Transmissions, which to use?

[CamaroAdam73]

Alright so i havn't had any time lately to put towards my MCSS because i've been going through allot. I just lost a family member, and on the same day my mother called to tell me that she totaled her truck. When it rains it pours.

Anyways, i went today and picked up my muncie M22 out of storage, and so now it's almost time for decisions.

I've got THREE transmissions to chose from, either the TH350 (freshly rebuilt, shift kit + other upgrades), the Muncie M22, or my 700R4 which needs built.

Here's my rundown,
the Th350's been rebuilt, ready to go. Shift kit as well as other upgrades. It isn't to far above standard though.

My M22 which obviously needs nothing, but i will need a clutch/ pedal setup/ master/slave cylinder ..ext I've sourced out the gbody manual conversion kit and i'm looking at about 1000$ to use my M22.

The 700R4 needs rebuilt, and i would need a new TC, cross-member , trans mount , and TV cable/ brackets. I know this will be the more expensive option.

The cross-member i was going to buy to use the Th350 will also fit the M22, so that's a plus.

Havn't had time to get measurements for the driveshaft yet, so I'm not worried about it.

Anybodys insight welcome, i'm not leaning forwards any direction yet. I can however say the M22 would be the funnest out of all of them, how many Gbodys have you ever seen with that howling monster underneath?

 

[-83MONTESS-]

My vote is for the M22. I think the idea of a manual in a gbody is t*ts! If I couldnt go with the Muncie I would definatley go with the 700R4. Have you ever thought of selling the TH350 to help fund the swap?

 

[Ringers]

The M22 and the T-350 are the same length, providing it's a short shaft. The M22 will have a more stout output stub. That said, if you had a 350 originally, your driveline will work. BUT, you have all of the other work to perform. the 700R4 is always a nice way to go, if you don't have too much cam. If you do, just don't run around town in 4th and the converter locked up. I'm always about lowering your cruise RPM. It makes your valvetrain happier if it's not buzzing around 3000 at sixty. I don't know your capabilities/tool situation and ultimately, that is what is going to dictate which way you run. I vote 700R4
Ringer

 

[CamaroAdam73]

Sell the th350 to fund the swap? yep thought has crossed my mind already. selling it would cover roughly half the cost of the M22. On the other hand, i could keep the Th350 and install it and run it until I've got everything i need to do the M22 swap.


Out of the three options, i feel more drawn to the M22 for a few reasons. Uniqueness being one, I'm sure there's a gbody somewhere out there with a rock crusher but you don't see that many. Plus the M22 is distinctively cool, it's a close ratio transmission from the 60's built to stand up to big block power, with straight cut gears to make it growl and howl its way down the street. I didn't know this until a few months ago but you can actually get overdrive with an M22, there's a few ways to do it too. That's not even a factor I'm considering right now.

I agree ringers the 700 is still a good way to go, just the more costly of the three. However i'd then have overdrive for ALLOT cheaper than it will cost to acquire that with the M22. Out of the three i believe the 700 would also offer the best fuel economy hands down.

 

[Bonnewagon]

I vote T-350 for now just to be able to drive it. Then acquire the M-22 parts and let that be the ultimate goal. But I am biased towards the manual trans, it's a blessing, and a curse.

 

[CamaroAdam73]

Right on man. That plan sounds better every time i think about it, TH350 for now, M22 for later.

 

[Phoenyx]

M-22, I put one in a GP years ago. Driving just hasn't been the same without it. :-( If I ever come across another one it will be going in my Malibu.

 

[khan0165]

x2 for temporary TH350... Throw it in, bash on it, enjoy it, and collect parts for your M22...

... don't waste your time with the 700r4... you can pour money to build it to take the power, but it won't last as long as the TH350 or M22, and it will eventually start to slip

I have experience with both (700r4 in my GP, and Buddy is using a M22 wide ratio in a 69 Cutlass behind a 455 with 3.08s)

if you're worried about economy, there are ways to lower cruising rpm... but if you think it's worth the spendings, find a 200-4r instead

 

[dogsht]

I would be temped to do the manual just for the coolness factor. If its not a daily I might go that route. I have had great luck with my 200-4Rs and they have been very worth while for my both my performance and driving needs. As I wanted max acceleration and often travel the interstate so I still needed it to cruise & get good mileage. In reality I probably would sell what you have and use it to step up to a well built 200-4R. At least if you plan to put lots of miles on it. The taller gearing, better gear spread, lighter more efficient trans and no drive shaft cutting to make it fit make it the ideal.

GM put it in the later and performance Gs for good reason. fwiw http://www.extremeautomatics.com built both of mine, have a good warranty, and stand behind their stuff. Everybody had me skeptical back in the day about getting it to hold up behind 570 foot pounds of hard hitting big block torque but he assured me the billet forward drum/shaft would hold and warranted it. And it did.

I thought it was interesting when I found this on his site

Q - 2004R or 700R4?

A - I have been asked this question more than any other. Straight answer some will not like. Honestly its not even a fair fight. The 2004R will handle power that far exceeds that of any 700R4 or 4L60 that can be build at any price. 2004R has a better gear ratio spread, better Overdrive ratio, will fit many more applications, Lighter, Stronger I can go on and on. The 700R4 is best left to applications where its the only option such as 4WD or All WD, tow vehicles, Lower HP applications or customers that are more concerned with budget v/s strength and reliability.

 

[pontiacgp]

I would be temped to do the manual just for the coolness factor. If its not a daily I might go that route

It is a coolness factor that does not wear off for me. I have a T5 WC in my GP that is a daily driver and that stick cause me to drive the car more often then a I did when it was an auto. I have a 3.08 rear with gives me long enough gears to make even city driving enjoyable. Stop and go isn't as enjoyable but the rest of drive sure makes it worthwhile.