Transmission Dilemma

[Opie Knievel]

since you're a Moderator here don't you have the authority to take ownership of any transmission owned by a member....something like eminent domain....😀

I don't know. Let me look into that. Lol.

 

[pontiacgp]

I don't know. Let me look into that. Lol.

I have a stick so I'm safe...🙂

 

[motorheadmike]

If I buy a 200-4R it'll be through work. (salvage yard) Most of the time salvage yards will test the engine and transmissions in cars when they inventory the car. Also, most of the yards that I would be buying from give a 90 day warranty. While I have bought used parts from individuals before, I like buying them from a yard. That 90 day warranty isn't as good as a transmission shop but it's a lot better than no warranty from some guy on Craigslist.

Going for a 200-4R seems like a better option to me, assuming you can get ALL of the parts to do the conversion from a donor car.

 

[Opie Knievel]

I have a stick so I'm safe...🙂

A stick is what I REALLY want. You're first on my list now!! 😛

 

[Opie Knievel]

Going for a 200-4R seems like a better option to me, assuming you can get ALL of the parts to do the conversion from a donor car.

What parts will I need? I thought it was a direct swap to a TH350 except for the transmission mount location.

 

[motorheadmike]

What parts will I need? I thought it was a direct swap to a TH350 except for the transmission mount location.

Just off the top of my head (I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong):
-Trans and converter (duh?)
- detent/TV cable (different length if carb or EFI)
- detent/TV cable bracket (different between carb and EFI)
- floor shifter (differently gated, assuming you have a floor shift)
- TCC plug/wiring harness (can set up using a manual switch).

I believe the TH350 driveshaft and yoke, and crossmember you have now should suffice.

 

[Opie Knievel]

Just off the top of my head (I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong):
-Trans and converter (duh?)
- detent/TV cable (different length if carb or EFI)
- detent/TV cable bracket (different between carb and EFI)
- floor shifter (differently gated, assuming you have a floor shift)
- TCC plug/wiring harness (can set up using a manual switch).

I believe the TH350 driveshaft and yoke, and crossmember you have now should suffice.

My car came with a 200 metric 3 speed so I have a TV cable bracket. Will the cable from the 3 speed fit the overdrive?

I have column shift now.

I'll probably buy a wiring kit.

 

[Opie Knievel]

Guys, which exact 200-4R is the best to get? I know there are different codes for different applications depending on the car it came in. What came in what? Does anyone know the differences or have a link to a good guide? I'm really leaning towards the 200-4R now that I compared the gear ratios to my TH350. It's a little bit lower in 1st and 2nd, Drive is the same and it has overdrive. I think I'll really like it.

 

[Bar50]

You need a Monte SS, Turbo Buick, or 442 trans. You have to look at the code on the tag. That is really only good if it's unmolested. Should have a pink or purple paint mark on the valve body. CZF, BZF, BQF, KZF should be the codes I think. The SS & 442 trans have a govenor for 3.73 gears and a Turbo Buick has one of 3.42.

The rest (normal 200-4R) will require a reprogramming kit. Be diligent and price them. Price a kit for the lock up function as well. The 200-4R needs a relocated mount to include the crossmember. Said crossmember will also require a frame extension if your car is early. It takes a crossmember similar to a TH400. The TV cable needs to be for a 200-4R or 700R4. The bracket for the cable needs to be from an OD set up. The carb linkage must have the correct geometry. To properly set it up you will need a pressure gauge.

The TH350 is much more forgiving to build and make work.

A 200-4R and 700R4 demand the TV cable to be properly set up, I know, this sounds simple...trust me it's not, like, it can cause immediate trans failure or make you very unhappy with the way it shifts. Same with the lock-up function. A 200-4R will work without the lockup hooked up, a 700R4 will melt the planetary gears without it hooked up and working a 45-48 MPH.

 

[Opie Knievel]

How much would it cost to rebuild a 200-4R?
What's the differences between the transmissions you mentioned above and one in a Caprice or similar. The non performance ones.

If I get one of the transmissions you mentioned I don't need a shift kit?

I need a TV cable bracket from what cars to fit my TBI?

Can I get a non performance version and build it up? How much more would that cost?