Installation advice wanted on the GM200R4 trans.?

[Guest Anonymous]

Looking at a hot deal for a 200R4 and need advice and installation instructions. What starter to use? Speedometer conversion problems? What installation problems will I encounter? Overdrive lockup instructions? I have a 1973 350 small block with the standard Edelbrock package to mate with it. Not interested in rebuild or performance modifications. I researched the forum and found positive aspects to this conversion.

[Guest Anonymous]

Since no one helped me on my questions.A 200R4 has the following ratio: first gear-2.74,second gear-1.57,Drive-1.0. Overdrive-.067.... The 700R4 has: first gear-3.06,second gear-1.62,Drive-1.0, Overdrive-.070. Apparently the 200R4 has a universal bell housing to fit a SBC.

[Guest RXO510]

Hey lj.

YOu should try looking up some previous posts of Tim240Z. I'm pretty sure he put in a 200R4 trans in his Z, or at least is planning on it. He'll be back from Vegas on monday I believe. He'll give you all the info you need. He may have some pics up on his site though. Check it out.

J

[Guest Anonymous]

RXO510...... I did forum research on the 200R4 and cannot find much on Tim240z and his use of a 200R4. Sounds like he is using a 700R4. Has any one heard of a 200D GM transmission that is not an overdrive unit?? Does such a unit numeral designation in the GM line up of automatic transmissions EXIST

[Guest RXO510]

Hey lj.

Never heard of a 200D, but look in the search under Tim240Z and look at the transmission post from August 11, 2001. There's a link for the 200R4 trans that some company works on. Under his signature it says 73 SBC with 200R4. I'm not sure though. I went to his BBQ that he threw for the so cal members last weekend and I was pretty sure he had the 200R4 in there. But ask him when he gets back. Hope this helps some. J

[Guest Anonymous]

I will probably check this seller and his ???????? transmission out tomorrow.I may be able to get it real cheap. I should be able to recognize the 200R4 pan and should I be able to to click the gear selection shaft thru the gears and count for the overdrive?? P-R-N-OD-D-2-1 or 7 clicks?

[Guest Anonymous]

There was a 3 speed automatic called the 200C in the 80's

[Guest RXO510]

lj,

Well if it is an overdrive and has P R N OD D 2 1 then you should get 6 clicks from either P to 1 or from 1 to P, since you would be in either Park or 1 (low gear) and then shifting. I think that would be right, but please check. I'm really just learning myself from previous posts and reading materials. Good luck, J

[Guest Anonymous]

Sad, I remember a time when there was just a PRNDL (Pronounced Prindull...)...

 

Regards,

 

Lone

[dmanzo57]

Go to TCI's web site for info on dimensions, gear ratios, and speedometer gears.

 

http://www.tciauto.com/tech_info/

 

Keep in mind that the Datusn speedo uses 1024 revs per mile vs 1001 revs per mile when you do the math for the speedo gears.

 

I would recommend a good shift kit for the 200-4R if you plan to do any spirited driving. I put a stock rebuilt 200-4R behind my 383 in my '72 240z and it would slip on full throttle shifts. I installed a transgo shift kit and it made a world of difference. Unfortunately, some damage was already done and after several trips to the drag strip second gear is now toasted.

 

I had some clearance problems with the trans cooler lines. I had to install right angle fittings in the trans case to clear the tunnel.

 

Best of luck,

Don

[Tim240z]

LJohnson,

I am using the 200 4R with my 350. I got i from a Buick LeSabre. It has a universal bellhousing flange.

I am using the gear lever and cable linkage from a Z28 Camaro, which I made a mounting bracket for it to attach to my cusom trans mount.

Let me know if you need any other info.

Tim

[Tim240z]

LJohnson,

I am using the 200 4R with my 350. I got i from a Buick LeSabre. It has a universal bellhousing flange.

I am using the gear lever and cable linkage from a Z28 Camaro, which I made a mounting bracket for it to attach to my custom trans mount.

Let me know if you need any other info.

Tim

[Guest Anonymous]

Tim 240Z.... What type of starter do you use??? Apparently those 200R4's come in two engine mounts: UNIVERSAL and BPO. Cadilacs and Buicks tend to be Universal mounting application for engine bolt patterns.Has any one used a "TCI" Chevrolet ENGINE TO Buick/Oldsmobile/Pontiac TRANSMISSION Adapter plate?????

[Tim240z]

I'm sure that most any chevy starter will work.

I ran the trans in my truck for a while with the std starter with no problems. I plan to purchase a mini torque starter for the Z.

Tim

[nullbound]

bowtie overdrives should be able to help you with recalibrating your speedometer. they sell a kit (i couldnt find it on their new site but they emailed me about it once when i asked a similar question...). all they need is your rear end ratio and tiresize and they can get you going. they also have a kit for installing and adjusting the tv cable. definately a good conversion. i plan on converting from my th350 to a 2004r soon.

