Transmission Swap?

[81 Regal Man]

Hi, all. Just wondering if there are any good transmission swaps that can be done to the 231 Carbureted 3.8 V6 for my 1981 Buick Regal. If anyone knows, please let me know. I want a trans with better ratios that arent so long. I want bottom end power to hit the wheels. For having 200ft-lbs of torque, Im going nowhere with this stock trans. If I speed shift (Yes I know, not good for the trans), I can hit 45 in 1st gear. That automatically tells me that the trans ratios are just not geared for jumping off the line.

I have around 200ft-lbs since the aftermarket manifold, pushrods, and carburetor. NOTE: The carburetor has not yet been installed. The torque numbers are estimated and based off of adding 10 ft-lbs to the stock advertised 190ft-lbs that the engine makes. Not yet dynoed and wont be until I actually have more done to the engine. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

-Terence.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

If you plan to stick with that engine you'd be further ahead with better rear gearing. Keep in mind you're trying to move a 3200lb+ car that was built for economy. Then you open another can of worms, lower gear=higher rpms unless you go to an OD trans or convert to a 4 or 5 speed manual. A 700R4 would get you the lowest 1st gear, but then you need an adapter plate for the SBC bolt patten and everything else that goes with the swap.

In the end you see why people usually swap to something with more power. A Buick 350 would be the painless & cheap way to go.

And here's those trans ratios if you want to see them
http://www.chevymania.com/tech/trans-ratios.htm

 

[Bonnewagon]

I agree. A better rear ratio will wake up any motor.

 

[rustyroger]

A 200r4 will bolt straight on without needing an adaptor plate, it's at least as strong as the 200 you probably have now.

Roger.

 

[81 Regal Man]

Thanks for all of the advice everyone. I appreciate it. I am just looking at the cheapest and most painless option. I would just move to another powerplant, but I am experimenting with this engine and trying a customized setup, but first I need a better trans.

 

[Bar50]

You don't need a better transmission, you need a different final drive gear ratio. Ever drive a Monte SS? Yep, gutless 305 with a 200R4 trans and 3.73 or 4.11 rear gears. Your car, I bet has somewhere in the neighborhood of 2.41 - 2.73's. Score a ring & pinon and carrier out of an S-10 with 3.42's or 3.73's and it will be a whole new toy!

PS: Grand Nationals came with 3.42's and 200R4's with that valve-body most an 200R is tough enough, the 7.5 rear will give up way before it does.

 

[dogsht]

As has been said
1st get a 3.73 from a salvage yard S-10 (some 80s 4 cylinders came with 4.10 also good) or MCSS or the whole rear drum to drum from the MCSS as its cheaper easier & idiot proof. Gear swaps are not. You may even get a rear sway bar with it for free. Some older MCSS I think 83/4 only came with 3.42s which would also do.
2nd get a verified good salvage yard 200-4R out of a gbody its a direct bolt in. You will be able to keep your mileage and not spin the snot out of your motor.
3rd Check salvage yards and Buick forums for a Buick 350 as its a direct drop in and you can reuse your existing AC power steering etc etc.
Search this forum for some recent Buick 231 to Buick 350 swaps. Also check http://www.v8buick.com they even have a section dedicated to swapping V8 Buicks into gbodys. Oh yea do an advance curve kit for a few HP and to make her snappy and responsive with a tuned Q-jet I dare say even crisp. Even without the V8 upgrade this car will be dramatically quicker. You still won't be hunting down Camaros & Mustangs but much better.

 

[81 Regal Man]

As has been said
1st get a 3.73 from a salvage yard S-10 (some 80s 4 cylinders came with 4.10 also good) or MCSS or the whole rear drum to drum from the MCSS as its cheaper easier & idiot proof. Gear swaps are not. You may even get a rear sway bar with it for free. Some older MCSS I think 83/4 only came with 3.42s which would also do.
2nd get a verified good salvage yard 200-4R out of a gbody its a direct bolt in. You will be able to keep your mileage and not spin the snot out of your motor.
3rd Check salvage yards and Buick forums for a Buick 350 as its a direct drop in and you can reuse your existing AC power steering etc etc.
Search this forum for some recent Buick 231 to Buick 350 swaps. Also check http://www.v8buick.com they even have a section dedicated to swapping V8 Buicks into gbodys. Oh yea do an advance curve kit for a few HP and to make her snappy and responsive with a tuned Q-jet I dare say even crisp. Even without the V8 upgrade this car will be dramatically quicker. You still won't be hunting down Camaros & Mustangs but much better.

Thank you very much for that info. I will put it to good use. Im glad you guys know your stuff cuz I was lost lol. It would be nice to see my 200ft-lbs actually do something instead of bog. Just ordered a dual plane intake manifold for the 231 as well. It is time for the single plane to leave my car lol. So I can see a slight raise in the hp and torque. Nothing dramatic, but it will help. thanks again for all of the advice.

 

[Lowproelco]

i have 3.73 gears and housing out of my mcss if your interested....

 

[dogsht]

I think some full size cars came with the Buick 4.1 with a four barrel carb & dual plane intake. You might salvage yard source one of them for cheap. Little better gas mileage and power.