Suggestions for transmission build?

[Camshaft]

Hi guys, I recently acquired a 200-4R from an '83 Buick LeSabre that I want to rebuild as a performance transmission. This is what i'm looking to do with the rest of the drivetrain:

Engine:
Olds 403
'72 Rocket 350 heads
Somewhat mild cam
Vintage Edelbrock OL4B intake
True dual exhaust
All stock emission controls (including computer) left intact

Rearend:
GM 8.5"
3.73 ratio
Posi

The car will be a daily-driven musclecar, that will hopefully drive to the strip, run 14s in the quarter, and drive home, all while achieving around 15 MPG.

A big decision I have to make is the governor...I believe the 442 shifts at 4600 RPM at WOT and the GNX shifts at 5000 at WOT. Given my intended engine build and what I intend to do with the car, what would you guys suggest?

Should I install a B&M shift kit?

What are other ways I should beef up this transmission? What did the factory do throughout the transmission's life to strengthen it?

Thank you so much, everyone. I've never built a performance automatic before and your advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[megaladon6]

really it needs a full rebuild with performance parts--clutches, bands, GN servo etc. definately do the shift kit. IIRC, the olds engines don't rev as much as a chevy, so the 4600rpm shift may be better (it depends on where the engine makes power). i'd also put on a deep sump aluminum pan to hold the extra fluid and keep the fluid a bit cooler.
you shouldn't have to go nuts as you aren't making too much torque (relatively speaking)
here's the bowtie level 1 and 2 builds http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/catalog/catalog_inc/viewitem.php?ITEMID=11 http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/catalog/catalog_inc/viewitem.php?ITEMID=12

 

[joe_padavano]

really it needs a full rebuild with performance parts--clutches, bands, GN servo etc. definately do the shift kit.

Soft parts are the least of your problems. There are several upgrades to hard parts that are mandatory for this trans to live behind any kind of torque. The hardened stator shaft and billet shaft forward clutch drum are absolute minimum upgrades. Strongly consider the roller bearing thrust washers instead of the stock plastic ones. CK Performance regularly builds 200-4Rs for 10 second turbo Buicks. Their 200-4R rebuild manual is money well spent.

http://www.ckperformance.com/resources/ ... SIONS.html

 

[dan2286]

Vintage Edelbrock OL4B intake

From what I have heard, the engine will fall flat on it's face at lower rpm's when you use that intake, so you won't need to go to crazy with the governor. I am thinking you will be good with 4,600 rpm shift points.

 

[Camshaft]

All good advice, guys. I am definitely taking notes over here! Keep it coming!

Here's the shopping list so far:

-B&M Shift Kit
-hardened stator shaft
-billet shaft forward clutch drum
-roller bearing thrust washers
-hardened pump vane rings w/ 10-vane rotor
-teflon bushing in the converter hub
-front seal retainer
-GN servo
-442 governor
-deeper pan

Where would I be able to source these parts? Are there any other hard parts I should replace, or should I just disassemble the transmission first and see what's worn out?

 

[megaladon6]

joe--does he really need the hard parts? i admit i just saw 350 (saw the 403 later), full emissions/ecm, and 14's and was thinking low power+ torque, but still. the BQR/BRF trans seem to do well enough.
camshaft--just in case you don't know(and since IDK what you have), doing a trans rebuild means specialized tools, usually trans specific too. IIRC with the proper tools it's not a big deal (but you MUST keep small parts in order/direction and very clean), but without them?

 

[Camshaft]

I want to upgrade the hard parts, because I want this thing to be bulletproof. The tools are not an issue, as I have access to them via a friend.