Transmissions, which to use?

[Ringers]

This is an intersting read. I have run 700's in a number of vehicles, big and small block applications. have a 4L60E in my Tahoe. Have never run a 200R in anything. Have run a ton of 350's and 400's. For the record, the reason I suggested an automatic is I am building my wagon to be a tow vehicle that will see lots of boat launch activity. (Shortsighted advice! Not everybody tows with G-Bodies!) I absolutely LOVE sticks when you can get out of town on a weekend and bang some gears on some twisted roads. Yes, the M-22 is a very strong trans, if you get one that has not been abused. The cases will yield and make life miserable for you if it's all out of wack. I know the t-350 can be built cheap to withstand almost any HP input, and 700's have a problem swallowing full power upshifts into OD. But, I have no clue to the 200s. I'm not a trans guy, don't pretend to be one, so this is a good thread to follow.
Matt

 

[Bonnewagon]

I also tow a boat with my Bonnewagon. That is the only time I regret having a manual. Well, that, and crawling traffic that makes your brain melt. But even so, I have enough first gear (3:50) to get up a ramp with no trouble, and getting going from a stop is easy. But with an automatic there is no denying the simplicity of backing down a ramp with one foot on the brake, and one on the gas while you crane your neck to see where the heck the back of the boat is. But it's only for a couple of times a year so, no biggie.

 

[Ringers]

Ya, I hear that. I used to tow my 18'Hondo around with my '69 convertible 'Vette. It was a four spd. After the first clutch, I was like...No. Bought a '65 Chevelle wagon and that started the wagon thing with me. Here's a shot of what I tow now, but it's behind my Tahoe. Triple axle, air ride trailer, 21' Daytona with a Blown,EFI, Intercooled, Dry Sumped, Coilpacked, 588" Big M. It hauls the mail. Best of 127M.P.H.@ 8.56

 

[Bonnewagon]

That's one sick boat! Jet drive? And I've never seen a tunnel hull quite like that except on offshore racers.

 

[drogg1]

That is one sick boat!

 

[dogsht]

For towing with a 200-4R you would want to use the larger 700-R4 or custom pan for more capacity and a large headered trans cooler. Neither is that expensive. I also used an inexpensive trans temp guage to know what my temps were. My plan was to get a dolley for behind my 442 and tow my GN on it to out of state car shows races etc. Especially if behind a big block you would also want the billet forward drum/shaft. If you don't put that many miles on it and tow a lot and max quarter mile performance is not imperative and or money is tight get a th400.