200-4r or 4L80E?

[OldBlue82]

I am looking for some opinions on what I route I should go for my transmission. My original plan and still not out of the question was to use my 200-4r trans behind my 6.0 lq9 that's probably making close to the 500hp mark. The rear end is a ford 9" with 4.11s so im looking to stay with with the overdrive. The problem with this is that when I went to get a price on getting my 200-4r built to handle the new hp the builder told me its going to cost me over $2000 not counting the torque converter. Also he would give me no guarantee on the transmission holding up at all. The price scares me a bit. Now the only other idea I had was going with a 4L80E swap since these transmissions are said to be rather bulletproof but require a $600-700 controller to work and would require some modification to fit. Also my G-force crossmember that I already have for the 200 likely wouldn't work with the 4L80. Do you think the 200-4r is worth that kinda cost to build? or would I be better off going with the 4L80E? Any input is much appreciated.

 

[Longroof79]

Okay, this is an opinion, and we all know what they say about opinions... :lol: As much as I like the 200-4R, I would lean towards the 4L80E. I would first check to see what you can obtain a 4L80 for and total up what it would cost you to install it into your car.
As you said, you'll need the controller, new x-member, torque convertor...maybe some trans upgrades?

 

[olds307 and 403]

I agree, especially if pushing 500+ ft/lbs. Torque is much more detetmining than 500 hp for trans life.

 

[OldBlue82]

Apparently there is only on guy that makes the parts for the 200-4r as well so the price of the parts are kind of redic. Doesn't seem like there's going to be any cheap option for an overdrive trans. The 200-4r in my 82 monte seems to be holding up in stock form, then again the car prob makes about 200hp less. My torque numbers are prob less than 500ft/lbs but still up there.

 

[cutty651]

this guy had a 2004r in his monte and took it out and put in a t56 then broke that over time now he has a 4l80 in he said it went in easy no mods at all so i ask him what he did he the guy that started lsx gbody group on facebook his names ben morin heres his ls1 link http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-h ... sport.html and heres the link to facebook group he started ask them he answer im sure https://www.facebook.com/groups/476028052496649/ hope it helps

 

[565bbchevy]

Apparently there is only on guy that makes the parts for the 200-4r as well so the price of the parts are kind of redic. Doesn't seem like there's going to be any cheap option for an overdrive trans. The 200-4r in my 82 monte seems to be holding up in stock form, then again the car prob makes about 200hp less. My torque numbers are prob less than 500ft/lbs but still up there.

Are you only dealing with somebody local? There are plenty of reputable performance trans shops out there you can mail order from and a lot have free shipping.
Here is just an example from Monster Transmission http://www.monstertransmission.com/Heav ... _4016.html

 

[OldBlue82]

Apparently there is only on guy that makes the parts for the 200-4r as well so the price of the parts are kind of redic. Doesn't seem like there's going to be any cheap option for an overdrive trans. The 200-4r in my 82 monte seems to be holding up in stock form, then again the car prob makes about 200hp less. My torque numbers are prob less than 500ft/lbs but still up there.

Are you only dealing with somebody local? There are plenty of reputable performance trans shops out there you can mail order from and a lot have free shipping.
Here is just an example from Monster Transmission http://www.monstertransmission.com/Heav ... _4016.html

Been talking with Hutch's Trans Service in London ON (im in Canada). Hes a really well known trans builder from what I hear but he didn't seem too keen on the 200-4r.

 

[-83MONTESS-]

I had my sights set on a 4L80E but that quickly changed when I started pricing things I would need. Hell a 3000 rpm stall converter is around $1000!!! I would look at Monster transmissions. My buddy just bought a 700r4 from them and its held up behind his 383 stroker....for now at least.

 

[OldBlue82]

Im almost thinking the 700r4 might be my best option. Prices on Monster trans are quite reasonable. I actually forgot I do have a 700r4 from a 93 gm 2500 van under the workbench, however has the longer tail stock on it. Does kind of suck that a already have the 200-4r g-force cross member in the car now but I could prob make it work somehow.

 

[OldBlue82]

The trans builder is telling me to put a th350 or th400 in and put 3.08-3.42 gears in instead of the 4.11s. He says that 1st gear will be useless and that all overdrives are weak.... Everyone I talk to with overdives and 3.73-4.11s seems to love it.