Newbie here - don't know squat!

[corvetteronw]

I sold my last Corvette a couple of years ago and have been looking around for another automobile hobby.
I looked at some of the cars for sale sites and noticed that the G bodies look interesting. I want my next project to be rear wheel drive, small block GM and relatively affordable. Since my left knee has been acting up on me I will probably get one with an automatic transmission.
I will have lots of questions.
#1. What years came with an overdrive transmission and were they the 700R4 or something else? :?:

 

[Blake442]

Welcome!

I believe '84 is when they introduced the overdrive trans.
And it'll be a 200-4R, not a 700-R4...

 

[corvetteronw]

Thank you!
What year did these cars start dealing with computer controls? i.e. the dreaded "check engine" light.

 

[SScamino]

I believe it was 1981 and even then it was only on cars that had v8s, atleast that what it says in my original 1981 el camino owners manual, I got lucky, my car was originaly a 229 v6, now it has a 355, but anyway welcome gbodys are good car to get into too!