which transmission- 355 SBC with 400+ HP

[lg1200]

i'm wrapping up this 355 build and i'm curious about which transmission i should go with..it's a SBC 355,4-bolt main, summit vortec heads, summit flat top pistons, comp mutha thumpr cam (489 lift)...looking at a little over 400 HP...i was told go with a turbo 400 or 350...i'm self-taught as many of you are and technically i know very little about choosing a transmission for the motor i'm building..i know i will need something that will hold up to a performance motor..can some of you chime in on your thoughts on what would be most suitable for my application...i may see some track time but it will be primarily a street car. i have access to a 200r4 but was told it wouldn't hold up very long..

:?:

 

[richp85elco]

no matter what you decide they will all need to be built up to put up to abuse, if you have a 200-4r already, thats what I would vote for... you have overdrive for the streets and built right will handle almost anything you throw at it, just look at all the high powered GN's running around if you need some proof..

 

[RITTER]

If you have the opportunity to get the 2004R, I would go with that. Any of them will hold up to normal driving ... none of them will hold up to constant abuse (if they are completely stock) You have to remember, these transmissions that we are using are 30+ years old and most of them have never been rebuilt :|

 

[Blew86442]

If it's later model 200r4, especially from monte ss, that trans should hold up for you. Plus the r4's don' use a whole lot of HP to turn, have a very good 1st gear, and you get the overdrive for better mpg's and highway cruising! Do some searching on r4's, they are very reputable.

 

[dogsht]

IMO Three speeds are obsolete for a performance driver. Loved the simple old three speeds but they are now for primary race use or bargain basement compromise builds only. The benefits are substantial and the cost difference is no longer that great between them. I had two 200-4Rs built by http://www.extremeautomatics.com. His base level is more than enough to cover you or many other companys who offer one similar to it. Some for a fair amount less money. But get a company that has a successful track record of building high performance 200-4Rs. Extreme warranties it ships it to your door and does not charge for a core and may give a $100 if you are referred by an existing customer.

You can also get a 4l80 but its more money and work/expense to fit a gbody and to a lesser degree same with the 700-R4.

 

[RITTER]

Are there 1-2-3 ratio advantages to using a 2004R over a TH350/TH400 :?:

Actually first and second gear are my biggest concerns. I have a local 1/8 mile drag strip and I do not travel on the highway :idea: No need for overdrive when the highest speed limit around me is 45mph

 

[pontiacgp]

put a stick in it. I have an engine similar to your except I have the zz4 roller cam in it. I have a T5 WC sitting right behind it and it's a blast to drive...

 

[RITTER]

put a stick in it. I have an engine similar to your except I have the zz4 roller cam in it. I have a T5 WC sitting right behind it and it's a blast to drive...

You sir, are on to something I would love to, eventually, have a stick in my Regal

 

[lg1200]

Can anyone give some pros/cons of going with 2004r Vs. TH400/350? Would prices for performance upgrade rebuilds be the same for both? The price for Extreme isn't too bad but i'd prefer to buy one stock and have it rebuild somewhere local to me..

 

[RITTER]

I don't have any experience with a 2004R, but I do know that things like torque converters and rebuild kits or more expensive than TH350/TH400 parts.
The TH350/TH400 are much easy and cheaper to find

The only advantage that I am aware of, with the 2004R, is the fact that you have overdrive :idea: