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How much can a 700R4 hold??

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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 06:16 PM
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How much can a 700R4 hold??

i wanna build up my 350 with a blower, headwork, cam, and a new carb....the HP is gonna be somehwere between 400-450(crank HP) or so...i'm going with a 2400 or so stall, and a aftermarket tranny cooler...my tranny also has a shiftkit...do you think it'll be able to hold the power??? if not, how much HP can they hold??
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 06:23 PM
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Its not gonna hold that stock. That is 100% sure. You will need a better trans, or rebuild yours with better quality internals. Think Pro-Built.
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 07:08 PM
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okay, where do i get one of those rebuild kits?
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 07:15 PM
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alright nevermind..i found it, its 530 bucks, does that sound right??? so i just get that kit, and take it somehwere to have a shop rebuild it or what? how much would it cost to get that done??
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Old Dec 16, 2004 | 07:24 PM
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wouldn't it be cheaper in the long run just to get something like this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33727 then just sell my old working trans....then it would only cost me like 700 bucks for a tranny that can hold 500 HP?? what do you guys think about this option??
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Old Dec 17, 2004 | 09:30 PM
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From: Nanticoke, Pa
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 406 CI
Transmission: Pete K 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:55
Originally posted by ljnowell
Its not gonna hold that stock. That is 100% sure. You will need a better trans, or rebuild yours with better quality internals. Think Pro-Built.

I will drink to that!
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Old Dec 18, 2004 | 12:41 PM
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From: MN
Car: 85 SC, 86 Berlinetta
Engine: V6, V8
Transmission: 700r4, 700r4
I have an '85 Camaro and had mine rebuilt. I learned a lot about the pitfalls with the 700r4 and what to look out for. First of all the '87 or later tranny is preferable over earlier models. I found that out on this site. I think my '85 tranny was good for 350-400hp at best but I was assurred the later model would hold up to much more. Ask junkyards for a "core" tranny and you may have to get a 4wd core and switch the tail housings. (Well worth the effort and cost $50.)
Also, when I had it done locally I was asked a lot of questions on how it was being used and given advice on things I didn't know to ask. I also get to bring my car in and have it adjusted professionally so it won't wear out prematurely (a necessity). They also matched the torque converter to the cam so that they would run efficiently. I also had the temp sensor installed internally and let him pick out the tranny cooler and gauge. I would have bought crap because I don't purchase these parts all of the time. It was expensive I won't deny that. The cost was about the same as a similar one from Summit but I have a professional that is concerned about his work and my enjoyment. I was reffered to him by a well knowned engine rebuilder and couldn't be more happy. -Well except that my garage isn't heated and it's just sitting there for now.
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Old Dec 18, 2004 | 01:02 PM
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Originally posted by klumb15
alright nevermind..i found it, its 530 bucks, does that sound right??? so i just get that kit, and take it somehwere to have a shop rebuild it or what? how much would it cost to get that done??
Fast, cheap, reliable. Pick two.

