Regal Swap Q

Discussion in 'V-8 Buick Powered Regals' started by mattmittenz516, Oct 22, 2011.

  1. mattmittenz516

    mattmittenz516 Active Member

    my 86 regal limitied and 87 442 both came with the same transmission, are the exactly identical or is the 442 one a little more beefed up, i took the rear and trans from the 442 and put it in the regal, how much power could i safely hold with that combo, will it hold a stock 455? i know the rear is good for what ever lol or i think it is, its a 10 bolt 8.5 inch 3.73 but how a bout trans?
     
  2. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest

    The trans is likely a 200R which stock was never signed to handle the torque of a 455 Buick. Sometime look at the size of the shaft on that trans compared to a TH400 like the one used with 455s. But if you do not abuse it that trans may work for a while. If you abuse it the trans will commit suicde. For about $2000.00 can can strengthen a 200R with parts that will take some abuse like the TH400.
     
  3. GSXMEN

    GSXMEN Got Jesus?

    Matt,

    The 442 tranny (200r4) is a much better version than what was in the Buick with a 307. They are on par with the Monte SS, and a bit below the GN/TR tranny.

    They will put up with a 'reasonable' amount of power. Behind a stock or mild 350 or 403 it 'should' be ok. I wouldn't hold my breath on it last too long behind a 455.

    Shift kit and a large tranny cooler should likely be a must. Keeping the temps around 160-180* will help insure you have a fighting chance at it lasting. Once you get over 200*, the odds of failure go up quickly.

    External inline filter would be a good touch too. Changing that once or twice a year (depending on miles) should extend in one in the pan.
     
  4. mattmittenz516

    mattmittenz516 Active Member

    yes they are both 200r with overdrive, the one from my 442 i was told has a shift kit in it, how do i tell if it really has a shift kit? there is no ratchet shifter or nothing just the regular console shifter
     
  5. steve covington

    steve covington Well-Known Member

    http://web.archive.org/web/20070128173316/http://members.aol.com/powerrslid/thm2004r.html
    This site gives the basic application info on the 200-4r. The trans in the 442, unfortunately, was behind a LAME 307 [high output? HA-HA]is NOT as durable as the Monte SS, and NOWHERE near as strong as even a STOCK GN / turbo car trans. Significant GOOD thing is that it will already have the correct Governor, and Speedo drive and driven gears to match the rear end that you are swapping. (Some of the gears are discontinued). MOST of the internal parts are same for same year; valve body, governor, and servo were most of MAJOR differences. You cant tell about shift kit without some degree of disassebly of trans, and then you'd have to know the original size or the holes in spacer plate, and / or governor weights and / or the orifice cup.
    Get the driveshaft, and you are all set!
     
  6. mattmittenz516

    mattmittenz516 Active Member

    alright so how about the undercarriage an brakes, when i get from my parts guy i just order heavy duty whatever for an 86 regal... will this hold power? should i be ordering shocks and springs and brakes and w.e. for a grand national?
     

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