Which transmission is the best to use?
You are not currently logged in. Login to myAccount   Forgot Your Login?   SignUp For a Free Account
 
Sell Your StreetRod FAST!-Help-Contact Us
Quick Search:
Which transmission is the best to use?
Posted: June 07 2008 09:51 PM
 
cr shorter (aka cr55) [ View ] [ cr.shorter@yahoo.com ] [ Car Ads ] [ Blogs ]
dover, Delaware

 I thought that I knew it all , but..
 
My 350 turbo is starting to go bad I believe. It only shifts into high gear when the motor revs to about 3200rpm's or when you manually shift all three gearsand it starting to slip in second. I would really like to have an overdrive in it to help with the fuel costs and to give a more enjoyable ride. My question is this, which one is better to use behind a healthy 350 small block? Thanks for any help you can give .....CR
 
Comments
 
Posted by BigAlBre  -  06/17/2008 04:47 PM
2004R is almost a direct replacement..... the rear tranny mount is about 3 inches further out.... easy to solve that and your driveshaft will interchange.... check with Phoenix Transmission Products on this site.....
Big Al sittin back pickin & grinning in paradise. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida Charter Member since June 1999
 
Posted by da34guy  -  06/08/2008 07:21 AM
200R4
Don [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Prescott, Arizona Charter Member since October 2001
 
Posted by TYCHOOCHOO  -  06/08/2008 09:18 AM
I was given the same advise use the 200R4. Is first gear lower than first gear in a turbo 350? I would like some more bottom end. What if anything can be done to the 200R4 to beef it up?
Tommy choo choo [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] MT. SINAI, New York Charter Member since June 2007
 
Posted by da34guy  -  06/08/2008 10:18 AM
Tommy--- The gear splits are as follows -
Turbo 350 2:52 - 1:52 - 1:00
200R4 2:74 - 1:57 - 1:00 - .67
Don't really need to "Build" 1
Hell they came from the factory behind Buick GNX Turbo V6
Plenty strong if just rebuilt by a reputable builder.
Been usin them for years behind SBC's puttin out 325 to 365 H.P. and never a problem.
Don [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Prescott, Arizona Charter Member since October 2001
 
Posted by TYCHOOCHOO  -  06/08/2008 11:22 AM
I'm really thinking about it Don. I might just go that way and put 355 posi gears in so it still will be geared for the highway and get rid of the single turner I have now. New gears, trany, exhaust system, where is all this money coming from? Oh I know, I used 2 gal less gas this week.
Tommy choo choo [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] MT. SINAI, New York Charter Member since June 2007
 
Posted by da34guy  -  06/08/2008 12:30 PM
Tommy- B4 ya change gears.. Do the math.
Your probably runnin a 3.0 gear now- What is the height of yer rear tire? Probably in the 27-28" range.
If so - you'll want a 3:73 --4:11 rear gear.
My last coupe had a 31" tall tire and I ran a 4:23 gear and it was perfect.
All kinda 1st, 2nd,and 3rd gear- but when she hit O/D it dropped it real Hi.
Cruized the interstate @ 80-85 and was only twistin the 377 around 2300 rpm.Still got around 23 -25 mpg on a long trip.
Don [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Prescott, Arizona Charter Member since October 2001
 
Posted by cr55  -  06/08/2008 01:08 PM
how would a 29inch tire and a 430 rear work out?.....CR
I thought that I knew it all , but.. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dover, Delaware
 
Posted by gman0046  -  06/08/2008 03:18 PM
If it were me I'd put in a rebuilt 350 and go on down the road and enjoy the car as it is. 350th are the streetrod transmission of choice for a reason, price and dependability. In my opinion, the performance benefit gained verses the cash out lay wouldn't be worth the effort. Thats just my opinion, I could be wrong.
gman0046 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Anchorage, Kentucky
 
Posted by cr55  -  06/08/2008 02:10 PM
But that overdrive gear is just calling my name. Went to York over the weekend , about 115 miles from home. 1 1/4 tanks on the way up and the same back! Ouch.......CR
I thought that I knew it all , but.. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dover, Delaware
 
