IROCtheRoad

I made the trip to Hisperia, Ca today to pick up my custom built 700R4 from Bowtie Overdrives.

I am very happy with the level of customer service I received (save for one employee, but I won't go into that today). I even got to see them uninstall my tranny from their test truck and load the tranny into my wife's car for me.

I purchased a Stage 2 transmission from them but I wanted to retain my new 27 spline torque converter, so they made the required modifications to convert to the earlier style. I figured my car would never see 500 hp so having the smaller input shaft is just fine with me. Additionally, they installed a V6 governor for higher shift points.

The transmission itself looks amazing. It's pretty cool how nice these things look when they black paint is blown off.

I also purchased their transmission lines, TVmadeEZ plate and throttle cable bracket, and installation kit.

I will get some pictures up tomorrow when I get back home. I surprised my wife with a trip to see her family since we were out in SoCal.

IROCtheRoad

IROCtheRoad

Like I said, this is Bowtie Overdrive's level 2 transmission (even though the L1 sticker is place over a L2 sticker).

Everything about this tranny looks amazing! So far I'm very happy with everything.

I'll get more pictures as the transmission gets installed later today and I get the lines, TV system, and all that stuff hooked up.

IROCtheRoad

Update!

Bowtie's Transmission Lines:
I ordered the side mount transmission lines (just like stock) and they in no way work as side mounts. The lines go right under the starter (so they must be removed when the starter comes down) and do not curve to the oil pan - they are more of a straight shot and rest on the bottom of the motor mount.
I got everything hooked up and the lines look nice but it sure was a pain to install everything with the hard lines not working with me.

TV Made EZ:
I really like the bracket itself. The TV line and throttle line all line up MUCH better than the POS Edelbrock bracket I bought.
One complaint - the gaskets that come with the kit. The bolt holes are too small to fit over the ARP studs and factory bolts. I ended up having to tear the holes in the gaskets a bit to make everything work. I tore one gasket pretty good so I used the 'factory' thick gasket > bracket > thin supplied gasket > carb.

Pictures to come when I'm done getting the ignition back together.

Nunazet

iTrader: (1)

Looks sharp. I have a TV Made EZ kit on the way so thanks for mentioning the gasket issue you had. I'll have to watch out for that. Looking forward to more picks.

Edit: oops. did not notice how old this thread was...

IROCtheRoad

It's all good. I was going to update the thread today anways.

I FINALLY was able to take the Camaro out for a real drive last night. The engine is still wearing so I couldn't do anything too crazy. Shifts are absolutely fantastic. The are crisp but in no way jarring. So far I am very happy with it (asside from the tranny lines).

My only 'complaint' is that the tranny will shift at 5k RPM while in over drive. With the v6 governor I was hoping for about 5.5k to 6k rpm. Oh well, perhaps it's brand new and a little tight still.

jdawg1276

any up dates thinking about buying one myself

IROCtheRoad

Not really. Havnt driven it much since. But so far I'm still very happy with it.

Burnout91

How's the 2-3 shift? Mine has always made a clunk, under certain driving conditions (Mine's a ProBuilt, did it since stock)

Pat Hall

iTrader: (31)

I'd recommend getting the "Vette" governor with the green colored gear and the diamond-shaped weights. I got mine out of a 91 GTA 700r4 that I bought as a rebuildable core, but you can get them brand new on Ebay for about 50 bucks. At WOT it shifts right around 5600-5700 rpms. Can't get much more perfect than that! I rebuilt mine with one of Pro-Built's (Dana's) Street/Strip performance rebuild kits, including his modified TransGo shift kit, and a 2600 stall converter. The more gas you give it, the firmer and quicker it shifts! Anyways, the V6 governor doesn't really sound like the ideal solution. Put the "Vette" governor in, and you'll probably be quite happy with the shift points. And of course, make sure your TV is set correctly, as this affects the shift points as well.

BlackMamba

iTrader: (6)

Trans looks good
i got two of mt thirdgen buddies that are gonna have them mod their trans
cant wait

camarocasanova

iTrader: (1)

Live here in HD near Bowtie overdrives, have used them on several projects and they are 1st class...great workmanship and I love the fact they test them out on that old el camino before they hand it to you. Thinking about having them build my 700r for my vert as it is aging quick.

danclemts

iTrader: (1)

Anybody else have experience with Bowtie overdrive transmissions?

danclemts

iTrader: (1)

If no experience with Bowtie, who you guys getting your stockish 700r4's from? local builders?

danclemts

iTrader: (1)

bump