I've been through 2 700-R4 trannies, and want something that will hold up to anything I throw at it in the future. What sucks is I really like overdrive so that is prefered. I want to install a 383 with twin turbos someday but for now I got a 305 (almost stock). Maybe a motor and trannie from a 4th gen?

[This message has been edited by bigrobb (edited December 06, 2000).]

 

200R from a Gn!



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60 Ranchero - Project ( Money Hole )
85 Z28 LG4 - Daily Driver
**Mods**
MSD Superconductors
14" Open Element
KYB all around

 

4L80E, but it wouldn't be easy.

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1984 Camaro Z28 Astral Silver w/ 2 1/2" cowl induction hood
Engine: Decked 383 cid 4 bolt w/ oil cooler, 9.6:1 compression, ARP fasteners, 600 cfm Performer carburetor, Torker II intake, Performer RPM Heads, XE268H cam, Magnum roller tip rockers, MSD6AL ignition, Blaster2 coil, recurved HEI distributor
Exhaust: Terminator headers, Custom 3" TIG welded stainless exhaust, Twister muffler.
Transmission: 4L60 w/ Corvette servo, .500 boost valve, TransGo 7-CS clutch springs, 700 PKH pump rings, 700-2 reprogramming kit, Borg-Warner High-Energy frictions & bands, 2400 RPM lockup torque converter
Drivetrain: 2.73:1 limited-slip Dana 44 w/ disc brakes.
Tires: Front P225/50VR15 Rear P265/50VR15 Eagles

 

Turbo 400. Next turbo 350. If ur looking for strenth. I prefer 700r4. Kevin

 

With overdrive, the new Allison 5 Speed auto found in the new trucks with the 8.1 Liter V8 is the STRONGEST. Next would be the 4L80E.

For non-overdrive, the TH400.

As for cost and easy of install, the TH400 would be. You might want to talk to Dana at Pro-Built about what he recommends. With the power you intend to produce, I think you need to talk to the professionals as to what they recommend. The 4L60/700R4 can be beefed up, but there are limits to how far.

 

I hate to say this, but the strongest tranny is got to be the FORD-O-MATIC!!!!!!

J/K In my opinion, T350.

Then spend the dough on the Under/Overdrive unit from gear vendors.

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'82 Firebird, dead stock, 9 bolt disc rear, over 200,000 miles and still going strong, more to come...

 

THANKZ

 

My truck has a 4L80E. It's an electronic version of the TH400 but also has an overdrive. The downside to using one is that the tranny has to have a computer to operate.

Each tranny has it's own use. A simple 2 speed powerglide is one of the best auto trannys for a light drag race car. The 4L80E on the other end of the scale can take 500 pounds feet of torque right from the factory and can be made even stronger. Some sheet metal modification is required to fit a TH400 into a third gen and even more is required for the 4L80E.

I'm still running a TH350 in my race car because parts are very plentiful if I break something.

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Stephen's racing page

87 IROC-Z Pro ET Bracket Race Car
383 stroker (carbed) with double hump cast iron heads and pump gas
454 Big Block buildup now in progress for the 2001 racing season

Best results before the 383 blew up
Best ET on a time slip: 11.857 altitude corrected to 11.163
Best MPH on a time slip: 117.87 altitude corrected to 126.10
Altitude corrected rear wheel HP based on power to weight ratio: 476.5
Best 60 foot: 1.662

Racing at 3500 feet elevation but most race days it's over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association

87 IROC bracket car, 91 454SS daily driver, 95 Homebuilt Harley

 

4L60's can handle a good amount of abuse, its when "Bubba" tears into it and F@cks everything up that gives this tranny a bad rap. Sure, this tranny has some bad spots, but so does anything else that was ever manufactured, nothing is perfect. If done correctly, a 4L60 is all you need.

As for getting a tranny from a 4th gen, basiclly you already have it, minus the electronic controls.

Glenn, I know some about the new Allison LCT 1000 Transmission, and it would be almost impossible to incorperate the Transmission's control module (it has its own computer) to our obsolete computer systems in our cars. Instead of sensors hardwired to the control module, it communicates with the ECM via Class 2 serial data communications, something our computers don't have. It would be a very tough install.

The 4L80-E is a tough transmission, but also very big, very heavy, very noisy first gear (thanks to straight cut gears in the planetary) and is also electronicly controlled, needing a control module to control it. JET sells the 4L80-E that supossedly is a "stand alone" set-up, but I'm sure you will pay out the nose.

In summary, you are probably best off getting a kick@ss 4L60 built. Like mentioned before, get in touch with Dana at Probiult. He probably has what you need.

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'87 Trans Am
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-->14.97 @ 94.9 MPH<--

'97 Bonneville SSE

 

Try the Raptor 700R4 tranny from transmissioncenter.net. It claims to be able to handle 600hp.

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'91 GTA with TPI 350 & T-Tops. Just a few mods, if you want to find out just line up next to me at a stoplight!

 

I have several 700R4's in the elevens, and a couple in the ten's. Last I heard they're holding up ok. The right choice of torque converter is what will make or break this transmission. I recommend a 10" non-lockup from Continental, or the 9.5" Vigilante from Precision Industries. Both of these torque converters take a lot of weight off the back of the crankshaft, and transmit less shock to the transmission. They have a higher than stock torque multiplication ratio 2.1 - 2.5, compared to the factory 1.5 - 1.7 .These TC's are worth 2-4 tenths quicker ET's in the quarter mile than the stock TC's. Give me a call at 800 7763288 Mon-Sat. 10-6 PST. I will answer any questions you have about your 700R4?
Glad Too Help!!!

 

Man, you really need to define best "for what" when asking this type of question. For a light, drag-only, maxed out ride, a Powerglide could be called the best transmission. Since you talk about wanting overdrive, we can assume that's not what you're talking about. But then, you mention twin turbos...

 

Right now I want a kick@$$ car that can still be a daily driver, but turn headz. No whut I'm saying? But when I get enuf money I might go all the way to a drag car but don't want to have to figure a new tranny in again, cause I just got one a couple years ago.

Thankz everyone for replying and anyone else that will add something later.

 

I've had a 200r4 in my '68 chevy shortbed with a 440hp 383 stroker and 3.73's for over a year with no probs. You might check out this tranny, it's tough and you get the overdrive your looking for.
SC

 

I would highly recomend the 200-4r. It does require care in the build up to insure reliability. Raybestos clutches and a kevlar band and tight will be sufficient. GN's have been using beefed up versions deep into the 9's. Otherwise a 4l80-e should work. The aftermatket offers a standalone controller for it. Oh, yeah a big advantage for the 200-4r over the 700-r4/4l60 is the higher first and higher od ratios.

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82 z28 350cid, vortec heads, comp 262h cam, Holley 600cfm carb, 2in twice pipes, MSD ignition, turbo 350 trans, 3.73 posi, manly b&m megashifter