I was reading about building up a 200R4 for my friends Grand National and these transmissions seem pretty solid. I think they can easily be built to handle over 500/500 and their internals are lighter than the 700R4, plus they have better gearing in them with not as much of a distance between gears and a slightly better .68 overdrive. I was just wondering if anyone has ever run a 200R4 in their vette and if so how did they attach the C-beam and was a new driveshaft required?
I recently rebuilt my 700R4 but I was just thinking in case I ever blew mine up or something.
Thanks.

 

I put one in my '79 before I sold it - and it just bolted right up. No modifications except I had to remove the original TH350 mount from the chassis. Don't know if the early C4s had the same frame or not.

 

TTT
Has anyone heard of the 200R4 being used in a C4 vette?

 

I don't know how you would fit it to the C beam, but something could probably be fabricated. A 2004R is the same length as a 350 and some people have put 350s in their C4s so it may be possible. Of course, a 2004R doesn't have a removable tailhousing. The case is 1 piece from bellhousing to tailseal which could add to the difficulty factor. IMHO, though, you're talking about alot of work for questionable, if any, gain. Sure, it can be built up to handle a fair amount of power, but there's a reason it's lighter than a 700R4; all the internal components are smaller/lighter. The 2004R is based on the 200 3 speed unit GM introduced around 1976 as a light duty alternative to the 350 for use behind 4 and 6 cylinder engines. Later it found it's way behind V-8s, but in light duty applications. The rear 2 thirds of the 2004R are basically 200 internal components. This unit saw some use in higher performance applications like the Monte Carlo SS, but it's still a lighter duty unit than a 700 R4. The 700 was designed from the ground up as an overdrive (although a few components are similar to a 350).When it was introduced in '82 it was available only in pick-ups and 'Vettes. It's a much stronger unit. I think you'd be ahead putting your money in modding the 700......or swap it for a 6 speed.
Of course, this is just my .02.

 

I already have a built up 700R4. I was just curious because I am going to be building a 200R4 for a friend. After looking into the case it looks like a pain to mount the C-beam so I think I'll have to pass on the idea. I do like the gear ratios though. If I had the money I would buy a TH400 and put a gear vendors overdrive on it since they are made to bolt up directly to the C-beam.
Thanks for the input.

I do have another question though, I have several 700R4's laying around and I was curious if I could use one from a camaro in my vette as a backup trans. I know the tailhousing will swap over but the output shaft is 1.5" longer and I'm not sure if it will work with the slip yoke. Has anyone ever used a f-body trans in a C4?