JoeZ

I picked up a used 200-r4 tranny to put into my '80 L-82, but it needs to be rebuilit. What is the best place I can get (for the price) both a rebuild and shift kit? Also, I saw on one site that the shiftkit would do a rebuild, but I'm not sure if I believe that.

Please advise.
Thanks :)

Smokehouse69

www.bulkpart.com
Great prices, easy to deal with and fast delivery!

Stewart's74

:iagree:

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:iagree: Get the basic stuff from bulkparts. But if you want to beef up your tranny (and you should) check out these guys: http://www.transmissioncenter.net/200-4R.htm

JoeZ

Can someone explain what locking up the torque converter does>?

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Oooh! Oooh! I know the answer to that one!

A torque converter normally uses fluid coupling to transfer power from the engine to the transmission. There is actually no firm mechanical connection. This means that there is always some amount of slip.

A locking converter has a clutch inside it that engages to "lock up" the torque converter, thus providing a non-slip mechanical connection between engine and transmission. This improves efficiency and reduces TQ-induced heat buildup.

But I won't get into the argument of the relative merits of using one vs. the other. But for normal everyday driving, a locking converter is a good thing!

JoeZ

So once you get going, you'd want to engage it to reduce slippage and increase RPMs delivered to the tranny? If I understand this correctly, if in 4th gear at say 3000rpm if I'm going 80, I then lock it up and I'll be going like 83 due at same rpm due to reduced slippage?

Aaron76

This is exactly what I want to do as well
Do you have experience rebuilding these tranny's or are you going to farm out the work.
Any how please keep me posted on your progress.
buy the way I have a few articles that cover the th200 if you want them email me and I will send them to you.
Best of luck

Also does anyone out there know or have a list of which cars and years that had the th2004r this would be a great help in finding a good tranny.

TTFN




[Modified by Aaron76, 9:21 AM 2/21/2003]

JoeZ

I'm going to be rebuilding myself. I will have help from an uncle of mine via phone, but he said it would be easy enough for me to be able to do it. (note: I'm not saying it's easy to do, just that he said I'd be able to do it).
The 200r4 was in the buick grand national...
try here for some more info http://www.gnttype.org/discus/messag...tml?1043874723

Also, I emailed someone that sells rebuild kits and he said the TH200 is different from the 200r4. Could be wrong, but better safe than sorry.

UKPaul

Yep, that's it. With a TH350C doing about 3000rpm @ 70mph, locking the converter will drop the revs to about 2650 @70mph. It makes a big difference in fuel consumption on the Highway as well as reducing heat build up.
:cheers:

JoeZ

Something neat to check out: http://www.geocities.com/z_design_st...ion_z28_6.html

Values for the tranny are
2.74 1.57 1 0.67 for the ratios.

I put tire size as 255/50/15....I'm not sure what the stock tires are, could some one tell me for a 1980 L-82?

It says basically I'll be able to get 80mph in 4th @ 2700 rpm using 3.73's in the back.

JoeZ

WOW!! That's a huge differnce in RPMs....man I'm excited in getting this done.

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The TH200 and the TH200-4R are VERY different. Be sure to say it right.
By the way, the 200-4R was also used in the Monte Carlo SS.

For more info, visit the folks over at http://www.turbobuick.com. They have a tranny forum with members who know more about the 200-4R than you and I will ever hope to know!

Finally, think of the locking converter as reducing your RPM at a given speed as opposed to increasing your speed at a given RPM...

UKPaul

Joe,
Those figures aren't exact (how accurate is the tacho?) & are with a 2.87 rear. When the converter mysteriously stopped locking I wasn't too bothered.... until I found that it was guzzling petrol compared to what it used to be like - then I was mortified :lol: I spent all last summer :banghead: trying to fix it but the problem is internal, rather than electrical or computer related. So I've given up with it & bought a 200-4r for its OD gear AND locking converter :D The 1st ratio is also lower & I'm really looking forward to having it fitted (but I ain't looking forward to fitting it!). It's arriving in the country next wednesday :)
Fuel prices here make economy while cruising a big issue for me, but another advantage is that the engine is turning lower revs so will have less wear. I might also be able to hear what my passenger is saying above the din of the exhausts :lol:
:cheers:

J75

I used a Tci kit from Summit.It contained every part for a total rebuild plus vb parts for the shift kit.200-4rs were used in Buicks,Olds and Chevys from mid to late 80's.I used one from a 86 Cutlass.Just make sure it has the Chevy or dual bolt pattern.It is a good idea to build your pump as a 10 vane like the GN.A trans supply house should have any parts needed.It is a easy trans to build.

Ken73

Joe, BUY THE 200-4R VIDEO you will NOT regret it! Get the Haynes manual that shows the four main GM transmissions (TH350, TH400, 200-4R, 700-R4) and the combination will make the transmission rebuild go effortlessly! I just got done with my 700-R4 about a month ago with the assistance of the video and the book mentioned above.. it was a breeze!

Smokehouse69

UKPaul, the TH200-4r implant into a TH350 car is probably one of the easiest swaps you can find. The differences in length of the cases is very minor and don't require any work on the driveshaft. Your TH350 driveshaft yoke will fit perfectly into the TH200-4r and the rear mount is close enough to the original spot that lining it up isn't too hard either (only about 1/8" inch difference) The only tricky parts are hooking up the electronics for lockup (you can go with a manual lockup or vacuum lockup or a combination of both) and the TV cable adjustment. I highly recomment getting the correct bracket for your carb/TV cable, it will make setting the TV effortless.
Good Luck on your swap!

Aaron76

hey there I just found a great web site to help any one with more information
http://members.aol.com/powerrslid/thm2004r.html
Hope it helps

JoeZ

So what parts additional are needed in order to do the swap?

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Check out Bowtie Overdrives. They can sell you all the bits you need: lockupt wiring kits, shifter adapters, TV cable adapters, and plenty of etcetera... :yesnod: