BK wants a vette

First of all I will have to change my username to BK has a vette, if I can figure out how. I found a 1980 model L-48 with 62K on it. I gave $9500 which I thought was pretty fair. The biggie that I don't like so far is at 70 mph it is turning about 3200 rpm's.
The question is this, how much shoud parts cost to change over to a 4-speed auto. Where would I start looking. Any info will be greatly appreciated. :)

ACECO

Welcome to the insanity! :crazy:

You will need to start looking for a 200 or 700R auto trans. Mine's a 4 speed so I dont have any direct experience with this issue. However I'm sure someone with more experience in this matter will chime in soon. :yesnod:

Good Luck with the new toy!

:seeya

Crash80

Welcome, keep your check book handy! Page62 changed his '79 model to a 4 speed auto using the BTO 2004R tranny. That model is a bit of an easier swap being more of a direct fit than the 700R4. There are many that have done both animals of trannies that I am sure will give you pointers.

BK wants a vette

Does it have to be a Bow Tie Overdrive, or could I find a 2004R at a salvage yard?

BK wants a vette

Oh yeah, what about a new torque converter?

BlueL36

Congrats :cheers:

Crash80

I have n't done the switch myself so I am not really qualified to answer. I would imagine that you could use a salvage yard 2004R if you are planning on doing the rebuild yourself or have it done locally. Let me see if I can get Page to look at this thread, he will know the ins and outs better than I.

CVT4ME

page62

Bowtie. They can supply you with everything you need. And there are a few other vendors, but Bowtie gives the best bang for the buck. Don't use a salvage yard tranny unless you REALLY know what you're doing...

BK wants a vette

Thanks you sir. :cool:

SpyderD

3,200 RPM at 70 means you have some low gears in it. Believe me that's a good thing. Like everyone says drop in a 700r4 or 200r4 transmission with the overdrive and you're RPM will drop a 1,000 lower at 70.
Visit the C3 forum and post your questions there, plenty of people there did the swap and they can assist you with any questions. The previous owner of my car did the swap - for a 700R4 you need to change the crossmember and shorten the drive shaft, the 200R4 is supposedly easier to install.


edit - oops, for some reason I thought I was in the regional forum. nevermind my message about posting this in the C3 forum. Time for my afternoon nap!


[Modified by SpyderD, 6:18 PM 3/24/2004]

TedH

I bought a 700R4 kit from Bow-Tie overdrives. I had the driveshaft professionally shortened but the rest of the effort can be performed by you and an assistant in your garage (just read the directions many times!).

I believe Bow-Tie still offers a kit including trans, converter, crossmember, TVS, and dipstick for under $2000. You may also need trans cooler lines if yours are mangled. I'd also recommend a slip yoke for your driveshaft (enters the rear of the trans) as I found that after the shaft shop shortened the shaft and machined the old slip yoke (got rusty) that I had leakage out of the tail shaft.

Tuning of the line pressure using TVS and the supplied pressure gauge makes adjustment of the 700R4 much easier. I believe Bow-Tie has also improved the TVS setup instructions and TVS adapter kit for the 1904 (QJet) carb.

As you can see, I just did this to my 1980 L48. I did all of the removal/re-install work myself; just had the driveshaft professionally shortened.

while at it, I also dropped and had the rear diff rebuilt/seals replaced, half shafts rebuilt and new brake calipers installed. I had performed alot of the other work (bearing assemblies, strut rods, etc.) on prior projects.

Enjoy! :seeya

P.S. With this trans, 3.54 gears and P255-60R15 tires, you will turn approx 2000rpm at 70mph (at least I do :D ).


[Modified by TedH, 2:45 PM 3/24/2004]

Crash80

In case you haven't been to the BTO site, here is the link.

http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/

JBR

Welcome and congrads. :hurray: I agree with SpyderD What are the rear diff. ratio.? sounds like 4.11s . :cool: You must be able to come off the line real quick. :cheers:

cicch95

Congrats! :party:

-Rick

TedH

My guess is that your car is equipped with a gear ratio other than stock; with that said, your car came stock with 3.08's.

With the 700R4, I turn 2000rpm at 70mph which equates to just under 2/3 of your 3200rpm. Assuming you have P255-60R15 tires, my guess is that you are running 3.31's or 3.55's.


[Modified by TedH, 3:55 PM 3/24/2004]

'79ProwlerOrange

id guess 3.55 or 3.73s i think with the 4.11s im about 3700-4000 rpms at 70, but i dont really know cuz my speedo cable broke

AGVI

1980 RULES!!! :thumbs:

BK wants a vette

Thanks so much for the info guys. Now I know what direction I need to go in. :thumbs:

gotchashawn

Waaaasup ? good question. I needed the same information. I think I'm going for the 200R trans. from BTO. :flag

Larry B.

There is some onfo at http://www.c3sharktank.com