As far as I know the tranny has 120k+ miles on it. I sometimes use my tranny to help slow me down by downshifting......and sometimes for racing/messing around. Well, when I am slowing down, when I put it into 2nd (from 3rd) it will stay "locked" into second gear but after I slow down a bit, it feels like I either put it back into 3rd(kinda like it loses its "lock" on 2nd gear but stay's in 2nd) or if it was a standard it would be like pushing the clutch down 1/4-1/2 way down (while driving). I don't really have any slipping problems or anything, it kinda feels like it slips slighly out of second when slowing down, if that makes since. So basically, positive gear selection......slow down....unpostive 2nd gear....if I give it gas it is a positive 2nd gear again, like slipping the clutch a little as said above. Never experienced this in my 86 Z28. Could the clutches be giving out or what? Close to time for a rebuild?

I was wondering, is it worth rebuilding the 700r4 because I know a 200r4 can be built a little more stout than the 700 as far as holding up to high hp/tq. I'm talking like running mid 11's in the 1/4. I have a AFR Headed 383 with bunches of go fast parts (it's built as a mid 11 second motor (carb), that I plan to go through it to make it a little more tpi friendly but try to keep it an 11 second motor). Nitrous or Procharger in the future also.

 

turbo 400, but your going to lose overdrive

 

the 200r4 is a pos it does have better gear ratios for 1/4 mile times but it is in no way a stronger transmission.

 

What about the Grand Nationals running them though? Not trying to start a flame war but I thought they had 200r4's into the 9 second 1/4.

There is always the T56 if I want a standard. That's kinda debateable though.

What about my problem with the tranny right now? Does it sound like it's going to need a rebuild?

 

it's a 200-4r not a 200-r4, but anyway, 200-4r's ARE stronger than 700r4's stock, and more importantly, they can be built as strong as alot of 350's.

 

Yes grand nationals run them stock, but it is a good upgrade to swap to the 700, the only advantage the 200 has is the spacing between gears is better suited for quarter mile times and that is the only reason to swap to the 200 but it is not nearly as strong as the 700. The 700 came behind not only vettes and f bodys but also in full size trucks a 200 would have a hard time surviving in a 1/2 ton truck, much less anything bigger.

 

i would rebuild the 700r4..

 

The same thing happened to my transmission in my 88 IROC. I used to drive it just like you, downshifting and stuff. Some people I talked to mentioned something about some sprag, didnt really matter, basically came down to I need a rebuild. And why not? I got a 120K + on mine too. When I get some money I'm going to have it rebuilt. It still shifts fine on the upshifts and hasnt started degrading. I just dont beat on it. But please if you find out that its something smaller than a rebuild, let me know. Poor college student here Thanks! good luck!

- Tom