Thats no joke when it comes to overdrive transmissions. I wouldnt buy ANYTHING off of Ebay as far as a trans goes. Maybe a pan or something, that would be it. If you are serious about keeping overdrive talk to Dana from pro-built. Otherwise ditch the overdrive and get ol' trusty, a th350.
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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 12:36 AM
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From: Evansville,IN,USA
Car: 89' T/A, 00' Firehawk
Engine: 406 Roller
Transmission: TH700R4 w/2800 stall
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Posi
Originally posted by ljnowell
If you are serious about keeping overdrive talk to Dana from pro-built. Otherwise ditch the overdrive and get ol' trusty, a th350.
when the man is right he's right. Dana's tranny with hold up to 650+hp, and thats with a warranty.
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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 05:18 PM
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From: Panama City Beach,Florida
Car: 1989 Camaro
Engine: 406
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Man skip the BS and save yourself lots of trouble and headaches and get a Pro-Built. I went through a B&M and a TCI before I found out about Pro-built. Got a tranny from Dana and have not had a single problem since. He builds the strongest 700R4's I know of and his customer service is second to none. The guy is awsome to work with and spends lots of time with you to make sure your getting exactly what you want. I just wish all vendors in this hobby were as nice to deal with and as strait forward as Dana.
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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 05:41 PM
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From: Menominee MI
how much?
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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 05:42 PM
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also, things aren't going as planned...i might be only running like 300rwhp now...so maybe like 350 at the crank or so...if i get a tranny cooler, stall, and my shiftkit, will my 700r4 stand up to the challenge?
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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 06:27 PM
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From: MN
Car: 85 SC, 86 Berlinetta
Engine: V6, V8
Transmission: 700r4, 700r4
Originally posted by klumb15
also, things aren't going as planned...i might be only running like 300rwhp now...so maybe like 350 at the crank or so...if i get a tranny cooler, stall, and my shiftkit, will my 700r4 stand up to the challenge?
Yes, If you get an '87 or newer tranny and have it built right. Like I said if you can find a local builder with an excellent reputation then you can get service beyond having it sent to you. I found him by referrals from people who know what they're talking about. If not try Dana. The other people here are recommending him. I would check it out if I didn't have a local builder. Remember to have the tranny tuned after it's installed. I also recommend a temp gauge installed to keep an eye on it. It won't last anyways it if it runs too hot or it isn't adjusted correctly. I'm sure if you contact Dana he will tell you the very things you're asking.
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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 07:00 PM
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From: san jose,ca
Car: 92Rs 25th ann
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: auto
bro u could get it for cheaper if ur doin it urself,i got parts from SAXCO T/C ,i got a 2000 High Stall Converter for bout $150,rebiuld kit for $100,corvette servo,.500 Boost Valve,and a nice shift kit,and u could have a great tranny that can hold power,pro biult sounds nice but its $$$$ all together i got all mine for under $400,thats for my 92 so u have to ask for 87 1/2 700 R4 parts if its from then to 92
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Old Dec 20, 2004 | 07:56 PM
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From: Menominee MI
buy i'm asking now will it hold approx 300rwhp?
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Old Dec 21, 2004 | 11:20 AM
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From: Rochester, NY
Car: 1987 Firebird, 1997 Camaro
Engine: 2.8L, 3.8L
Transmission: T5, 4L60E
Just built and installed a PATC level 3 700R4 Raptor. It wasn't cheap, but that thing realy performs. It's rated at 600+ hp and 600+ lbft torque. If you're going to buy a performance trasmission I suggest you check to see if all of the 700R4 trouble spots have been addressed. The Raptor was the only one I was able to find that had all the goodies you need. Beefed up reaction shell, hardened input shaft and drum, all billet servos, 13 vane pump, all torrinton bearings..... etc, etc. Very nice package and the support is fantastic.
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Old Dec 21, 2004 | 10:37 PM
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i can't afford getting my tranny rebuilt at this point in time....i just want to know, how much power can i get by with a 700R4 with a shiftkit??? can it handle 300RWHP?
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 08:18 AM
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From: Nanticoke, Pa
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 406 CI
Transmission: Pete K 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:55
Yes, probably!
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 08:42 AM
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From: Ottawa
Car: 91Z
Engine: 355/afr/sr/lpe219
Transmission: built 700R
The 700 will live a short life if it is stock behind 300rwhp. If it is 300hp at the crank, well that is'nt much more than stock so it should last you a while. If you don't have money right now, just use the tranny as is and have it all done at once. No sense in getting a shift kit on a trans that is bound to fail in the near future behind 300rwhp!! I'm no pro, but I have been through a few 700R's and have learned a thing or two.
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 08:45 AM
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From: Nanticoke, Pa
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 406 CI
Transmission: Pete K 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:55
ok, then no, maybe
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 08:51 AM
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Ill bet you the stock 700r4 will handle way more than 300!!!! You should break one first before you change it first. Just because you might break it
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 08:52 AM
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From: Ottawa
Car: 91Z
Engine: 355/afr/sr/lpe219
Transmission: built 700R
lol, sorry man, I did not mean for that to be a dig at you. Just tossing my 2cents in is all.
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 08:55 AM
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From: Ottawa
Car: 91Z
Engine: 355/afr/sr/lpe219
Transmission: built 700R
300 at the wheels is what you get from a combo like mine, and trust me when i tell you that my stock low mile 700 would not handle it for long. Now if you take it easy the tranny will last a while, but you don't usually do engine work so that you can baby it all the time do you??

I would also like to add that the tq is what will kill the trans, not really the hp.

Last edited by 91wtROH17's; Dec 22, 2004 at 08:57 AM.
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 09:01 AM
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From: Nanticoke, Pa
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 406 CI
Transmission: Pete K 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:55
My car makes 449 hp and 597 ft lbs at the wheels. Trans is stone stock with b&m shift kit. It has a stock vette converter. Unit was assembled carefully and blueprinted. It has been laying down 1.505 60 ft times and running bottom 11's with a best of 10.97. This trans does not have aftermarket clutches or bands. Also it is a late model (91) I think aux valve body unit. First ,factory trans, lived 235k before it let go. This 7 or 8 year old unit "only" has about 40k on it so it isn't proven yet. The bad reputation this trans has baffles me. I will continue to use it until I cross the line. I just havent found it yet. So in my long round about way I wish to change my final answer to" If it is a later model unit w/aux valve body and is still tight. I would expect it to live if it were my car"Let the waving begin!
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 09:02 AM
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pro biult sounds nice but its $$$$ all together i got all mine for under $400,

