200C to a 700 R4

[censley]

So Im dropping a performance Chevy 350 with 355hp and 380 torque in my 1987 Olds 442 after the gutless 307 spun a bearing. I am going to change the transmission from the 200C to the 700 R4 to handle the power.

Has anyone done this conversion? If so, I could really use some pointers and the things Ill need to change (crossmember, drive shaft shortening, etc)

Thanks!

 

[DRIVEN]

Unless you are only using the 700-R4 because you already have it laying around, you might consider a 200-4R. It's a much more direct swap and many believe it to be a better overall unit. It's an ongoing debate and I don't want to turn this thread into an argument about which is "best" -- just wanted tho throw it out there. For the 200-4R all you need is the correct crossmember. For the 700-R4 swap you will need to shorten the driveline and may have to adjust the stock 200 crossmember a bit. The 700-R4 was never offered in a Gbody so you can't do the instal with all stock parts. Been done many times, though.

 

[Longroof79]

Driven is absolutely right. Go with the 200-4R. It's more of a direct swap. Are you sure the trans in your 442 isn't a 200-4R?
That's what these cars came with. If it is the stock 442 trans it most likely is the 200-4R.
If so, have it built up to accommodate the increased power with better clutches, servo, VB kit, hardened stator, hardened sunshell, etc.

 

[DRIVEN]

Are you sure the trans in your 442 isn't a 200-4R?
That's what these cars came with.

Duh, how did that get past me :lol: ?

 

[Kwik_Cutty88]

It's not as much work as everyone thinks to to a 700R4 swap, its what i have in mine.

 

[censley]

Yeah, I thought it would be a 200R4 under her but its not, wrong transmission pan ( square with notch cut out of one corner) and does not have the dual bolt pattern for the universal fit.

Would a 200R4 with a shift kit be able to take 355HP/300torque?