redwingvette

Local Parts yard has two 700R4's. One out of a 84 Vette and one out of a 90 S10. wants $250 for either one but the 84 doesn't have a torque convertor and the 90 is set up electric speedo. Just thinking about it. Is it worth the effort to try a used tranny?

joe73vette

you might have to keep looking. only the 86-up trannys had the good parts. joe

Metal Wulf

I agree the pre-86's were pretty crappy...

89formula

stay away from pre 87 700r4s. the later ones are preferable because they have the auxillary valve body, better pumps, and slightly stronger internals. Is the 90 S10 700r4 out of a v8 truck? Contrary to popular belief the V6 internals are different from the V8. the speedo however is no big deal. and i think $250 is a hefty price to pay for a used transmission with no history.

Jvette73

Great idea to swap in an O/D automatic. Makes a different car. Lower first plus high 4th for good cruise rpm. Like already stated its probably a good idea to avoid any pre 86 GM O/D tranny. The earlier one were lousey. Are you dead set on a 700? Theres lots of debate between the 700 and 200. My first idea was a 700 but I was talked into the 200 instead and am very happy with it. Ive seen a # of people mention problems of tranny failure with the 700 on here alone. To date I have seen none mention failure with the 200.

Jvette73

By the way a 2004R will bolt in place of your TH400 using the stock crossmember, unmodified, in the stock location. Driveshaft is also the correct length and will not need to be cut, although a yoke change will be needed.

redwingvette

No I am not set on a 700 but I haven't found any 200's. What vehicles used them?

Fevre

They where used in Grand Nationals so that right there should tell you they can handle some power. I know they where also used in other vehicles but not sure which.

page62

Monte Carlo SS, too.

But why do you want to do the junkyard route? Quite frankly, places like Bowtie can set you up with a nicely-built unit at a very good price. Not to mention you're gonna have to buy all the accessories you need from them anyhow :yesnod:

Jvette73

You could find a 2004R in any GM that has the same platform as the GN and Monte SS which would include rear drive mid-size cars including Cutalss Supreem, Buick Regal, Pont Lemans, Chev Malibu ect. Im sure it can also be found in the larger models too like the rear drive Caprices, Impalas, Bonevilles ect...especially the V6 models which would be a good candidate since it lived its live behind a less powerfull engine. Again its a good idea to get one of the later post '86 trannys.

For alot of good info on the 2004R check out the transmission section of Turbobuick.com message board. The moderator of the trans section is Bruce Tolle who is the proprieter of Performanc Transmissions in CA. He is among the most knowledgable individuals on the 2004R in the country, or the world for that matter.

Bullyj

I've been thinking of do the same thing. Since I don't put out much HP over stock I believe either would hold up I guess my question is which one would be easier to swap and less expensive to do so.

page62

200-4R is easier. Uses the stock crossmember, plus the driveshaft doesn't need cutting. However, if you use a junkyard unit, you have to install a Painless Wiring lockup kit INSIDE the tranny. Plus you should also rebuild it and beef it up.

But let's hear from some folks who have had a good experience with a non-rebuilt junkyard OD tranny swap -- somebody who's had it in there for at least 2 years. Until then I remain firmly in doubt about the wisdom of it :nonod:

Jvette73

While getting a trans from doner vehicle a boneyard has its cost advantages, you cant be totally sure of the condition of the trans itself. Plus the fact if its an original factory unit you'll get just that. The rebuilt units these days have many upgrades the help strength and longevity. So $250 for a used trans plus the cost of a rebuild and yur up to the price of a BTO unit sold outright. BTO also has all the related parts needed like dipstick tube, shifter mod kit, TV cable kit and so on. Getting the correct TVcable setup is absolutly important to good performance and long life. If its not right, even a perfectly killer rebuilt trans can go south in no time.

redwingvette

Sounds like I should look into a BTO unit.
Thanks for the input.

Jvette73

Yeah ask BTO about the 2004R. They claim it survives well even behind the killer TQ of the 502's. Trust me too, it will bolt in place of your TH400 with the stock crossmember unmodified and driveshaft uncut. That was my swap exactly. The only way I improved on my BTO 200 was to get a shift kit and modified govenor from Bruce at PT. The shift kit firmed it up even more and the govenor put the full throttle upshifts just right. Just leave it in D and forget about it. Of coarse manual shifting is always an option.

MIKER

The 700R4's from C4 Corvettes have a funky rear mount for the C4's torsion bar.

Hershey

Brian, I have been running a stock, salvage yard 200-R4 for over three years, it seems to run better all the time. You will probably be happy with either OD trans, as it will make lot of difference in your vette. I chose the 200-R4 because of the ease ( $$$ ) of installation. I do all my work myself and this is basically a bolt in swap. I paid $175 for the trans and added a shift kit. I also bought a new TV cable, got a 350th yoke for free. Also picked up the TV mount for a Qjet from mid 80's GM with 200-R4 and Qjet at salvage yard. 200-R4 is also available in full size Buick, Olds, Pontiac and Cad. from the mid 80's and many of these had V-8s. I have noticed from your previous posts that you are quite mechanically inclined so you would have no trouble completing this swap in a day. Just plan ahead and gather everthing before you start. Hershey :chevy

redwingvette

Does anyone have a "what to do" wrote up for this swap? I have the motor out of the car and would rather do it before the weather gets to nice.

Bullyj

I would also be interested in a what to do list if anyone has one

page62

This should be of some help... http://www.c3sharktank.com/tech2/tranny1.html