 

http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/

[Guest Anonymous]

DRW Transmission Specialities has a very detailed article in high performance modifications to the 2004R Transmission I also found out the Cadillac dust cover is aluminum while most other makes are plastic material. I could really polish that up!

[Scottie-GNZ]

The LT1 mini starter is a popular swap on turbo Buicks with the 200r4. Bolts right up.

[nullbound]

i found that rather long email i was referring to about bowtieoverdrives.com. i thought i had deleted it. this is from about 6 months ago, so i dont know about the prices now, but lots of good info:

 

>

*************************************************************************

******

> FirstName:

> LastName:

> StreetAddress:

> City: stockbridge

> State: ga

> ZipCode: 30281

> EmailAddress:

> Telephone: ...

> MakeOfCar: Datsun

> Model: 240Z

> Year: 1973

> EngineSize: Chevy 350 V-8

> CarburetorType: Jet Stage 2 Q-Jet

> RearEndRatio: 3.36

> TireSize: 235/60-15

> PresentTransmission: turbo 350

> ShifterType: Console

> Submit: Send E-Mail

> HTTP User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows 98;

Win 9x 4.90)

>

> AdditionalQuestions:

>

> I have been interested in switching my turbo 350 tranny for a 200-4r

for some time. I want something that can handle about 500 to 550

horsepower (i am currently building a 400 for it that will be in that hp

range) can take street driving as well as occasional runs on drag slicks

in 1/8 mile runs at the strip.

>

> right now, i am running a mild 350 (around 330 to 350 hp) and dont

really like the limits of the turbo 350 for driving around, especially

on the expressway. i am limited by the 3:36 differential to about 60 to

65 for sustained highway cruising. i would like to add the overdrive gear to

increase that range... at that time i would like to also change my diff

to a 3.90 or 4.11.

>

> basically, i want something that can handle a lot of street driving

and runs at the drag strip on weekends. i have been talking to some

local shops, but they dont really impress me with their knowledge of the

2004r. they seem to know more about the 700r4's.

>

> can you give me an estimate on a tranny? what comes with the tranny?

 

Thomas:

 

A well built and correctly installed and set up Th-2004R will work great

in your application. We have these units in lots of cars in the 500 to

550 range and have few problems with them. The lower first gear will

give you the equivalent of a 3.55 rear end gear compared to your current

Th-350 while it's in first gear.

 

Please find the following prices and a brief description of the items

you will need to do this conversion:

 

* Th-2004R transmission including a heavy duty high performance

torque converter is $1020.00. These units feature a blueprint overhaul

using only the finest brand name component parts. Hardened stator, 10

vane pump, hardened rings, high rpm springs, special servo assembly,

Raybestos frictions, special machining on the pump, and of course all

new standard replacement parts like bushings, seals, and gaskets. The

torque converter is built with a Kevlar clutch, torrington bearing

replacing the thrust washer, special steel bushing, heavy duty sprag and

heavy duty damping unit. They are precision balanced for smooth quiet

operation.

* T.V. (throttle valve) cable adapter system for your carburetor is

$42.00. This cable controls all pressure manufacture and is the major

outside influence on shift timing and feel. The importance of getting

this system calibrated for your vehicle cannot be overstated. While

other companies tell you it's important, we offer the parts and easy to

follow instructions on how to establish this relationship correctly. All

of our transmissions come with illustrated instructions on this critical

set up.

* Zero to 300 PSI gauge with six foot hose and close 90 degree

fitting is $28.00. This is a basic diagnostic tool that we require be

installed during the start up and test driving to confirm the pressures

are the same as when the transmission left our test stand.

* Dip stick is $22.00. This is a new General Motors unit that will

fit your application.

* Inspection cover (dust shield) is $22.00.

* Speedometer calibration gear set is $44.00. This is all new Delco

parts and is everything except the speedometer cable and the gauge. We

will need your tire size and rear end ratio to accomplish this. When you

get the transmission installed, all you will need to do is screw the

speedometer cable onto the transmission drive gears and your speedometer

should be correct! If you are planning to run electronic gauges, there

is no charge. These transmissions already have electronic speed sensors

built in that will interface with the after market gauges.

* Brake pedal switch that will disable the converter lock up whenever

you press on the brakes. This feature will prevent you from killing the

engine if you should skid the rear tires while braking. This switch will

replace the old one under the dash and costs $12.00.

* Plug in wiring harness for connecting from the transmission to the

brake light disconnect switch or relay. Cost is $16.00.

* Your existing cooling lines will hook right up to the Th-2004R

fittings as they are the same 5/16" inverted flare. To line up the lines

to their new locations you will have to bend them a little bit. This is

a simple matter as long as you don't get too enthusiastic during the

bending process. Take the time to inspect the lines for any restrictions

as too little flow volume is the same as inadequate cooling capacity!

