny to make it work? I know the 2004R is a direct bolt in from all the info this forum has already provided. Although this is my first Vette I have built several British sports cars and was a jet mechanic. I have the mechanical apptitude; just no Vette experience. I'm excited about slowly turning the car into a nice, fun reliable car to drive. The end result is to be a Vette with about 300 horses and will cruise the interstates without running 3,500 rpms. Your advise is needed and appreciated!

Oct 28, 2004 | 08:03 PM

bobs77vet

Race Director

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 11,874

Likes: 263

From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod

i'm doing a 350/350, 700r4 and steeroids conversion, i figure it will upgrade the power nicely have you visited bowtie overdrives??
www.2004.com
i'm pretty sure this there website i know you can get them at
www.700r4.com
i have a 3:08 rear end. good luck

Oct 28, 2004 | 08:38 PM

markdtn

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 7,720

Likes: 12

From: Chattanooga TN

Lots in the archives about this sort of thing. The 200R4 is pretty close to a bolt in. six-speed you will need new driveshaft, shifter, and other parts. Will have to retrofit hydraulics. Have to get a clutch pedal setup from a Vette. It is a pain to install. Search archives for more details.

Oct 28, 2004 | 08:52 PM

page62

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 7,456

Likes: 2

From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas

Get both. Do the 2004R in the short term. It's a pretty easy swap. As mentioned, you can get all the miscellaneous bits you need from www.2004r.com.

And if you want to do the 6-speed later, you'll have it on hand

Oct 28, 2004 | 09:21 PM

redwingvette

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 3,685

Likes: 202

From: Waterford Mi

The 2004R is fairly simple to setup but the 6 speed could be a lot more fun to drive.
Check my web sitwe to see what is involved to setup 2004R.

Oct 28, 2004 | 09:24 PM

BerniesVette

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 2,662

Likes: 8

From: Knoxville Tennessee

I appreciate the early advice. I don't race anymore. I like to drive fast occasionally but my goal is to have a sweet cruiser that accelerates,handles and is as comfortable as the new ones on extended trips. I believe the 2004R is the short term answer to my question, but I still have dreams of speed shifting and driving hard thru the corners on occasion. As a new comer, I really enjoy and appreciate the expertise, advise, humor and friendly nature of this group. Thanks again!!!!

Oct 28, 2004 | 09:44 PM

DP77Vette

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 842

Likes: 3

From: Woodruff SC

St. Jude Donor '10

So which is best, 700r4 or 200r4, and which would be the easiest install. What's the difference in the two?

Oct 28, 2004 | 10:08 PM

BerniesVette

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 2,662

Likes: 8

From: Knoxville Tennessee

Acording to the info found in this forum, it really depends what you want to do with your car and what diff ratio you have. Both have excellent reviews. For the 79's and earlier the 2004R is the simplest to install and bolts directly to the rear support without mods. It is supposed to work better with 3:55 diffs down. 3:70's & up supposed work better with the 700R4. But both have excellent records from others in this forum. Review other threads for more info. I really appreciate the opportunity to learn from you guys and gals. Even tho I have had my 79 for a short time I have done several things to make it operate cooler. Heat destroyes engines and drivetrains and I have lowerd the operating temp. of my Vette 20+ degrees also making the car more comfortable to drive. Back to the six speed. If anyone has installed one from a late model Comaro I would like to know the details.
Thanks again!!!!