Which 200r4

I have a 72 GS350 and I'd like to swap the 200r4 transmission into it for better gas mileage and more off the line power. Gear ratio is 3.42 posi. Engine has ta284-88h cam, ported heads, headers, and a tuned qjet. I'm currently in afganistan and am shopping for transmissions to install when I return from my deployment. I've found several on eBay and other sites, just not sure what I should get. I don't race the car, just use it as a daily driver a few days out of the week. What all do I need to buy to get this thing swapped in? I understand I should be able to move the crossmember back and bolt it right up. Correct? My plan is to instal a ratchet floor shifter at the same time. Can I make the 200r4 a full manual shift transmission, ie ratchet up and down when I chose? Thanks

 

if not racing the basic one with a shift kit would be ok

 

You really want a BRF coded tranny if you go this route and even if you don't race if you get on it hard you will be replacing parts. Best to spend a little more up front and get one that will handle what you're doing. Talk with Lonnie Diers @ extreme automatics or Chris K @ CK performance -- they are the go to guys for this particular trans.

 

Duke, in your search for info, use "2004R" or "200-4R". 200R4 and 200-R4 is incorrect. You can thank GM for the crazy nomenclature.

Devon

 

well i think if you add a shift kit the billet servo, and cooler which you should on any really it would be fine

 

I got a BRF trans for my car. Go over to the turbobuick boards. You'll find 'em over there no problem. The biggest difference is the valve body. That's why everyone wants the BRF trans.

 

Which is basically the same as a shift kit.

 

So is getting one from Internet vendors like extreme automatics (stage 1) recommended or is that overkill. Future goal is to supercharge the car. I don't want to have to buy a transmission twice. The EA Stage 1 goes for $1400 online. Everywhere I've read says a built 2004r is pricey. Anyone have any dealings/experience with this particular trans? Other than the tranny itself, I'm tracking I just need a tv cable (tv made EZ) and a lockout switch. Well, I guess a torque converter too. on that note, stall recommendations for a cruiser/every now and then burnout maker?

 

If you're planning on charging this car I would absolutely recommend you buy one built. Do it right the first time. As for getting all the stuff you need for the install, if you call Lonnie he will sell you everything you need and only build the trans for what your current and future plans are. He is one of the best and a great guy to boot. He's not going to try to sell you anything more than what you need. Give him a call.

 

Just to let you know, I spent about $3500 by the time it was all said and done with my conversion. You have a built trans, converter, TV cable stuff, etc. It's not cheap but well worth it in my opinion. Especially when cruising down the highway for extended periods of time. Nothing like 2,000 rpms at 70 mph instead of 3100 rpms.

 

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I'm really looking forward to doing this swap when I return from afganistan. I've decided to go with the EA stage 1 trans. Sounds like its my best bang for my buck. Question on torque converters..what stall speed is recommended for a mildly modded 350(ported heads, cam, headers, pert tonic electronic conversion, tuned qjet) for decent drive ability and better off the line punch. I currently have the 2.56 gears but in a box I have a set of 3.42 to swap in at the same time I swap the trans. Right now the car is a dog off the line. I'm hoping the gear swap and tranny swap will liven ol girl up a bit. The cam chops nicely, but I lost even more low end with it and it made my tall gear acceleration even worse. Hind sight says I've gone about my build backwards.

 

I don't think you should decide, except on going to EA for your transmission. Now that you have done that, contact Lonnie and let him guide you regarding what it is you need. He can tell you what will work for your combo and goals and I am sure would be happy to do so since he wants his product to satisfy you the first time as well. If he recommends the Stage-1 version then you can be proud that you in fact did make the right choice yourself, and if he recommends different then you can be proud for asking the expert. :Brow:

 

Lonnie will sell you the TC to go with it based on the info you give him. I wouldn't go anywhere else. Not saying others can't make a good TC but he will back everything he sells to you and single source supplier is always a plus!

Oh and God bless you for serving!

 

Good advice! Ill contact him as my tenure gets shorter here. EA definitely seems like the place to go for my solution and as you said, single source supply is awesome! Thanks for the well wishes and what not. :TU:

 

I got a EA 2004r also. I love it. Got to know Lonnie a little from talking to him on the phone. Great guy. We talked about shift point at wfo. Its at 5000 exactly like he said, wish I would of got it set to about 5500:TU:

 

Trufthfully, if you plan to rebuild the 2004r anyways..it won't matter what version you get as you can buy the shift solenoid through gbody site...ill have to find the link..I'm on phone

 

tis true

 

cant find exactly what i was referring to
but this site has the recalibration, servo/VB/Governor

http://www.ckperformance.com/resources/GM2004RSHIFTKITSVALVEBODIESGOVERNORS.html


but same effect