Posted by da34guy  -  06/08/2008 02:47 PM
Cr a 4:30 gear is a little too lo

with a 29" tire and for cruzin I'd use a 3:73
Don [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Prescott, Arizona Charter Member since October 2001
 
Posted by jimmothershead  -  06/08/2008 04:03 PM
700R-4, established 1982......
Jim [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Huntingtown, Maryland
 
Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  06/08/2008 07:53 PM
200r4 is well worth the investment. simple install without all the hassle. 1 ign hot wire is all it takes. i started using them in 90 . 350's are a thing of the past.
dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003
 
Posted by cr55  -  06/17/2008 04:48 PM
I emailed Phoenix Transmission Products about their 200R4 and the availability of a higher stall convertor. They said to look into a700R4 as it would be stronger and maybe better suited to my car. Anyone have any info on installing this trans? I'm still up in the air on which one to choose!.................CR
I thought that I knew it all , but.. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dover, Delaware
 
Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  06/09/2008 08:23 AM
pia ! mike built a 200 for a friend of mine here. his 37 ford had around 380 rwhp and max streetraced all the time. took him 4 years to break it and only after going to the track with slicks. i dont buy into the 700 is stronger stuff . most trans guys call them money makers
dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003
 
Posted by cr55  -  06/09/2008 08:30 AM
Good enough for me. Thanks for all the help. I will definately have an overdrivre trans very soon.................CR
I thought that I knew it all , but.. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dover, Delaware
 
Posted by TYCHOOCHOO  -  06/09/2008 09:41 AM
Don- Your probably right. I have a 28" wheel and I turn 2,000 rpm at 60mph.


gman- I understand what your saying but if I have to drop the trany to rebuild it I might as well do the 200R4, the labor would just about be the same and at the same time I could achieve better performance once the rear gears are changed and still have a car that will perform on the highway. I'm like CR I can taste that overdrive. I wanted a 700R4 but the car didn't have it when I bought it. So now I will make the improvements.
Tommy choo choo [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] MT. SINAI, New York Charter Member since June 2007
 
Posted by Ghengis  -  06/09/2008 09:53 AM
I was rolling over the idea of a TH-350 or TH-400 with one of those gear vendors over/under drives. Any have any experience with those good, bad?


G
Ghengis [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Weston, Wisconsin
 
Posted by gman0046  -  06/09/2008 09:57 AM
Tommy, the labor is not quite the same as you will have to move the rear cross member about 3" to the rear. If I were going to an over drive trans it would be the 200R4. With the current gas prices you need all the help you can get.
gman0046 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Anchorage, Kentucky
 
Posted by TYCHOOCHOO  -  06/09/2008 10:07 AM
gman, the 200R4 is the trany we are talking about as mentioned in the above posts. I only mentioned the 700R4 as the trany I was looking for when I was looking for a car last year.
Tommy choo choo [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] MT. SINAI, New York Charter Member since June 2007
 
Posted by gman0046  -  06/09/2008 10:22 AM
Tommy I understand you are interested in the 200R4. That still requires moving the rear cross member but you don't have to change the length of the drive shaft as the 700R4 does.
gman0046 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Anchorage, Kentucky
 
Posted by TYCHOOCHOO  -  06/09/2008 10:46 AM
gman, yes I know there are some changes but I still think it's worth it and from where I stand I think it will make the car hold it's value much better than with a standard 350. Besides that what shine said is true, the 350 is out of date and worn out and it leaks.
Tommy choo choo [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] MT. SINAI, New York Charter Member since June 2007
 
Posted by cr55  -  06/09/2008 01:16 PM
Ghengis, don't know much about gear vendors except they seem really expensive to me. I'll stick with an od.....CR
I thought that I knew it all , but.. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dover, Delaware
 
Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  06/09/2008 01:26 PM
i'll stick to my 200's . i like things simple .
dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003
 
