So I bought a 84 Firebird about 2 months ago, it has the 305 and the gentlemen said a 200 -4r tranny. My expertise is hardly in the wrench turning aspect of things, I am the appearance guy. I have completely restored the interior with everything new, have the car prepped for paint and plan on painting it this week. My plans are to move on to the Engine/Powertrain in December. I have found several 383 strokers that are so called "turn key" that I am considering, I have read that the 200-4r will handle the power and torque with ease if I upgrade it properly. Is this true and what would an estimated cost of upgrade be? Do I need to upgrade gears/rear end? Basically this is all foreign to me so any advise is appreciated

 

If you aren't racing or just abusing it constantly you will be ok. A performance transmission may cost you 2-2500 to buy or even have yours re-built. I would recommend a limited slip differential also if it doesn't have one

 

Just looking to have a cruiser that sounds awesome that I can hammer on every now and then. Definitely no racing or anything

 

Id leave it in there then and spend a lot less $ on a Vortec crate engine..