Automatic Transmission Recommendations?

What rear gears do you have or will you be installing? You need a minimum of 3.42 rear gears before an overdrive really offers much. With 3.08 and lower gears, the OD won't be able to get in 4th at legal speeds very often. With a 200-4R and 3.73 gears I turn 2200 RPM at 70MPH. With 3.08 gears that would be about 1800. That's fine if you can drive 85 in Montana or are going for a Bonneville speed record.

I cast my vote (and my personal dollars) for the Turbo 200-4R. They can be built to handle the power of a stout BBB. I asked for my local guy to build mine capable of 500HP and it has held up really well for the last 4 years.

 

I had my 200-4R built by Vince Janis to handle my 470's 570hp and 575lbs.ft. torq. For under $2000.00 and with. 3.89 gears and 28" tires I run 2200 rpm at 65 mph and drop that to 2000 rpm when I lock up my converter. I don't think you can beat this trans. It's light fits all buicks without a hitch and can more than handle the power your looking to produce. I vote for the 200-4R and Janis can build them super great.

On The Eighth Day God Created Buick

 

You might want to consider Tri-shield Performance for your transmission needs. FWIW, he can also handle the converter which he does well enough that the Pontiac guys are now starting to use him.

 

From janistransmissions.com?
And under 2000?!! No way.

 

I clicked on their 200r4 transmissions, but the page comes up blank. Would you happen to know their price by any chance?

 

Just call Jim. His website isn't updated regularly. He will always take the time to talk to you.

 

Opinions on these guys: http://extremeautomatics.com/th2004R.php#ea2004RStage1 ?
Well thought of in GN circles.

 

I talked to Chris and his concern is TQ. 500 and above needs his full up trans IF you want reliability for many years.

 

Papa Roger - What set up do you use for your lock up and was it a kit?

 

Gotta remember, he is business tho, I try to sale people on $15k paint jobs, even tho a $5k job may fit their needs just fine, not because I'm trying to take advantage of them but because I want to only turn out the best work I can , same as say im sure JW or TA etc really push forged pistons in all the engines they build , it protects their reputation , it may be overkill but it's insurance. That said there is no need for a $4k bullet proof 200r in a 500hp street car, now if you have a stout engine and planning it hooking hard and running 11's or faster that's different story all together. Call and talk to Janis no way in hell I would spend more than $1500 for what your wanting to do. If it makes real nice power just drop in a 3.08 gear. Richard Lasseter's car ran 11.40s with a 3.08 his engine made around 525hp and 580 TQ I believe, it can be done

 

X2 Or handle it through a conversation here on the board.

 

When I had my 600hp 10sec GN I orderd a full kit from CPT Art is a great fella btw, was around $1k shipped that was an aluminum pan, trans cooler, hard parts, and the rebuild kit, shipped it and the trans to Janis, he charged me $200 to build it, shipping and everything I was in it for around $1600

 

Lonnie at Extreme is a hella good 200r and trans guy in general but he can be slow

 

Vince set up my trans with an internal ground and an external hot wire so I could run a hot line from a toggle switch under my dash. And yes Yanchik 5 years ago it cost me $1800 for Janis to build the trans for me as strong as it can be made and I got my converter from JW at Tri-Shield. Roger

On The Eighth Day God Created Buick

 

A CK performance 2004R was about $3000 but it works great

 

Lonnie is awesome and stands by his stuff.

 

John, with your rear gears what's your rpm on the freeway?

 

I turn about 28-2900 on my tach at 60 (factory tach) with 245-60-15's.

 

How about a 4l60e with a EZTCU electronics? Handles tons of torque, low first gear and overdrive ANNNNDDD no TV cable to worry about ;-)

 

60s break quicker Than 80s