NOW THATS THE TICKET.
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 09:09 AM
  #26  
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From: Ottawa
Car: 91Z
Engine: 355/afr/sr/lpe219
Transmission: built 700R
My car makes 449 hp and 597 ft lbs at the wheels. Trans is stone stock with b&m shift kit. It has a stock vette converter. Unit was assembled carefully and blueprinted. It has been laying down 1.505 60 ft times and running bottom 11's with a best of 10.97. This trans does not have aftermarket clutches or bands. Also it is a late model (91) I think aux valve body unit. First ,factory trans, lived 235k before it let go. This 7 or 8 year old unit "only" has about 40k on it so it isn't proven yet. The bad reputation this trans has baffles me. I will continue to use it until I cross the line. I just havent found it yet. So in my long round about way I wish to change my final answer to" If it is a later model unit w/aux valve body and is still tight. I would expect it to live if it were my car"Let the waving begin!
All the power to you, but how many others have had the luck you have? Mabey I am just to hard on my car, my trans is also a 91.
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 09:09 AM
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I want floorguy to build my trans. so I can do wheelies
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 09:09 AM
  #28  
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From: Nanticoke, Pa
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 406 CI
Transmission: Pete K 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:55
91wt, I took absolutely no offense to your comment.I was just being a little silly. My later post means no offense to you either. The point I wish to make is these tranny's are way stronger than given credit for. ( When done right) My opinion is that there are alot of trans guys that are in a hurry and do not give you what you pay for. This and the poor reputation of the early units branded this trans as junk. This statement is not directed towards the true profesional who take pride in his trans rebuilds. With 4k plus dragstrip passes and 280k plus miles. I believe in this trans. 26-28 mpg does not hurt either. I hope guys keep tossing these transmissions out, it frees up more cores for the guys that want them.
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 09:12 AM
  #29  
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From: Nanticoke, Pa
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 406 CI
Transmission: Pete K 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:55
Brutalform "wheelies"
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 09:14 AM
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Hey... You promised at least 3 in. off the ground!
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 09:17 AM
  #31  
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From: Nanticoke, Pa
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 406 CI
Transmission: Pete K 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:55
:lala: Now who is being silly? Tom?
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 09:18 AM
  #32  
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I is sorry ...Petie
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 09:29 AM
  #33  
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From: Nanticoke, Pa
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 406 CI
Transmission: Pete K 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:55
Klumb, If money is tight and a freshen is not possible, I would just put it together and run with it. Unfortunately to freshen is about the same money as blowing it up and rebuilding. Cross your fingers and hope for the best.Good or bad Keep us posted !
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 09:33 AM
  #34  
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From: Ottawa
Car: 91Z
Engine: 355/afr/sr/lpe219
Transmission: built 700R
91wt, I took absolutely no offense to your comment.I was just being a little silly. My later post means no offense to you either. The point I wish to make is these tranny's are way stronger than given credit for. ( When done right) My opinion is that there are alot of trans guys that are in a hurry and do not give you what you pay for. This and the poor reputation of the early units branded this trans as junk. This statement is not directed towards the true profesional who take pride in his trans rebuilds. With 4k plus dragstrip passes and 280k plus miles. I believe in this trans. 26-28 mpg does not hurt either. I hope guys keep tossing these transmissions out, it frees up more cores for the guys that want them.
Hey, I took no offense. I hope I have your luck with my next one though, cause it will be my fourth and last.lol BTW, sounds like you have one hell of a runner!!
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 09:42 AM
  #35  
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From: Nanticoke, Pa
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 406 CI
Transmission: Pete K 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:55
Used to, the 383 went boom. Got the 406 hangin on the engine stand now so christmas came early. My luck it will not run as good as the 383. Now that I ran my mouth the trans will probaby break too! If so I will post it. I plan to find the weak links in the trans(hard parts) and upgrade as needed. I am sure I am walking the line. Brutalform is makin about 150 ft lbs more than me. He will likely break it first. If so we will take pics of the carnage and post it. We can not afford to buy the "trick hard parts". His formula will become the r&d vehicle. Thanks for the kind words.
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 09:49 AM
  #36  
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From: Ottawa
Car: 91Z
Engine: 355/afr/sr/lpe219
Transmission: built 700R
Now that I ran my mouth the trans will probaby break too!
LOL, thats always the way. I have a 400 in the back tarped up, but the 350 will do me for now. Good luck with yours, you obviously know your trannies better than I do!
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Old Dec 22, 2004 | 09:53 AM
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alright i'll just leave the trans....its a 86 car, but the previous owner swapped the 1990 vette motor in it, i don't know if he was smart enuf to swap the trans in too, but if he was that means its a newer trans, and prolly a bit stronger than the 86 trans would be...but i'll go till it blows, then when that time comes, i'm sure i'll post a thread on what to do next.....i'll prolly go with a TH350 or something...
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