* Your present Th-350 drive shaft will work just fine as is.

* The rubber mount is the same but positioned around 5" further to

the rear.

* The other items like flexplate/starter, transmission tunnel

clearance, exhaust is normally not a issue with these conversions.

Everything should work as is.

* Our company has always felt that proper installation was the real

key to success with these nifty overdrives. All of our transmissions

come to you with a set of comprehensive written installation guidelines

plus we have excellent technical support available via the telephone. We

believe this is the main reason why our company has less than 1/2 of one

percent return rate for any reason. It has been our experience that most

people wish to do a job correctly, they just need to know how to do so.

* Freight will be $157.86. This will be shipped using Consolidated

Freightways to their nearest terminal closest to the zip you gave or a

commercial address (same zip). If you wish to have it shipped to your

home address, someone will need to be there to receive it that can

assist in lifting it off the truck, weight 210 pounds. This service

costs an additional $38.00.

 

To give you an absolute example of the effect it will have, lets just

say you have your car out on the highway right now and you are in third

gear with the tach reading 3000 RPMs. If you could magically install a

Th-2004R, then let it go into overdrive fourth gear, your RPMs would

drop to 2050!

 

By installing one of these overdrives, you should see an increase in

fuel economy of around 40%. This has been quite predictable. The lower

sound level and reduced vibration are also very noticeable.

 

In my opinion, installing a modern overdrive transmission is the best

upgrade you can do to your vehicle. It will have a greater positive

overall effect on your street drive ability than any other component you

could upgrade. I know this is a strong statement but the responses from

customers over the last 5 years that we have been doing these

conversions convinces me that it's true.

 

Installing one of these modern overdrives is widely being acknowledged

as a great way to not only improve the overall performance of the

vehicle but also is one of the few items you can install on your car

that will increase the value above its cost and also make the vehicle

far more sellable.

 

Our company has a stated goal of providing the finest transmissions

available anywhere at any price, then provide technical support to these

customers from the purchase, through the installation, test driving and

any necessary adjustments required. Our transmissions warranty starts

when the customer and our company, agree the installation has been

completed correctly, the transmissions needs are properly provided for

and it is working correctly in the vehicle. This requires a co-operative

effort from both parties but has resulted in an extremely low failure

rate from these wonderful but complex transmissions. Our warranty covers

defective

parts or workmanship for a period of one year form this date of

agreement.

 

We, unlike our competition, test drive every one of our transmissions in

a vehicle. We used only our in house dyno before but found this method

doesn't let you check the "feel" of the transmissions shifts and other

activities. We have found the only way to ensure they work the correct

way is to install and test drive them in one of our two vehicles

dedicated to this procedure.

 

We have all these items in stock and can ship your order very quickly.

Hope this provides the information you were looking for. If something

was overlooked, please feel free to ask further questions. Prior to

shipment, all transmissions are pre tested on our in house test facility

to insure correct operation and operating pressures.

 

We accept all major credit cards, money orders, cashiers checks, bank

transfers or personal checks from southern CA.

 

Our normal office hours are from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through

Friday PST.

 

Sincerely

 

Steve Holmes

Bow Tie Overdrive

 

e-mail address: dr700r4@earthlink.net

Telephone: (760) 947-5240

FAX number: (760) 948-0196

Web site: http://www.700r4.com

[Guest Anonymous]

Good e-mail Nullbound from Bowtie overdrive. A lot has happened since I posted this information request. You cannot fault a transmission that pushs a z in less than 11 seconds thru the 1/4 mile.I was the high bidder on a 2004r GN Buick on e-Bay for $266.95 total to my door. IT IS NOT AN 86 BUT A 1984.The "Q"(TURBO) SERVICE CODE WAS FIGURED out for me on this thread when nobody locally had a clue. The local "experts" were all telling me that that all the 2004R's were vitually the same exceot for the gistemyass valve that flutterd the C notes to the till (High tech tranny talk).I already knew the Cadillac shifted smoother due to low line pressure and the turbo Buick models were high performance and the most desirable! Just got a High Perfrmance Chevy magazine that profiles the tv cable you recomended from Bowtie. They say it is the best but I hope their price quote at $100.00 is wrong since your Bowtie e-mail quotes a $40.00 figure.When the tranny gets here in about a week, I will mount it on a 350 SBC short block and trial fit the whole package in the Z car to see how my motor mounts work and fabricate a similar design transmission mount profiled on this site rather than that lewd ,crude and rude looking JTR design.I am keeping the running donar engine in its original car so it can be maintained and ran a little for future posterity.I need to get the cast iron exhaust headers milled ;I got them from a fellow on this site. I have really learned a lot from the fellows on this site. Thanks. I see a window of opportunity and have great expectations and hope for a long reationship.