Transmission Opinions
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Joined: Oct 2004
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Transmission Opinions
This is my first time on the forum. I have been following for a time and really enjoying it. You guys are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. No need to surf the net as I think is the best sight.
I have a 77 corvette I have owned for 4 years. This is my first corvette however, I have owned a few hot cars in the past. My question is the transmission. The car has the original turbo 350 but, not the original engine. I am seriously thinking of changing the transmission to a 4 spd manual eg. M20, M21, M22. I have done this swap in the past on another vehicle. Has anyone ever done it on a "shark". Also, I have been hearing alot about the 700R4 and know of someone who has done it and he is raving about it.
The engine is a 350 that has been mildly modified. Unfortunately, the person I bought it from has no receipts and couldn't tell me anything other than it was built to L82 specs. I had it dyno'd and it surpasses those specs. I didn't really care about the drivetrain when I bought it as I knew I was going to modify it anyways.
I appreciate any advice I can get. Thank you everyone in advance.
I have a 77 corvette I have owned for 4 years. This is my first corvette however, I have owned a few hot cars in the past. My question is the transmission. The car has the original turbo 350 but, not the original engine. I am seriously thinking of changing the transmission to a 4 spd manual eg. M20, M21, M22. I have done this swap in the past on another vehicle. Has anyone ever done it on a "shark". Also, I have been hearing alot about the 700R4 and know of someone who has done it and he is raving about it.
The engine is a 350 that has been mildly modified. Unfortunately, the person I bought it from has no receipts and couldn't tell me anything other than it was built to L82 specs. I had it dyno'd and it surpasses those specs. I didn't really care about the drivetrain when I bought it as I knew I was going to modify it anyways.
I appreciate any advice I can get. Thank you everyone in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
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From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
what would you like to know? start by telling us what you want to accomplish? how will youuse it? whats important MPG vs speed etc.....and welcome to the forum
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
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From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
I would suggest a built 200R4 if you are planning to stay with AT or a Tremec TKO 5-speed if you are going to go with stick... Overdrive just makes C3's so much more streetable...especially for longer trips..
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This car is not a daily driver. I use it mostly for cruising, showing and some drag racing and may do some slolums next summer. Bottom end torque is important but, I also enjoy driving it on the highway. It has a 3:08 rear gear now. It is fast on the highway but, wouldn't mind getting the rpms down a little. For drag racing I was having trouble getting the power to the ground and the car didn't perform until the end of the track. Mileage is not a priority however, I also don't want to get out of hand. I do enjoy driving manual. So it sounds like I want my cake and eat it too.
What interests me on the 700R4 is that the gearing especially in first. As far as the muncies I have always been a fan of them however, I know there is no overdrive which would be nice but, not an overall priority. I have read on this forum about someone trying to put together a bulk purchase of Keisler transmissions. That interests me but, have to see what price is possible.
What interests me on the 700R4 is that the gearing especially in first. As far as the muncies I have always been a fan of them however, I know there is no overdrive which would be nice but, not an overall priority. I have read on this forum about someone trying to put together a bulk purchase of Keisler transmissions. That interests me but, have to see what price is possible.
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 am inthe process of putting in a 350/350 700r4 in my 77...this will be occurring over the next 3-4 weeks the old stuff is coming out each night... go to
www.700r4.com
for starters they can show all the stuff you need (most of which i purchased) i will be documenting this pretty well and will share photos if you are interested... maybe even start a thread and post pictures if others are interested...
www.700r4.com
for starters they can show all the stuff you need (most of which i purchased) i will be documenting this pretty well and will share photos if you are interested... maybe even start a thread and post pictures if others are interested...
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I would definitely be interested in seeing the swap. I think it would be a great idea to start a thread on this. Would also like to see the Tremec swap. A 200-R4 trans has been mentioned. I am not familiar with it. What cars did it come in. With 3:55 gears you must have alot of get up and go!!! Lot of fun I am sure.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
The 200-4R came in the Monte Carlo SS and Buick GN. It has a first gear ratio closer to the TH350. Even then, with a 3.55 rear end, I find myself spending very little time in 1st!
Rule of thumb: 3.08 and lower, go with 700R4; 3.55 and higher, go with 200-4R.
Rule of thumb: 3.08 and lower, go with 700R4; 3.55 and higher, go with 200-4R.
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