transmission trouble

[nosnorb]

Alright so I have a 1986 regal chassis with a 231 V6 with a TH200 transmission and a 69 Nova rearend under my 1953 Chevy Bel Air.
Just recently my transmission wouldnt shift into 3rd going down the freeway. I got it back in my garage, put it on jack stands and unhooked the drive shaft. The spline coming out of the transmission were the fixed yoke hooks up to has alot of play in it and I think this is my problem. I know Im gonna have to pull the transmission out to get it fixed, my question is has anyone ever dealt with this before. My buddy says he can sale me a powerglide transmission out of an impala that has been rebuilt, just dont know what route to take on this one. Do's anyone know if I'd have to get a new crossmember for the powerglide, and where can I find one on the cheap? This car is not my daily driver do I wouldnt be putting much miles on it. Should I just get the TH200 fixed and be done with it, this is a low budget build so I dont have much money for a brand new transmission. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[Oldsmoletick]

You would be further ahead to install a short tail th350, it will swap in with little to no mods at all, and you'll still have a 3 speed. You can rebuild a th350 (yourself) for less than $350 which would include the price of a reman converter. Nix the 200 metric, if you ever put more than your 231 or a 305 in your car, you will be bound for problems again. Not sure about putting in a glide though (as far as what would have to be done).

 

[nosnorb]

Could I use the same crossmember that Im using for the TH200 on a Turbo 350 or do I need to switch that out as well?

 

[Oldsmoletick]

Existing crossmember will work just fine.

 

[80 cuts ass]

not too sure that a power glide would have the same bell housing to fit a v6

 

[nosnorb]

I think Im aiming towards saving up for a turbo 350, seems like the best upgrade. Can anyone tell me if theres anything else I might run into as far as making this swap?

 

[Oldsmoletick]

If you're running a factory type floor shifter, you will have to change the cable bracket over to one made for the 350 trans, the existing will work, but it would have to be cobbled a bit, haha. If you're using an after market shifter, it should have a slotted bracket already to compensate for universal fit. It's been a long while since I've even seen a 200 metric in person (I swapped to a th350 in my car almost 10 years ago, lol) so I can't remember if the had a detent cable or not. If not, you'll have to find the bracket (at carb) to add one. Other than that, it's probably the easiest swap other than using another 200 metric.

**oh and add a 1/4 vac line for the modulator, hook it up to manifold (not timed) vacuum.

 

[nosnorb]

My buddy told me he would sale me a chevy 283 with a 700r4 transmission, so my setup is going to be changed now. Anyone know if I the 700 will bolt up to the TH200 crossmember? Im guessing I will have to change motor mounts as well, this will be my first swap in this car so Im gonna have questions..."the most stupid question is the one never asked". Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[TexasT]

I see by your other post you have a chevy pattern th200.

Just for giggles hear me out.

Why not head down to your local recyler and slide under a few rwd Cadillacs and pick out a nice 2004r. The one with the AA code on the yellow tail shaft tag is the one you want. They can usually be had for $100-150 with the converter. This will get you an over drive fourth gear. It will also bolt up to both your 231 and your 283 saving the hassle of another trans swap when you put the 283 in. Then you only have to get the tv cable installed and calibrated and a way to lock up the converter which you will have to do with the th700r4 anyway. While you are at the recycler pick up the carb and associated hard ware for the tv cable. the lock up can be accomplished with one of several kits or you can figure it out yourself if you are able.