PROJECT "LAID BACK" - 1978 CENTURY 2 DOOR AEROBACK

[Longroof79]

James,
I'm glad that you decided to go all Buick...and not be another lemming. I think you'll be pleased with the power and torque of the 455. Good score on the long block, btw.
I agree with Jared. I think it would be prudent to go with an overdrive trans....or GV unit.
A 4L80 might be a good choice. A T56 would be nice as well, but whatever fits into your budget.
At any rate, I'll be following your build... It should be interesting.

 

[MrSony]

4l80e would require an adapter, but its not out of the realm of possibility. Th200r4 would be easier, but it may be hard to get one in good shape with the better guts in it that's worth building. Or using.

 

[HAFROD]

Rob at Dixie Monte left me a voice mail for an aero question. I was working and couldn't answer phone. I bet it was on your headliner. You have to have an aero headliner. Regular G body cars are too short. That big block is going to be awesome

 

[pagrunt]

Flemming, pagrunt, Ken, Joe, Rus, MrSony... you win!! ( I think I'm a winner, also. )

I'll take my pize in small unmarked coins (prefer nickles & dimes.)
Shouldn't be that much of an issue going column shifting with a OD transmission, but I'm with Mr.Sony with the TH200-4R. For what it would cost it would be worth it for a strong built one. Then again that extra pedal on the floor is cooler, gott a join the third pedal crowd. Regardless there is more than enough info to to help with any transmission you put in.

 

[MrSony]

BOP bellhousings are hard to come by. TA makes BBB flywheels. With the torque the 455 makes it would have no issue with a 5 or 6 speed. No one says ya cant just drop a shift kit th350 in it while you gather parts for option A or B. If you ever decide to go to the next level with the 455 in the far future, plan in advance with whatever trans you plan on getting.

 

[Longroof79]

4l80e would require an adapter, but its not out of the realm of possibility. Th200r4 would be easier, but it may be hard to get one in good shape with the better guts in it that's worth building. Or using.

Oh yeah, I'm fully aware that an adapter would be needed for a 4L80E install. A well built 200-4R may be more realistic and comparable to the cost of installing a 4L80. I guess the key word(s) is "well built".

 

[Texas82GP]

The only reason I was thinking 4L80E is they are really strong in stock form. Might be too expensive to adapt it to the BBB.

 

[fleming442]

http://www.ckperformance.com/View/4L80E-SFI-BELLHOUSING-ADAPTER-PACKAGE
Done

 

[Longroof79]

It still couldn't hurt to compare the pros and cons between going with an adapted 4L80E or a built 200-4R.
As Jared pointed out, a 4L80E in stock form is probably plenty strong as it is. Longevity is "the" key factor in the ultimate decision...besides cost, of course.
I still think going with the 4L80E could prove to be quite pricey.

 

[JAMCAR223]

Thanks Jack, Danny, and Jared for the responses. Danny, I will probably section a Regal headliner board, to fit the Century, as I can't find anything, new or used. Then upholster it myself. It will probably be one of the last things I do, since you don't see it much, and it will give me more time to source one, if it pops up..

So lets talk transmissions, guys. I can go either way 350 / 400 /200-4r. I have used a 350 behind several hotrods in the past, ranging from 350-500hp, so I know with the availability of hi-po parts, this transmission can survive behind a BBB. I do know that it's the least recommended for this application, it's also the lightest, and uses the least amount of horsepower to operate.

With that being said, I already have a console w/ 4 speed top plate ( that can be changed to 3 speed ). I already have a B&M stealth shifter with both 3 & 4 speed gates. The 4 speed is already installed.

The car itself has a 3 speed shifter on the column. I just thought it would be cool to keep it there, and the 350 would drop right in ( things I need to consider $$$ for this project ). But I know I should go with a 200r4. And guess what?? The guy I bought the motor from has a BOP 200-4r that I can buy ( complete w/converter that I would not use ) for $125. It's very clean, and has been kept inside.

Pros- its got the converter still attached so I would guess the input shaft is not rusted. Pan and lock up pigtail are intact, Still a bolt in. I have a GN friend that is a transmission builder by trade.
Cons- more expensive to build, more expensive converter, having to purchase, and install lock up solenoid switch, new crossmember, and new floor shift column.

Solution = buy both TH350 & 200-4r transmission cores while they are available, and cheap. Both = $185. Figure it out after speaking with my transmission guy.

ALL comments, concerns, and/or advice is appreciated.