ta84-355

Hello, I've got some transmission thoughts that I'd like to get some input on.

I'm doing a Twin Turbo install in my Trans Am -84 and need to upgrade the transmission (a T5 manual today).

I've been searching the net, archives etc but haven't found any real answers about what is needed to swap in a 200R4 in a 3rd gen with CSB engine. Someone said that the bolt pattern on the bellhousing is different (BOP pattern) instead of CSB.

The transmission must be able to handle about 650 HP, at least that's what I'm aiming for in the long run.

Or is it perhaps better to go with a 700R4 because it's more a bolt-in operation?

The 200R4 seem to have the advantage of closer shift ratios than the HUGE 1-2 shift swap in the 700 trans. Because I'm going with turbos I really DON'T want to loose too much RPM when shifting.

I've also heard that there is a weak version of the 200R4, is that correct?

Here is the link to my turbo project, so far it's quite boring due to the fact that I can't get to my car until late April, so I am just collecting parts now.

http://www.itv.se/~a1003/turbo

Thanks for any help
/Anders

Pro Built Automatics

The 2004R when setup correctly can handle 650 HP. Spohn has the parts to install the 2004R into the 1984, it should be quite similar to the 1989 GTA that came with the 2004R.

ta84-355

Thanks! Now some more Q's.
What's the difference between the 700-4R and the 4L60? What years should I stay with or stay away from if I choose to go with a 700-4R/4L60?

Is it only the Turbo Trans Am -89 that had the 200-4R transmission? Looks like it's going to cost me a little bit more than expected to do that swap. Might go with the 700-4R/4L60??? instead, so that I can reuse my torque arm, or am I just "cheap-stupid"? I'd like to do this the right way the first time.

What about the electrical hook-up on these "new" transmissions? I have a wire speedo that I'd LOVE to get rid of and install an electrical one from a newer GTA or something. I'm running with an Edelbrock carb nowadays so I don't need the stock VSS signal anyway.

The transmission MUST have transbrake and preferably a lockup converter, any ideas of what parts to use for this?

/Anders "auto-trans newbee"

tpsierra

This is the best site for 200R4 info, also check out turbo buick site.
http://my.en.com/~thall/olds/oftrn.htm

Pro Built Automatics

(1) The difference between the 700R4 & 4L60?, none. The 4L60E is quite different in that it uses the computer to control everything. Nothing I have to offer has the "transbrake" it is not necessary, nor would I recommend it. Lockup torque converters, not a problem (A.C.T., Vigilante). The best years to use when building a 700R4?, 1988-1992 only. If I can be of help, let me know?

Pro Built Automatics

I just went top the site mentioned above at (tpsierra), some decent information, mainly a lot of "mis-information", solely based on his personal experience or what was told to him. Stay away from "Mike Kurtz at PMAC in Houston, TX", on his "modified Trans-Go Shift kits" I have seen the results of his so-called modifications, very similar to Art Carr's, big feed holes & no accumulation, & many complaints on this.

ta84-355

ProBuilt: You seem to know what you're talking about. My biggest problem is that I live in Sweden and shipping charges makes it hard for me to buy heavy parts directly from the states. I've ordered several times before from Summit Racing, but the heaviest part I've ordered was a set of Headers.

Getting a whole rebuilt transmission is whole other thing.

If I buy a used 700 from a F-body 88-92 I'd need to rebuild it so that it can handle the increased torque/hp of the turbo engine.
I have a lot of tools and have taken apart and assembled a few manual transmissions before. I was hoping to get the right parts and do the job myself, and if you could help me out about what parts I should use, and are willing to ship to Sweden - you probably got a new customer.

I need to get the right parts the first time, I had a lot of trouble with the clutch on my manual transmission last year, had to remove the trans. three times to get everything working.

So if I should order anything from the states, it MUST be the correct parts.

The weight is stock (about 3600), it has 3.42 POSI rearend. The engine goes up to 5800 (where I shift today). It'll probably have a few hundred rpms lower in it's next version with turbos. I MIGHT get 3.73 in the rear later.

The car is used mostly on the street and I do travel long distances with it (250 miles one way) a few times a year.

So what I'm really looking for is a transmission that will hold up for some weekend abuse but will do a good job on the street. I don't know exactly at what rpm the engine will start to build boost, that's why I wanted the transbrake.

Regards
Anders "I'd be safe and warm if I was in LA (Sweden is cold today).

Pro Built Automatics

Shipping a complete transmission (700R4) costs around $200.00, for parts the shipping would be whatever UPS charges. Getting the right parts the first time? I not going to sell you something you do not need. Let me know?

jayman350

if you are gonna go with the 200-4r you will need the following things:

-new crossmember (available from steve spohn)

-crossmember mounted torque arm because the only 200-4r that had the torque arm provision was the one from the TTA

-driveshaft length has to be changed

the 200-4r that I have (not in the car cause I didn't want to pay for a new torque arm or the driveshaft work) is a dual bolt pattern, it came out of a monte carlo SS so it has to fit up to the SBC

hope this helps

ta84-355

Thanks for the input.

Those where the big questions, now to the smaller (annoying) ones.

What about speedometer, I guess the 200 uses an electrical one - could a speedometer from a GTA 88 be used? And what's needed to make the lockup work?

Must I use some special TV wire?

/Anders

88TPI406GTA

I have an 84 Firebird that I was going to build before I bought my GTA, so I understand your issues.

However, I would consider going to a built Turbo 400 and keep more moderate gears (like 3.23) for the street. You do want this car to be streetable, right? The reason for this is that building a Turbo 400 to handle that kind of power isn't rocket science anymore...they have been around long enough and were designed for higher power levels anyway...besides, you will want a bit taller gear to keep the wheelspin down

I looked into replacing my dead 700R4 with a Turbo 400, but decided against it because I am only at 400HP or so.

Over 550 HP, for reliability sake, just go with the Turbo 400 and a good convertor. Also, your speedo is cable driven now and you should be able to find the right speedo gears to match any gear change you make.

Do the best of both worlds, have Pro-built build you a Turbo 400...a no-lose scenario, IMHO....