So the previous owner swapped in a 350 Chevy into my 1982 firebird TA, and I realized I have a terrible transmission, I’ve been looking for a new transmission, either a th350,700r4, or a 2004r, I want a reliable trans that is easy to install to my 350 sbc and will fit under the firebird without a ton of modification. What do you guys recommend?

 

I swapped a 200c from my '82 z28 for a TH350 back in 1988 without any issues and the car ran great. The following year I got a hold of a 700r4 out of a 1985 z28 and swapped again. That tranny was a whole lot more enjoyable on the highway.

 

The 350 is more or less plug & play, except that you have to figure out what to do about the torque arm.

The 700 is almost as plug & play. You'll need a different crossmember (any 83-up), and to add 2 bolt holes for it. Drive shaft will need to be shorter. (your long one will sell for good $$$ though so don't be too afraid of that) Torque arm might be different, I don't remember. Might need to either change your flex plate or elongate the converter bolt holes; some need this, some don't. And of course you'll need TV cable provisions: it's quite a bit different from the 200C's cable arrangement.

I'd be inclined to agree that in 2020, unless this is strictly a strip-only car, you'll be ALOT better served by the 700.

 

TH350 is a much stronger/reliable trans than a 700r4. TH400 is even better. As cheap as trans controllers are getting, I would not hesitate for a 4L80E.