I am wanting to drop a big block into my '86 Firebird. I expect to making around 500 HP.(Knock on wood.) Now my question is this. Some guys have recomended dropping my 700R4 in replace for a 200R4. What's the difference? I liked my 700R4 'cause of the overdrive. Will the 200R4 have an overdrive? What's the benefits of one over the other? Which is cheaper to strengthen, either way I'm going to go with a shift kit and hardened internals. With those options wouldn't my 700 be able to handle the power? Thanks for the help!

 

A 200r4 has diffrent gear ratio's than a 700r4. Some people says its stronger. I havent seen any proof that a 200r4's stronger. I think it would be better to build your 700r up a bit than build a 200r that you dont have.
SSC

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85 Camaro, 355/400 "drag car" current DD 13.1@ 101mph on its last season run.
Plans: Possibly add N20 for next season.
82 Firbird, rebuilt 355 for it and slaped a 700r4 in. The 700r4 crapped out so back to the tb350

 

With that power either one built properly will handle it. The advantage in the 200-4R is the closer ratio change between 1st and 2nd gears. The 700 has a much larger drop that can make your car feel like it is falling on it's face. With a big block you likely will have enough torque that it won't matter as much unless you make it to wind real high or have a narrow power band.