Ultimately, you're better off saving your money and investing in a 200-4R. Your new crate engine will thank you for it...😀
Transmission Recommendation?
- Thread starter JoeF419
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- 350 el camino transmission
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If I'm swaping out to a 350 vortec I'm my 88ss which is the best to go with the trans can some one help me?
After some research, I've really liked the 2004r. I'd rather take the time to save the money rather than the cheaper option. If I'm buying a 4000$ crate engine, I guess it's worth the extra money to go with the better transmission. Thanks again guys!!!
So if I put in a 350 with the 200-4r, is there anything else I NEED to upgrade, like the differential. Not looking to race it, but just to have fun on the streets
You may ultimately decide to change the rear gear ratio for better performance but the stock rear end will hold up to spirited street use.
Opie Knievel
Rum Fueled Midnight Mechanic and Moderator
A few things you'll have to figure out to use the 200-4R:
-The transmission crossmember will have to be moved back a few inches to match the mount on the 200-4R. You have a '78 El Camino, right? There are guys on here who've put a 200-4R in El Caminos. Hopefully one of those guys can help. On newer model G Body frames, '84 I think, and up have an extra mounting place on the frame to mount the crossmember for the 200-4R. I'm not really sure if the common method is to add that mounting "bracket" or to use a modified or custom crossmember on frames without the extra mounting place.
- TV cable bracket. Proper TV cable geometry is important. There are brackets made by TCI and others that you can use.
- Driveshaft length. I'm pretty sure that the driveshaft used for a TH350, Power Glide and TH200(Metric) are the same length. What I mean is, if you have a TH350 or one of the other 2 transmissions I mentioned in your car now, you should be able to use your driveshaft without any modifications. Double check that to be sure though.
- Lockup converter control. Originally the lockup function was controlled by the computer. There are alternative methods of controlling it nowadays. I've heard a lot of guys on here mention that there is a "kit" that uses vacuum to control lockup and the brake light switch to unlock the converter. I've never used one of those systems. Maybe one of the guys who've used that system can fill you in a little more.
It would make sense to either rebuild a used transmission or to buy a "new" unit from TCI or similar aftermarket company that specializes in performance transmissions.
Just keep researching and I'm sure you'll find the answers you need. This forum is a great place for information and there are a lot of guys on here with first hand experience. We'll help you get your El Camino going.
They are the same lenth, GM parts books list the same p/n for all transmissions (3 & 4 speed manuals, 3 & 4 speed autos.)
TCI made both the lockup kit (I had gotten rid of the feedback carb and distributor on the Monte) and the valvebody ( upgraded to a constant pressure VB) . TV pressure is critical on a 200-4R, if the TV cable is misadjusted you will toast the trans. Ask me how I know......
200-4R. Find a cheap core and let a CKPerformance or MonsterTransmission build you a bulletproof transmission. If you think you can do it yourself go ahead. Much cheaper to purchase the billet parts and rebuild yourself. It won't be cheap. But that overdrive gear will save you on gas and your engine will run on lower Rpms on highway.
What's this constant pressure VB? I know of the lock up kit which locks up the converter automatically in 4th gear
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