Transmission Recommendation?

[olds307 and 403]

I believe the constant pressure valve body keeps line pressure at a minimum of 200 psi. It basically allows you to adjust your shift points some what with the TV cable and not burn it out. Makes the geometry correctors and TV brackets no where as critical for aftermarket carbs. Of course the easy solution was the 307 TV bracket and a late 70's 800 cfm Qjet custom tuned, which have the same linkage as the CCC carbs.

 

[airboatgreg]

One of my co-workers went with the 200 behind a block and it is fine. Trend seems to be going to 200 instead of the 700. Because mine is not a daily driver I converted to a Muncie 4 spd. I am still in thinking stages of an engine. At first going to 290 HP crate. but I just do not know

 

[ItsnotaGN]

Olds307, that's correct. the TCI valvebody keeps 200psi line pressure at all times and makes the TV cable much more like an old school kick down cable. It really helped with my part throttle shift points.

 

[olds307 and 403]

You will probably need the $400 welded billet shaft and forward drum with those torque levels in your 2004R. I am probably dangerously close with my 350 and my cam is milder. I would at least upgrade to Yukon spider gears, the stock ones are soft and explode in the 7.5" rear. I would upgrade to either 3.42 or 3.73 gears, depending on tire height and how much highway driving is done with a Detroit Tru Trac and maybe 28 spline axles in your 7.5" rear.

 

[motorheadmike]

I had a built 200-4R behind a very similar engine. The TCC can be engaged with a switch on the dash - just remember to unlock it once you slow down.

 

[el camino ss 84]

On my 84 elcamino I run a 2004r with all billet internal, grand national 5600 govner, hughes deep trans pan, 2000-2200 convertor,extra clutches and fully built guts. Then used a 2004r/turbo 400 gforce dual exhaust crossmember from summit racing with the extension plate for the driver side since my El Camino didn't have the extra holes and came with a turbo 350 trans originally. Tci lock up kit with vaccum switch for a carb setup. Holley throttle bracket and TV correction plate for quickfuel/holley carbs. I used 7.5- 3.08 gears when I first did the swap which was fine till I upgraded and install a 7.5- 3.42 gear/posi setup with rear disc setup. I'm also using 26 inch tall tires for both sets of rims i switch between. Gta rims with tire size 245/50/16s for rear and second set is torque thrust 2s rear size 275/40/17s.
The factory turbo 350 driveshaft fit also when doing the swap.

 

[64nailhead]

As much as I love the 200-4R's, if you are going to use the stock grocery getting, Grandma gears, then a TH350 is the cheapest way out. The 200 needs a gear swap to make any sense at all IMHO.

Presently running a built (and broken - lol) 200-4R with 3.73 gears and 26" tall tires.

It comes down to your budget. TH350's well built are cheap, 200-4R's well built aren't and require a gear change.

 

[olds307 and 403]

I have used the toggle switch, Painless and TCI lock up kit. The toggle switch works, you have to remember to shut it off. I had issues with the Painless set up. The TCI lock up kit works but mine needed adjustment, surging up and down, now works very smooth.

 

[gbodytoys]

I also have a Blueprint Crate engine (383) and it's been great.

When in doubt, get a trans with overdrive. Revving at 3k+ when you're only going 60mph really sucks.

I honestly believe that you'll be happy with any properly built OD unit, rather it's a 2004r, 700r4, or 4l60-4l80e. I've been thinking about go with a 4l80e just because in a few years, I'd like to start going for an LS with 500rwhp on motor and power adders afterwards.

As far as 2004r's go...

Bowtie Overdrives
http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/catalog/catalog.php?Action=GETSUBCAT&CATID=C

Extreme Automatics
http://www.extremeautomatics.com/th2004R.php

California Performance Transmission
http://www.cpttransmission.com/catalog.htm

CK Performance
http://www.ckperformance.com/List/GM-Transmissions/2004R

Janis Transmission
http://janistransmission.com/index.html