Input from the 200 4R guys?

[DRIVEN]

I picked up 200-4R out of an '89 Caprice with 80K miles. It was a genuine little old lady car with a stack of maintenance receipts that was in immaculate condition but hit hard in front. It will be going into my Cutlass behind a completely stock 305. After reading TONS of info by reputable builders, I compiled a list of recommended parts for a "street rod" level build. So here's the question...Is there anything else I should consider mandatory?

These guys are semi-local so I'll probably buy from them. The list so far:
-Hardened stator support
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200-4R-2004R-TR ... 27c5ac69a9
-Shift kit w/ .471 boost valve
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUPERIOR-200-4R ... 27c59d092d
Hardened pump rings
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-HARDENED-PU ... m1d81248ed
High stall convertor (2000-2600)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/700R4-200-4R-HI ... m1dd2926df

FWIW, the rearend is a limited slip 3.42. I know that the governor is pretty lame but so is my 305 so I probably won't mess with it yet. No need to shift at 5500 when I'm out of breath at 4000, right? What do you guys think? Any suggestions?

 

[85GPLef41]

IIRC the later versions have some updated parts in them, Not performance but 10 vane pump etc etc then the older ones. I would still consider a governor upgrade though. Might as well as do it since it's apart. If you can get your hands on a "performance" valve body might help as well but i'm not sure how much of a difference between the Caprice one and say one from a GN or SS.. Don't forget a trans cooler as well! :wink:

 

[DRIVEN]

Good call on the cooler. I forgot to list it but have one sitting on the floor next to the transmission. Looks like CKPerformance would be the source for a performance governor. I'm sure the Caprice valve body is a fairly tame tuning but figured that the shift kit and boost valve should remedy that. As for the upgraded parts, I was hoping that would be the case since this is pretty close to the end of the production run. I only paid $75 for the transmission and was amazed at how well maintained the car was. The ATF was like brand new.

 

[dogsht]

Do you plan to replace the 305 with something more fun at some point? On the governor you might check out this site; www.extremeautomatics.com as Lonnie makes them. If you ever do something with 500+ foot pounds of torque or slicks and a transbrake you would also need a billet forward drum/shaft.

 

[Longroof79]

It sounds like you pretty much have your basses covered. Maybe consider a better intermediate servo, like a GN, CK Performance, or Superior. Also a Trans-go shift kit.

85 gp, do you know for a fact that the later 200-4R's have the 10-vane pump? I was curious about that. I also have an '89 Caprice 200-4R that is apart, except for the pump. I've read that they do have an improved pump design, due to enlarged drain back holes and a step or boss that keeps the seal from moving or blowing out.. nothing mentioned about a 10-vane pump.
I always assumed that the stock pumps were 7-vane.

 

[DRIVEN]

Do you plan to replace the 305 with something more fun at some point? On the governor you might check out this site; http://www.extremeautomatics.com as Lonnie makes them. If you ever do something with 500+ foot pounds of torque or slicks and a transbrake you would also need a billet forward drum/shaft.

The likelihood of more power is slight. I'd love to have a mild 403 but, honestly, it probably won't ever happen. Realistically, I may go as far as pulling the stock 305 for a mild cam swap, timing set, gaskets, and a Krylon rebuild. It's just a cruiser and will never see the track or be street raced. Since the transmission was originally behind a 305 in the Caprice it's probably just fine the way it is. I just don't like lazy shifts.

 

[DRIVEN]

It sounds like you pretty much have your basses covered. Maybe consider a better intermediate servo, like a GN, CK Performance, or Superior. Also a Trans-go shift kit.

85 gp, do you know for a fact that the later 200-4R's have the 10-vane pump? I was curious about that. I also have an '89 Caprice 200-4R that is apart, except for the pump. I've read that they do have an improved pump design, due to enlarged drain back holes and a step or boss that keeps the seal from moving or blowing out.. nothing mentioned about a 10-vane pump.
I always assumed that the stock pumps were 7-vane.

Is the bigger servo more of a race oriented item or pretty necessary for any upgraded transmission build? I have a Superior shift kit on my list and read that they're pretty decent. Is the Trans-go that much better? Since I don't have it apart yet I can't speak to the 7 vs 10 vane pump. The reading I did indicated that the newer 10 vane pump don't actually move more fluid, they just give a more consistent pressure output with less "pulsing".

 

[Longroof79]

Is the bigger servo more of a race oriented item or pretty necessary for any upgraded transmission build? I have a Superior shift kit on my list and read that they're pretty decent. Is the Trans-go that much better? Since I don't have it apart yet I can't speak to the 7 vs 10 vane pump. The reading I did indicated that the newer 10 vane pump don't actually move more fluid, they just give a more consistent pressure output with less "pulsing".

I don't think it's specifically a race oriented part. It apparently provides more apply area.
As for the shift kit, I've read that many guys like, or prefer the Transgo kit. I'm sure the Superior kit will be fine.
You're right about the 10 or 13 vane pumps not producing any more pressure, but to minimize pulsing. I've heard that the 7-vane pump rotor/ vanes are adequate for a mild street set-up.

 

[85GPLef41]

I thought i had some info on it but can't seem to find it.. :? So for know lets assume it's a seven vane.. 😳 Sorry for misinformation, i will continue to hunt down it down..

 

[455'ed80Regal]

Before you decide to mess with the front pump, read this:

http://turbobuick.com/forums/threads/at ... 04r.31365/

Read it all for your enjoyment or skip down in post 2 where it talks about the pump and pump body before you make a decision about upgrading your pump.