79Cruzer

Ok. Here are a few questions after reading up on the various swap outs for the TH350. I've settled on the 200R4 as it looks like a direct bolt in replacement which means I can probably do this. Here's my plan... There are a number of these transmissions available in my locale for about $CDN 200-250. I'm thinking about picking up one of these and purchasing one of the re-build kits available which are between $150-$250 plus a manual & video for about 50 bucks. Is this something the average hobbyist can re-build? Do I need a whole bunch of special tools? Dumb question.. How heavy is one of these things? I know squat about transmissions right now but willing to learn. This project doesn't have to be finished for this years (Canadian weather) cruising season and could be put in over next winter.

Big Fish

Here are some threads from the "FAQ" site that might help:

http://hometown.aol.com/bmclau5079/page4.html

http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/2004r.htm

Go for it! :thumbs:

redwingvette

I am not a trans expert but I put it in by myself. Don't know how much it weighed but my punny butt could pick it up so I would say it has to be alot lighter than the TH400.

6318

From personal experience I can say that the average inexperienced (with transmissions) hobbyist should be able to install one without problems...but to rebuild one may be difficult...

mrvette

Rebuilding is not the problem, i'ts the mods necessary to keep it alive in HP useage.....need to get smart in that area, most manuals are just reprints of the original GM literature, even the ATSG ones.....so your problem is getting that hotrod information....and it's not just as simple as a shift kit, typically you have to redrill holes on maybe even the shafts for oil flow increases, and such....gets a bit crazy....

all you mostly need is internal/external snap ring pliars, feeler gauge, etc...

GENE

79Cruzer

Thanks everyone. I'm going to dig in and do this. I'm sure over the next while I'll have lots of questions but I'm under no pressure to get it done right away.

macx

I've rebuilt brand F with the ATSG manual
and it flat doesn't make it.

Go to (can't remember which) Jegs or Summit
and get a rebuild video.

Then go here for some good build up info
http://www.700r4.com/FAQ/faq.htm http://www.kdsperformance.com/trandif.html http://www.2004rperformancecenter.com/index.asp http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/for...efc&forumid=12

I've decided to do the same swap into my 81, using most of
the extreme parts from Bowtie Overdrives, but "listening"
to the advice of the 3rd & 4th links above.

I've done a few auto's - some advice:
prepare a nice big, clean, well lit area (like a clean piece of plywood)
take things out of the trans and lay them out in sequence
then you don't lose track of what order they go back in
Also when taking assemblies like clutch packs apart, do the same
thing - lay the pieces out in order
You can get creative and make some of your own tools,
like a piece of threaded rod, 2 pieces of metal strap drilled,
and 2 nuts, to use as a clutch pack compressor.
You can carfully punch out the old bushings with a
good punch, and use a socket that's a little bigger than
the bushings, mounted backwards on an extension, to drive
the new bushings in. Be VERY careful to get them started
straight!! And put them in the freezer awhile to shrink them
just a bit, they start and go in easier.

Good luck - don't be intimidated - take one step at a time
AFTER you've studied the manual or video or whatever.

Oh - I've been told that Kevlar bands tend to glaze and actually
may not hold as well as other more standard band lining
materials.
And - get a good brand name converter, the cheapies don't
provide the torque multiplication of the good name brands.
You don't have to spend $500, but watch out for the $100 types.
For a moderately warmed up engine, 2500 +/- is a real nice
street stall speed on a lockup converter.

79Cruzer

Thanks for the good advice and links. I was thinking of the kevlar band as it sounded like it would hold up to more punishment. I don't race my car but like to punch it hard once in awhile even though it's only the L-48. Plans are to finish the interior this year (just have to do the carpet) and tires. Next year will have the 4 speed in by then and looking to start improving performance (intake,cab,carb, headers/true dual exhaust and mufflers).

TLChydraulics

I don't know the 200R4 at all, but I do know if you go to a 700R4, you'll want a 1988 or newer one with the large shaft and are all around heavier duty and hold up better. They have a date code on the rear side by the pan or you can identify the newer "good one" by a rainbow looking casting shape that passes along by the cooler line ports. you will also want to take out the 3-4 shift check ball for full pressure and prevent clutch burning. I have the mod sheets for doing this and would gladly e-mail or fax them to anyone interested in them for building a good 700R4. I rebuilt my 88 suburban's and made the mods and it is a killer tranny..... since then my wife drove it and the thermostat stuck and the heads cracked and dumped water in the oil and destroyed the motor. It is about to donate its tranny to my 76 vette! I can't wait for the added performance and added mpg (like that's an issue). I'm pretty sure 1st gear is 10% lower geared than the turbo 350 or 400 and of course the higher geared over-drive for higher top speed and mpg. I know the books I bought for building the 700R4 and making the mods weren't cheap, but were worth it for the info. I searched the internet like crazy back when I did it for "free info" but never found what I was looking for, so again, if anyone would like any info about the rebuild of them, I can help you out.

:cheers:

Loren