I'm swapping from 5-speed to automatic, most likely the usual 700-R4. But I gotta ask....

My 400 is built for low-end torque, not high-end power. So it doesn't really need the 700's lower first gear. Plus I'd like a little higher top gear than the 700's 0.7 ratio. My 5-speed has the 0.61 top gear, and I'd like to stay relatively close to the same engine speeds on the road, without swapping gears in my perfectly good rear axle.

The 200-4R has a higher first gear, almost the same as the 5-speed's low gear. That also makes closer ratios with 2nd and 3rd. I think that would be better with my engine build. Top gear is 0.67.

The 200's reputation is that it's not as strong as the 700, but I also read that with a few simple mods and upgrades, and a performance rebuild, it can be just as strong as any 700.

I'd just like to know if anyone is using a 200-4R, and what do you think of it? Any issues?

 

The 200 can be built as strong, if not stronger than a 700r. They cam factory in the turbo buicks and turbo ta's, many of which are still in use behind low 9 sec cars. - That said, they aren't cheap when built to handle decent power.

700r ratios - 3.06, 1.46, 1.00, .70 - (2nd might be 1.60, it's been a while...)
200r ratios - 3.00, 2.00, 1.00, .67

- The only real difference is the 1st - 2nd step is more performance oriented. 1st and OD, you're only talking a couple rpm difference. If you're 400 is torque oriented, it would work better having to "pull" the 1-2 step of the 700.

 

I've used a 200-4R for a few months in my 79 Malibu with a 305 TPI. It worked very well. But I want to do some autocross so, ironically, I am planning a swap to a 5 speed. I liked the better first gear/second gear spread. TPI's have so much torque the lower first isn't needed.

Lemme know if you would like to trade transmissions.

 

The ratios for the 2004R are 2.74 - 1.57 - 1.00 - 0.67. The ratios for the 700R4/4L60E are 3.06 - 1.63 - 1.00 - 0.70.

 

A swap could be done. Downside is that it would take two machines off the road in the process. And we're about 450 miles apart.

Is your 200 stock, or has it already been built? I'm only gonna slam the trans with about 520 ft-lbs when I upgrade the heads.

 

I had purchased it off of eBay with supposedly a super-awesome-fantastic-wonderful rebuild. (From a guy who no longer uses eBay under the same name, and had a few run-ins with other transmission purchasers who didn't like his products.)

It showed up in a zip-tied Rubbermaid tub with pillows for cushion. It lasted about 500 miles, possibly because it was built wrong, or maybe I setup the TV cable wrong. Regardless, for a while it was pretty sweet. It goes in reverse very well, and but forward has become a challenge. Likely I fried the forward clutches, from what I've read.

The servo looks new and shiny, pump looks very good, one wire hookup for TCC, and the case is painted nice.

I tried to remedy the problem going the cheap route using a 2004R that lasted 2 demolition derbys from my friends big Olds. With all of the work involved in installing an auto trans into a car alone w/o a trans jack I was rewarded with a car that still had reverse, however, no forward motion.

I was first thinking of learning about the internals of automatics with this good fortune, but now I'm set on a 5 speed setup. My left leg just gets bored.

 

I've been getting a lot of feedback from different sources, and I've been perusing the various sites and catalogs. Seems there's a lot more difference between the 700-R4 and the 200-4R than the gear ratios. When you add up the parts upgrades needed to make these transmissions handle over 500 ft-lbs., the 700's list is shorter and a lot less expensive. Also, I can pick up a 700 core from an '87 or newer third-gen at my local U-Pull-It salvage for about 35 bucks. I haven't found a 200 with the universal CBOP bolt pattern there yet. Add up costs and availability, and the 700 is the winner by several hundred bucks. With my build's torque curve, I'll just be sure to get a converter that has a near-stock stall. That will help make up for the lower 1st gear.

It's also cheaper than what's gonna happen if (when?) my T5 grenades. The only option to get over that is a T-56 (Ouch! Are they pricey!!!) with a lower rear gear set.

I really needed the feedback that I got here. Thanks, everybody.

 

Is the 200-4r a little lighter than the 700-r4? Just curious. You are right about prices for upgrading one vs. the other on cost. Another reason I chose the 200-4R was because I wouldn't have to pay to get the driveshaft cut and balanced.

And T-56's are crazy expensive, even used.

Is there a middle road between the weaker T-5 and the expensive T-56? Someone mentioned a Richmond 5- speed, but I am not sure if they are aftermarket only or found in some different cars/trucks already.

And what about the NV3550? (or is it NW)