Guys, I have done some searching on the 200R4 on the board and have found some good things. However, I am getting ready to do the 455 swap into the 67 and have found a good running th400 for $100 needing a good stall converter and a good running CZF code(Monte Carlo SS) for $200 with the good high stall converter. My ultimate goal would be to have the 200R4 for the overdrive, but my build has put me over budget. I am looking for a break down of each choice and the cost involved. Do I need to build up the 200R4 or can it handle the 455 for awhile while I build up the cash to build it up? TH400, what needs to be done other than stall converter? different yoke? Shorten driveshaft? Please give me all the advice and general breakdown. Which is the better option and why. Thanks, Tom
Here's my understanding - but I'm no expert! The 200R should do OK (CZF is nice find! Make sure it has the BOP engine mounts)) as long as you don't do burnouts and other activity to stress it. It also depends on your 455 and how strong it is. You will want to do a few inexpensive things to it (hardened stator shaft) before you put it in. Using it now will let you get the car set up and sorted out while you save up the cash to build it. You can use the same driveshaft so that will save you some coin over the 400. I have found it will take a minimum of $1800 to buy a nice 200R (400hp motor) and use yours as a core. Thats my plan, and my 2 cents! - Bill
I have one in my car. They are nice on the highway. Much quieter and you run much lower rpm's. However, it does cost more to build one than a th400. That said, if all your th400 needs is a torque converter, you'll be many dollars ahead, even with the difference in fuel economy, sticking with it over a 200-4R. I got mine primarily because I cruise up and down the highway a lot. And I'm getting too old to be listening to the engine buzzing at over 3000 rpm's for extended periods of time.
Phil, I got your PM. Thanks for the feedback. As far as the TH400 goes, it was in a car running well up until a month ago. A guy on the board has a used 2500 stall converter for $100 and a 3000 stall for $200. So that handles that, but going to a TH400, assuming an ST300 is in the car right now, would I need to shorten the driveshaft? Change the Yoke? What else? Bill, For the 200R4, what are the items needed for the base swap, assuming the build up to the stronger trans would be down the line? TV cable bracket Hardened stater What else? Would the high stall converter that comes with it be adequate? What about a lock up converter, do I need one? or is that what the basic converter is that comes with it? Tom
Tom, If you are sticking with a higher ratio rear, like 3.08 or higher, I would stay with the T-400 or even a T-350 (same size as the ST-300). The 455's torque doesn't need a steep gear to get the car moving, like a small block will. Now, if you plan on a steeper gear, like a 3.23 or lower, like myself (3.90) then the 200r4 is a good choice (if built to handle the 455!). My '66 with the 3.90 and 200r4 cruises at 2400rpm on the highway. The T-400 is longer and the driveshaft will need modification. Either trans will have to move the cross member back about 4". Search the FAQ section for a Hot Rod magazine article on a 200r4 swap into a '67 Skylark. I also have a thread on this swap into my '66 with all the costs broken down. I think the total was about $1500. Good luck, Brian
I love these "VS" trans threads! :grin: I have seen BOTH transmissions do double duty. Street and strip. It's all in how you build them, and what hard parts you put in them. Ultimately, the 200R4 will cost more to build, period. With a 4th gear AND a lockup converter in the 200, your car will feel like it can cruise at 120MPH, and not even care. Almost anyone can build a good TH400. Only a select few have years of TH200R4 experience. If you go 200R4, choose carefully, and get references! If you are on a budget, forget the 200. If you want easier install, go 400. I've had 'em all! ElectraJim
Thanks Jim. You cut to the chase and gave me the answer I probably needed. Save the 200 for another day. I am realistically driving it weekends and nice days and probably doesn't warrant the extra cost for the one long trip a year I might do in it. Tom
No problem. Just stay conservative on the rear gear, and 3 speeds should do just fine with a BBB. I use a built TH350 and 3.73 gears. On the other hand, I'd HATE to see what my GN would be like cruising around without a 200R4. FWIW, don't 'dis the 200. It CAN be made to live. It's just going to cost you a little coin, and have a good relationship with a trans builder...just in case... GN/T-TYPE owners will tell you the same. They know! :eek2: Don't forget to get biggest free flowing plate style transmission cooler you can get to go with your new transmission for long life. ElectraJim
Jim, I appreciate it. I really want to go to the 200R4 for all the positive reasons. It really comes down to cost out of pocket. I am already doing the 455 swap and also doing some G-machine work on it at the same time, springs, shocks, front end rebuild, sway bars, 17" Torque thrust II's, etc.. So, I want to go basic with the tranny to get this on the road without shelling out coin. I will do the trans upgrade if I need to down the line. Thanks, Tom
the guy has plent of them too. He has a GN 200R4 sitting on his shelf. Than he has a bunch of basic non SS\GN 200R4s for $100 a piece. Tom
I just put in a 200 4r last week, and the drove 1800 miles on it qith my 455, I averaged about 17 mpg with driving into high winds through WY/ My car was fully loaded with every seat filled with boxes and 2 jacks, a disk brake set up and an AC compressor in the rear. I think I could cruise at 65 around 2100 rpm and at 80 mph I was at like 2400 rpm. It was pretty cool. Plus the power at take off is pretty exciting with the 3.42 gears.
Don't be afraid of the CZ 200-4r. If you don't drag race it all the time with slicks, if should hold up fine as long as you don't abuse it. Once you get traction with the big block, it's all over. It probably won't last. But for just a driver, I wouldn't be afraid of it. As someone else has said, there are a few inexpensive things to beef up when you have it overhauled, and most of the good tranny shops know them by now. Next to the BR or BQ coded 200-4r, the CZ is the next best thing. BTW, most 200-4r had dual pattern bellhousings.
Sorry Tom - I was out of town. I am just starting research myself, so there are better people/sites to advise you on basic parts for the 200. Looks like you got the answer you need here anyway. - Bill
Hey Tom, can you shoot the name and location of the place with the 200r4 transmissions?ray: I'm down here in Westfield, MA and could make the drive. I would appreciate it!! Thanks, Don
Don, The guy's name is Joe. You can reach him at the following number: 603-382-7383 He is in Newton, NH and works a salvage yard. Tom