Posted by jdboes  -  06/09/2008 08:55 PM
The 200 is an easier fit in some cars, the ones from a grand national are best but hard to find. What kind of room do you have?
jdboes [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] silver spring, Maryland
 
Posted by dakotah  -  06/10/2008 08:05 AM
Summit's web site -Professor Overdrive has the measurements for most OD units and the 350's and 400. Check out after typing in transmissions and page 3,I think. 200-4R mount is about 6 inches back from 350 location and you'll need other things to make it work,TV cable &carb link hook-up,filler tube,etc. 200-4R has a solid input shaft whereas the 700 is full of feed holes making it weaker. That's why the performance 200-4R's can handle the HP's.Even stock they perform very well.I'd recommend a shift kit (Superior)and a stock converter w/3.50 to 3.73 gears in rear for street use.That'll give you a less than 2000 rpm at 60 mph
dakotah [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Port Richey, Florida
 
Posted by cr55  -  06/10/2008 08:36 AM
Thanks to everybody that had any input, Now I have a lot to ponder!............CR
I thought that I knew it all , but.. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dover, Delaware
 
Posted by PurpleFlameGuy  -  06/10/2008 01:54 PM
Check out Del Trans in Newark, Del. They have been building all Posies trans for years. You will get good advice and someone to go to closer to home. Check with them. Their price might suprise you, Plus you could pick it up. No shipping. I am going to change my 32 Highboy from a 350 to 2004R over the winter.9in rear I will go with 3:89 gears. Good luck, Den O' Yea York was hot, but we had shade and plenty of water and malt beverages.
DRIVE'EM!!!!!!!!!! [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Boyertown, Pennsylvannia Charter Member since April 2001
 
Posted by art39  -  06/10/2008 02:24 PM
200r4 350 gears
art39 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] elgin, Illinois
 
Posted by cr55  -  06/10/2008 03:39 PM
I forgot about del trans! I have always heard good things about them. I have gotten bit by two "trans experts"

now I'm gun shy. It's been a while since I have been up that way........CR
I thought that I knew it all , but.. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dover, Delaware
 
Posted by ol bear  -  06/11/2008 08:43 AM
EM HILLERS AT TCI TRANSMISSIONS IN ALABAMA KNOW , OL BEAR
OL BEAR [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] crown point, Indiana
 
Posted by hidollartoys  -  06/16/2008 10:34 AM
If you want a really good GM auto you should look into a 4L80E it is used in all GM heavy duty applications. I would shy away from200r4, it is a light built auto. In the 200, 350, 400, 700 series trannys the numbers indicate the design ft/lb rating of the trans. The GM 200 and 700 OD trannys have had several design changes due to their inherient design flaws IE overheating, poor internal lubrication, low OD pressure, poor manufacturing, plastic internal thrust "bearings" just to name a few. The 4L80E does have an extremely good track record and was born out of the other OD failures. It is the trans of choice in my area. If you do use a 200 r4 make damn sure that your EXPERT knows all the service bulliten changes. Also make sure that you never let the tranny overheat. I would not suggest that you use a stall converter because they generate a generous amount of heat especially in low cruse speeds. Also you do not want the 200 if you are going to tow anything!!!!! If you want really good gas mileage install a manual OD with 3:43 or 3:73 gears. Great low end and MPG too. JMHO
hidollartoys [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] gardner, Kansas
 
Posted by dakotah  -  06/16/2008 10:46 AM
Try stuffing that big unit into a normal street rod and you'll have your hands full.Not to mention you'll need a computer of some sort to use it.All pressure ,TCC and shift control is done by PCM and requires sensor inputs also.
dakotah [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Port Richey, Florida
 
Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  06/16/2008 10:56 AM
the blue car has over 100k on it since 94 . the black one has around 40k since 95. both get around 21mpg . blue car has 3:73's black car has 4:11's . every car i built since 90 has a 200r4 in it . i prefer the 200 over all others and will continue to use it until there are no more cores. the 4l80e is ok for a car with an injected motor but i would prefer the 200 in a car with a carb.
dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003
 
