So around a year ago I swapped in a 350 crate from the stock 305. After a few months the trany started to act up and my shop said its due to the extra power of the 350 ( around 100 hp more). Not a huge deal, had the 200c rebuilt with stronger gears to take the power for around $700. Now the car has even more power and its starting to tear the trany apart again, there were shavings and metal bits in the pan. So I decided I'll bite the bullet and pay for a new better trany. I really want something with more gears, the 3 speed is terrible on gas, like 12 mpg on a good day. I'm gonna try to take out a loan for the new trany, but just wanted an opinion on what to go with. I'm back and fourth between a 700r4 and a t56. Either one is gonna take some modifications to make it work and Im sure the t56 will cost more. So any ideas?

 

4l80e. I have one but havent installed it yet. Basically a turbo 400 with overdrive. How many t400s do you hear tearing up?

 

Not sure what your doing with the car but this will work very well for ya.
http://www.700r4l60e.com/

 

thats a good point, is it much different than the 700r4 in terms of install?

 

Thanks for the link. The car is my daily driver as well as a little accelerated fun on weekends. If thats what your asking

 

If all you've "added" is 100 HP, then the engine isn't "too strong" for the trans; rather, the trans is "too weak" even for that moderate power level. Which of course is true, being as how it's a 200C, argualbly THE WORST auto trans ever jammed down the throat of the unsuspecting public by GM.

The 700 is the way to go... fairly simple install really. Drill the 2 83-up crossmember holes in your "frame"; get a 700 with a F-body extension housing, and a 83-up drive shaft, torque arm w mount, and crossmember.

Everything else hooks RIGHT UP.

 

Thats what I was thinking since everyone says its an easy swap. I know the 200c is ****, I've hated it. The low price to rebuild it was far too convincing to pass up though. I still need to do some shopping to find out whats needed and the costs. Do any of the 4th gens have an aluminum drive shaft? I might as well go with everything I want to put in it at this time.

 

Yup; 4th gen Al DS bolts right up into a 3rd gen with a 700. AFAIK all the LS1 cars have it, don't know for sure about the LT1s but I don't think so.

 

Careful on that aluminum drive shaft. I highly recommend one.Yes the newer Model birds use an aluminum shaft. it will go right in. As I am retired from the now debunked Dana corporation, I could fill volumes with what my tech service guy's found out about Birds'. Just make sure you have it. The aluminum shafts are much lighter and the can actually hold more torque and RPM. BUT..they are a little short (about .500). The rule of thumb is you should have at least 2 times the spline shaft diameter in the trans at all times. Just make sure you have it. Without enough engagement at high driveshaft RPM's, you will loose the driveshaft to "Critical Speed". It can and will kill.

Bob

 

That scares me a bit haha, I'll probably have a shop install it and I could make sure that is something they pay attention to.

 

The 4l80e bolts in but it bolts about 9 1/2 inches back on the crossmember so it will have to have work. The length is close to the same but the driveshaft will need work also. Myself and many others I know have torn up 700s for years and it gets old so your forced to look at what will hold horsepower and that is a 4l80e. Many people claim to have 700s that are bullet proof but I have seen many of them behind 700 and 800 horse small and big chevys and they break after spending over a thousand dollars.A stock 4l80e will hold. A built one will last for years or at least my buddies has behind his 454 chevelle for many years.

 

Well I'm pricing out this job now and am curious as to if I'd be fine with buying a regular 700r4 or if it's worth the money to order a new built one from someplace like monster transmissions. I'ts like $300-$600 more than what I'm seeing the 700r4 going on ebay etc, but I'd be paying a lot for shipping with ebay and the quality might be worth it from monster. Any ideas? I'll check the aftermarket vendor reviews too but might as well ask here.

 

I honestly don't know if ill be having this thirdgen up over 500 hp haha, I'd love it dearly but this thing is my daily driver too. I'd be hesitant with the 4l80e being around $1000 more than a 700r4 if its worth actually putting in now.