What about a 200R4?

Torque Junkie · December 24, 2001

I've been reading around on the internet and have found out that the 200R4 will be more of a direct swap with the TH350 than a 700R4 will, becuase they're the same length.

The benefits:

Cheaper installation cost due to less modification necessity

3% lower O/D (0.67:1 vs. 0.70:1)

The downsides:

30% higher 1st gear (2.76:1 vs 3.06:1)

Less availablity

Never heard of one in a truck before

So, does any one have any experience with these trannys? Would this be a better idea than the 700R4 I've been planning on?

Thanks!

-Mike

December 25, 2001

It would not stand up to a 350 in a truck. These were built for small RWD cars with 4s and V6s.

Don't waste your time.

95 Silverado · December 25, 2001

consider this, GM used a 200-4r in the fastest factory street car built in the '87 Grand National Buick behind a turbo charged inter-cooled V-6, it was also used in the Monte Carlo SS and Old's 442 from the mid 80's, both of which used V8's. If done with the proper upgrades and driven sensibly it would probably last in a street truck. the 700R4 is a more stout transmission in stock form, either one needs upgraded to handle any kind of serious horsepower.

lowflyer · December 31, 2001

I've been reading around on the internet and have found out that the 200R4 will be more of a direct swap with the TH350 than a 700R4 will, becuase they're the same length.

The benefits:

Cheaper installation cost due to less modification necessity

3% lower O/D (0.67:1 vs. 0.70:1)

The downsides:

30% higher 1st gear (2.76:1 vs 3.06:1)

Less availablity

Never heard of one in a truck before

So, does any one have any experience with these trannys? Would this be a better idea than the 700R4 I've been planning on?

Thanks!

-Mike

So I thought you were going to get the 700r4? Don't even consider the 200R4 for you truck. It won't last. The 200R4 behind the Grand National has a different Torque converter, front pump and valve body assembly to any other production GM car. My understanding is that to build that tranny up to GN standards is very expensive and you still won't get it to stand up to the low RPM torque of a mild small block.

So how'd the front wheel bearing repack go? Did it cure your problem with the front end shake? Good luck.

Torque Junkie · December 31, 2001

Thanks for the input. I will stay away from the 200 and stick with my original plan for the 700.

As for the bearing repack - it's been too cold to do it myself and I've been too poor to take it to someone.

After the holidays I should be able to afford it

-Mike

76BBSub · January 2, 2002

I agree with what has been posted here...the 200-4R is a good tranny if you spend the big $$$, but it would probably be faster and cheaper to have a nice 700-R4 built to handle your power.

I'm still on the fence...I have coaxed about 12mpg from the 'burb on the last couple of highway trips. It would take alot of miles to recoup the cost of any kind of OD tranny or system. On the other hand, the WOW factor would be pretty cool...

Jeff

lowflyer · January 2, 2002

I agree with what has been posted here...the 200-4R is a good tranny if you spend the big $$$, but it would probably be faster and cheaper to have a nice 700-R4 built to handle your power.
I'm still on the fence...I have coaxed about 12mpg from the 'burb on the last couple of highway trips. It would take alot of miles to recoup the cost of any kind of OD tranny or system. On the other hand, the WOW factor would be pretty cool...

Jeff

I think the "WOW" factor has been taken care of with your nice Big Block. Anything more, and you're just showing off!!