After learning to drive stick, my friend let me borrow his car for the week while I gave him mine. Now I’m really not eager to convert to a manual transmission. Not because it’s hard to use, but because of the medium-high traffic area I live in (Brooklyn) Now, as the thirst for manual transmissions has died down, and I’m expanding my options and researching overdrive automatics that can handle 450+hp. My initial choice was TCI Streetfighter, but I’ve read some bad reviews which turned me away. So my question is, does anyone here have any recommendations for an automatic that can withstand 450hp? If you’re currently using one, which one do you have? And how do you like it so far? Thank you!
A th400 with the right parts will last a long long time. Had mine built by a local builder a few years ago. You can get a core on Craigslist, a junkyard or the newspaper. I am looking at building my own in the near future.
Several reputable dealers/ rebuilders for the GM 200-4r. Be sure to give your wants and realistic power output of your engine and the rest of your drivetrain. I've heard several good reviews of CK (like hugger recommends) California Performance transmission ( run by Art Carr; However do NOT use a " Art Carr " transmission; he sold his namesake several years ago; get CPT), and Janis transmissions, and Performance Automatic. Use a 200-4r; the multi-fit case bolts direct to Buick engine blocks (231, 252, 350, 400, 430, 455) without adapters. Use of 700r4 , 4L60E, 4L80E, or 6L80E will require adapters to fit a Buick block.
Like Larry said and what car, rear gear, trans and engine do you have now? What are the details of your engine build that makes you think you have more than 450 HP?
Budget for transmission is around $2000 which is why the TCI Streetfighter looked good. But from further research, the 200r4 seems like the way to go. Currently it’s all original and stock, so I’m guessing its a TH350
I have a THM400 with a Gear Vendors Overdrive. The Gear Vendors is rated for 1200 HP in stock form. http://www.gearvendors.com/index.html Probably above your budget though unless you can find one used.
"$750 to $1200 will get you a nice 200r, good enough for 500hp anyway" CK is at $3800 for a 200R4. Where do you go for a $1200 one? Not a poke but a serious question.
That's like his 1000hp capable unit, for 450hp unit all you need is upgraded band,clutches, billet stator support, upgraded servo, etc
are you handy. Enjoy doing your own work? Pick up the ck manual and think over assembling your own 2004r. If you decide to go that route a call to David Husek at turbo Buick performance could get you a "kit" put together for your build. I put my 2004r together and hope to do another for my GS. hit your local wrecking yard and see about an AA code unit from a mid eighties Cadillac. Also might pick up the tv cable, brackets and carb for the correct lever. pm if you want some of the info I collected. I can get it to you.
