200-4R rebuild diy

[V8 Rumble]

Has anyone done it? would you do it again or have it done? I have done a lot of research on hard parts needed and what parts would be necessary for my needs but with everything you always learn something new.

I have an 1987 cz-f trans and debating whether to do it myself. I know there are tons of reputable builders but looking for opinions and tips on folks who have done it themselves before.

I was looking at this kit http://www.makcotransmissionparts.com/AHP36001R-K-BOX-1.html

and this one from monster which has a few less things. http://www.monstertransmission.com/...Complete-Rebuild-Kit_p_5059.html#.VgMUq99VhHw

I would appreciate any info.

Thanks,

Joe

 

[pencero]

I have rebuilt a 350th with a friend but when I tried the 200r4 it just didn't go down. The 350th was a piece of cake but the 200r4 was like speaking chinese in comparison. I also re-covered a bench seat to my 79mc with no issues but when I tried to redo a Brougham pillowtip bench seat for my Cutlass it came out horrendous. I would highly recommend not proceeding with this experiment unless you are like, retired and have a lot of time and money on your hands. It's not easy or fun compared to doing a 3-speed which is nothing comparatively.

 

[Longroof79]

Joe,
I'm also considering doing it myself. Buying the rebuild kit, and the all the upgrade parts to keep it alive. I've also done a lot of research on the subject over the years. In fact, my 200-4R is all apart, except for the clutch packs.

If you recall, Beermonkey built his own using the DVD a few years back. I think he also invested in the clutch pack (piston) compressor and a few other tools, but I think some tools can be substituted.
One of the first things I purchased was the ATSG manual.

My current trans is an '89 CTF, not a performance model, so it will need valve body upgrades, modified governor, better servo, etc. I had an '88 CZF that I had to regretably sell several years back. It was a dealer warrantied unit that apparently had an issue.

The Makco kit looks like a complete comprehensive kit....pretty pricey, too.

 

[455'ed80Regal]

I have not done a 200-4R but I have done a couple 700-R4 tranys. There is a lot involved. The job is made a lot easier if you have the right tools to do it. Some can be done without but some are necessary. It is time consuming. Best to make sure you know how you are going to do it as in what hard parts you want to use and what kind of rebuild kit you want. There is so many kits out there that contain more than you might need and some that don't contain enough. Also it is imperative that you have a clean place to do the job. Automatics don't like to be put together dirty. Whether you decide to do it yourself or buy one I would contact this place for your 200-4R needs.

http://www.ckperformance.com/

Cris knows these transmissions frontwards and backwards. He is one of THE go to guys in the Buick GN community.

Just my opinion, but I wouldn't even bother with the two places you mentioned.

 

[V8 Rumble]

I have rebuilt a 350th with a friend but when I tried the 200r4 it just didn't go down. The 350th was a piece of cake but the 200r4 was like speaking chinese in comparison. I also re-covered a bench seat to my 79mc with no issues but when I tried to redo a Brougham pillowtip bench seat for my Cutlass it came out horrendous. I would highly recommend not proceeding with this experiment unless you are like, retired and have a lot of time and money on your hands. It's not easy or fun compared to doing a 3-speed which is nothing comparatively.

It's crazy how much more involved it could be when it's not much bigger than the 350.

Joe,
I'm also considering doing it myself. Buying the rebuild kit, and the all the upgrade parts to keep it alive. I've also done a lot of research on the subject over the years. In fact, my 200-4R is all apart, except for the clutch packs.

If you recall, Beermonkey built his own using the DVD a few years back. I think he also invested in the clutch pack (piston) compressor and a few other tools, but I think some tools can be substituted.
One of the first things I purchased was the ATSG manual.

My current trans is an '89 CTF, not a performance model, so it will need valve body upgrades, modified governor, better servo, etc. I had an '88 CZF that I had to regretably sell several years back. It was a dealer warrantied unit that apparently had an issue.

The Makco kit looks like a complete comprehensive kit....pretty pricey, too.

Yeah the macko kit seems a bit expensive but seems to have pretty solid pieces. I've read the atsg manual is great. I've also seen that the CK performance book is great and shows the tips and tricks chris uses for the 200-4R.

I have not done a 200-4R but I have done a couple 700-R4 tranys. There is a lot involved. The job is made a lot easier if you have the right tools to do it. Some can be done without but some are necessary. It is time consuming. Best to make sure you know how you are going to do it as in what hard parts you want to use and what kind of rebuild kit you want. There is so many kits out there that contain more than you might need and some that don't contain enough. Also it is imperative that you have a clean place to do the job. Automatics don't like to be put together dirty. Whether you decide to do it yourself or buy one I would contact this place for your 200-4R needs.

http://www.ckperformance.com/

Cris knows these transmissions frontwards and backwards. He is one of THE go to guys in the Buick GN community.

Just my opinion, but I wouldn't even bother with the two places you mentioned.

CK is about 1.5 hours away from me and dave husek as well I spoke to dave husek but the prices are pretty steep. Breaking the bank as we all know is the factor in some cases.

This is why I thought of doing it myself using good parts.

I appreciate the input. What would be a tool or tools that are necessary if I fix it myself?

 

[pontiacgp]

It was designed and put together by men so there is no reason you can't do it...but I'll stick to manual transmissions all the same

 

[pencero]

'how much more difficult could it be' is what I said about the 200r4 before we never put it back together again... It's just not worth learning how to do. How many more times are you going to build one after this time in your life, 1 or 2 more times? Probably 0. With the th350 we could just see how it went back together and it wasn't even 3 days before it was back in the car functioning. Two totally different ballgames.

 

[pontiacgp]

'how much more difficult could it be' is what I said about the 200r4 before we never put it back together again... It's just not worth learning how to do. How many more times are you going to build one after this time in your life, 1 or 2 more times? Probably 0. With the th350 we could just see how it went back together and it wasn't even 3 days before it was back in the car functioning. Two totally different ballgames.

you're right but some of us just want to learn to do stuff to have the satisfaction of saying to yourself that you did it...

 

[Longroof79]

....and some of us need a challenge. I think I'm up to it.

 

[V8 Rumble]

I almost positive in going to do it. I'll do it over the winter if I do since I won't be under any time constraints.