Posted by ricko  -  06/16/2008 08:22 PM
Gear vendors you would have the best of both worlds. If you could take the 2500.00 hit?
ricko [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] ElCajon, California
 
Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  06/16/2008 08:28 PM
rather have a 200 at 1200 .
dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003
 
Posted by DaveHughes  -  06/16/2008 09:00 PM
hows come nobody has recomended the cast iron powerglide?
DaveHughes [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] seaman, Ohio
 
Posted by cr55  -  06/17/2008 07:28 AM
I'm looking for a trans with overdrive, Dave.
I thought that I knew it all , but.. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dover, Delaware
 
Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  06/17/2008 07:35 AM
i'd weld a piece of drill pipe in first .
dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003
 
Posted by DaveHughes  -  06/17/2008 08:08 AM
just pokin at you cr.
DaveHughes [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] seaman, Ohio
 
Posted by cr55  -  06/17/2008 08:48 AM
I'm not awake yet Dave.....hard time sleeping in this house between kids, dogs, and mom. I'm lucky if I get 6 hours, so I'm a zombie for the first couple of hours...................CR
Shine, I remember a powerglide in one of my first cars. Man did I abuse that thing but it held up! There's something to say for them.
I thought that I knew it all , but.. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dover, Delaware
 
Posted by DaveHughes  -  06/17/2008 09:10 AM
yea I think there still pretty much the trans of choice for all out drag racing- with ton of mods of course. Aint much to drive on the freeway though. I dont think I would have one as a gift.
DaveHughes [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] seaman, Ohio
 
Posted by hidollartoys  -  06/17/2008 09:17 AM
You ask which one is BETTER. There are aftermarket vendors that can help with the electronics. No one I know with a "healthy small block" use 200. Rear gears dont matter. Input power and stall is the main concern. You have already had one shop suggest a 700. All these trannys will work, but GM discontinued 200s in favor of the 700. 200 is a simple swap but NOT the best trans. They are weak. I dont like 700s either but they are stronger. These GM OD trans are "ok" if you find a builder that REALLY knows how to build one. I would NEVER drive one of these in OD on the street, only at speed on the highway. If you are going to drive the car on highway mostly you will probably be alright. Slow cruse, towing, ideling in gear for long periods, high horsepower, high stall are all VERY BAD for these trans. I appericate Crazy's opinion and experience but I have worked on these trannys and seen the destruction. When these trannys break and they will, they really BREAK. Unless you have access to GOOD cores, internal hard parts are very expensive. They eat parts.
hidollartoys [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] gardner, Kansas
 
Posted by dakotah  -  06/17/2008 09:46 AM
Been in the business since 1965,started in a Buick dealership. Very sorry to upset some of you!
dakotah [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Port Richey, Florida
 
Posted by fitzwell   -  06/17/2008 10:59 AM
200. You just gotta have someone that actually knows what they're doing build it. not somebody with a search feature. 4L80e is a good box, 4r70w is a better design. A well built 200r4 WILL take plenty of abuse, if built/maintained correctly
normal?? Normal is a cycle on a washing machine [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] benbrook, Texas
 
Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  06/17/2008 09:48 AM
correct me if i'm wrong but i never remember the 200's exploding the cases as the 700's did. i can remember in the 70's/80's my friends shop was never without a ext cab chevy setting on the rack. folks bought them to pull travel trailers but found out the hard way. i have used them since 90 . i do know a top knotch trans guy and he builds mine. beside tuning them they are simple and strong. have a clutch pack for 4th instead of the band. i was the test bed for mike. i put one in a 46 fordor with 3:73 gears. i spent a year driving the h&ll out of it to find the weak spot for mike. never broke it. max tipton ran 380+ rwhp in his 37. after 4 years of daily driving and street racing he finally broke it with a set of slicks at the track. i have about 15 cars out there all with a 200r4 that mike built. they are driven hard and some daily. imho the 200r4 is the simplest and least expensive swap to od there is . the only problem i have had is with converters and that was due to poo