I have most of parts ready to start assembly on my 455. The camshaft is a ta 290-08h. Likely run stock intake bc ta doesn’t have a machinist to cut their rough castings. I do want to convert to 700r4. Likely run 3.42 rear end. Any suggestions?
I would use the 2004r. Both it and 700 need help to live behind a big block with alot of torque. The 700 needs an adapter plate the 200 doesn't. The 700 has a huge gear spread from 1st to 2nd. The 200 is very close to the 350 and 400 gear spread. The 200 has a slightly better od ratio.
https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/tsp-9-5-street-strip-converters-lifetime-warrantee.147066/ https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/updated-torque-converter-program.278923/ The 2004R and the 7004R will need to be modified to live behind a healthy 455. If I was doing this today, I'd be looking at the 4L80E. It's a THM400 with OD and lock up capabilities. https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/got-jiggy-with-it-4l80e-behind-455-bbb.302742/
Yes, but those transmissions were never designed to deal with big block torque in a heavy car. Building them to live will cost you if it is done right. Years ago (2005), I went with the Gear Vendors Overdrive coupled to a THM400. That is, and still is, pretty bullet proof. The GV unit is rated for 1200 HP. https://www.gearvendors.com/index.html If I was looking to do an overdrive today, I would use the 4L80E.
Anyone can make claims. Actually living up to those claims is not easy. Or inexpensive. Or common, for that matter. I think it's crazy to even consider a 700/200 behind a big-block, when the 4L80E or an aftermarket overdrive + TH400 exist.
You don't have to for a 4l80,..Monster has a quick ship trans for $2300,...add the ultra bell,.. converter and controller you'll be around 4k but it's the best route for durability
700s have the constant pressure VB available now which is a huge improvement on that trans and it can carry the load with some what reasonable durability,..but still falls far short of a 4l80
I definitely agree that the 200 has it over the 700 for the reasons mentioned. And, I wouldn't sell the 200 short behind a healthy BBB. Here's a dyno run of a good friend's '87 Grand National with a 4.1 liter Stage 2 motor. He run's a 2004R with a lockup converter and it holds up fine. The data is on a chassis dyno too.
For me it would be a 200. There are a few quality 200-4r builders out there. I chose Janis out of OH. Went with a stage 2 build for my Turbo T. They know how to build a 200. Plus on the highway that OD gear is great to have. If you go with a knowledgeable builder & tell them what you have you should have no problem. I’ve never heard of Monster being in that category for the 200’s. Kyle
Agree to the first few paragraphs. Not so much the second. 200’s can be build to handle plenty. Reliably. It’s not cheap. But if you know who to use you can sleep well. Not that aftermarket overdrive set-ups are cheap either. People **** on the 200’s, but when built by the right people they’re just fine. I’ve been beating on my 200 at 20+P.S.I. for a while now not one issue. Plus good highway cruising RPM’s. Kyle
https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/2004r-lock-up-wiring-questions.222207/ https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/th350-200r4-swap-summary.176591/
I would do the 200, just be sure to use a triple disk lockup converter. https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/ccrp-0903-th-200-4r-transmission-build/amp/
I can tell you my big block skylark came with a Monster 700R4. It didn't last. overpriced junk! The turbo 400 I had build performs way better.
If you have a 200 core give Janis a call as well to see what they will build ya. Not sure where you're at but want to say it was $500 or so shipped from CO to OH & OH back to CO. Kyle
