hey guys, im planning on reinstalling my trans here shortly behind my 455. its just a plain jane, no frills, nothing special, stock 455. i opted to stick with the th350 because i had all the bulletproof parts on hand so it was cheaper to build it up then to rebuild a th400 (even though i have one lying around) anyways so im almost done with the car (72 skylark with the 455 swap) and i just happened to pick up a recently rebuilt, low miles 200r4 for $50. with gas prices closing in on the $4/gallon mark im really thinking long term here. do you think the 200r4 can withstand daily driving behind a 455? i have only used them on smaller motors and the only thing i can compare is a 700r4 which is fine behind large motors. im just wondering if its worth my time installing it or should i just go ahead and put the th350 in? o No:
I've had one in my car for 2-1/2 years now. I love it. They can live behind a 455, BUT, you do have to replace a few of the parts so that it can withstand the torque of the engine. I would recommend talking with someone like Vince Janis at Janis Transmissions in Akron, Ohio or Chris over at CK Performance on the east coast.
You can buy them ready built to handle the abuse from places like Art Carr trans. Hemmings Muscle MAchines Magazine has a two part article on this swap in this months and last months issues. Check it out.
I'm sure it will live if you don't beat on it. But chances are you will give in to your primal urge to light up those tires from time to time and the trans may not live long. California Performance Transmission is close and they build them to any power level. Another thing to consider is your gear ratio. If using the stock 2.56 or whatever, you won't want an overdrive. It will RPM too low and lug the engine. Something like a 3.23 up to 3.90 is ideal for OD. Brian
We do a lot of race trannys at our Trans shop, and this seems to be very true in most cases. skitzofrenic66 I would be more than willing to answer any questions you may have. We have done trannys for Chevelle's upwards of a thousand horses. It's what we specialize in, if you PM me I can answer whatever you may want to know.
Stay away from Art Carr transmissions!!!! That is no longer Art Carr. California Performance Trans. is Art. And I run a 3.73 rearend. When I put the trans in lockup mode in high gear, I cruise down the highway at 70 mph at about 2200 to 2300 rpm's. It's great.
thanks for the responses guys. ohiostate, ill keep ya in mind if i have anymore questions. its funny how obvious an answer seems once you chew the fat a bit. i guess its like WD40 and a little muscle on that damn rusted bolt :spank: i am still running the old peg leg rear end so it does seem a little silly to throw an overdrive in her at this point, ESPECIALLY since i have the built up th350 ready and willing to take all the abuse. i guess ill throw this trans in my shed for now and use it in something else or get it built up proper once i get a nice posi thanks guys! :3gears:
