Electronic or manual valve body 200-4r or 700-r4?

[Guest Droopdude]

We all know that T5s and T56s have some troubles with a healthy V8 or turbo motor. I realize there are alternatives to these, and expensive build ups available, but what about an electronic or manual valve body OD? These can generally be built for up to 400ftlbs economically, and a manual valve body will act like a sequencial standard transmission (think motor cycle and F1). My thoughts are to use a 4L60E and build a box (atmel microcontroller) to provide the pwm signals for each servo, and then have paddle shifters on the wheel to change gears. An external soleniods could be used to move in and out of park etc.. as well. Or, more simply, a manual valve body and a sequencial shifter on the floor. Would make heal-to-toe a hell of a lot easier! What do you guys think?

[BrandonsZ]

http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/tr-3550.html

 

Try this site for high perf trans.

 

I don't know if I got the jist fo your post but...

 

I like your idea, but what about a simple stick that looks a lot like the current 4-5 speed stick, and when you pull on it it moves in and out of the gears. Not like an automatic stick that comes in the Z I'm not trying to make fun of you, but you could use a 5 speed stick, and set up the switches to click the solenoids...

 

Say you want to be in neutral, well there would be a sensor that would sense the stick in the neutral position, then when you pushed it in reverse it would go in reverse but without pushing a clutch... Now that I think about it, this may have been done before.

 

What about the look and feel of a 5 speed with an automatic, but nix the clutch pedal?

 

I don't think I helped but,

 

here are some auto links.

 

http://www.fourthgearinc.com/Technical_Info.htm

http://www.200raptor.com/

 

I'm still deciding on what tranny to pick, I'm leaning 200-4r.

[Guest Droopdude]

http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/tr-3550.html

 

Try this site for high perf trans.

 

I don't know if I got the jist fo your post but...

 

I like your idea' date=' but what about a simple stick that looks a lot like the current 4-5 speed stick, and when you pull on it it moves in and out of the gears. Not like an automatic stick that comes in the Z I'm not trying to make fun of you, but you could use a 5 speed stick, and set up the switches to click the solenoids...

 

Say you want to be in neutral, well there would be a sensor that would sense the stick in the neutral position, then when you pushed it in reverse it would go in reverse but without pushing a clutch... Now that I think about it, this may have been done before.

 

What about the look and feel of a 5 speed with an automatic, but nix the clutch pedal?

 

I don't think I helped but,

 

here are some auto links.

 

http://www.fourthgearinc.com/Technical_Info.htm

http://www.200raptor.com/

 

I'm still deciding on what tranny to pick, I'm leaning 200-4r.[/quote']

 

 

Hey, no offense taken.

 

Let me see if I can explain it some more. Now to be fair, I do need to "check the facts", but as far as I understand it, the newer GM RWD 4 speed OD automatics (4L60E and 4L80E) use the engine computer to control solenoid valves inside the transmission for shifting gears and torque converter lock up. The driver is still required to put the transmission into RND from park as that part is a mechanical interlock. I was thinking an air solenoid could be used for the mechanical part (button on dash maybe), and use a custom microcontroller to control the solenoids to change gears manually and lockup the torque converter.

 

Now, I do like your idea of a floor stick to change gears, that could be done, but would be more complicated. I personally like the paddle shifters mounted on my computer steering wheel and think that that would be great on a car . Much simpler to build, and two hands on the wheel at all times.

 

I too am only planning right now, and as much as I like a manual stick, durablility is a concern to me; I have broken more Saginaw 4 speeds in the past than I care to recall. For my current 400ftlbs 355ci powered p/u truck, I had a 700R4 built, but I think a 200-4R would be a better choice for its better gearing, smaller size and lighter weight. In fact, I am considering building a 200-4R for my Z (when I buy one ) with a manual valve body and a mechanical shifter. I hate ratchet shifters. I prefer gated shifters like these.

 

http://www.bmracing.com/index.php?id=products&sid=4&cat=2&subcat=1&pid=15

http://go.mrgasket.com/ProductDetails.aspx?brandId=0&productID=22650&majID=800&minID=&selection=22&minselection=

 

I am collecting parts to build a 400HP 355cu making over 400ftlbs of torque that will be going in my Z and I don't forsee a T5 lasting too long with my driving style.

 

I am still fishing around and tossing ideas, and I have used and programmed atmel microcontrollers in the past for other projects, so I thought this might make a neat project.

 

If I was looking to build a simple, reliable, and durable transmission, I think a 200-4R can't be beat with the right parts intalled.

[A. G. Olphart]

A stock 200R4 will not like 400 ft-lb of torque. They get expensive when built to take big power.

 

That said, I will be runnning one in my 240. I've spent about $1000 in parts already, still looking at $600 or better (not including a converter).

 

Here is a write up on some of the problems and solutions:

http://turbobuick.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=31365

 

Here is a list of shops known to do 200R4s:

http://turbobuick.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=84598