Ok I got my FREE 200r4 for my 28 chevy and it is electronic. I am sure it is a good one but is there any way to use it with without the electronics? Adapters or anything. As you can tell I am a little trans illiterate. Thanks Jim
Do you know what year/application the trans is out of originally? By "electronics" it may just have the wiring plug for a lock-up converter which is pretty easy to hook up, or you can run with it unplugged and it won't do any harm, you just won't have the lock-up feature. Some newer transmissions have electronic speed sensors and what not, but the earlier ones only had the lock-up wiring.
Its pretty easy to set them up so all you need is 12v and a ground. Run 12v through a brake switch so the lockup disengages when you apply the brake. I think TCI sells a kit or any trans shop can setup the valve bodies to work this way. The real critical thing is getting the TV set right.
Also, there's even a GM way to make it computer free--this trans was used for a year or two in G body cars before they were computerized; junkyard brake light switch and vacuum switch from one of these things coupled to 10 feet of wire will give you a factory hookup. You can probably get a complete 1980 G body for less than buying the 10 feet of wire new...
it's not just the converter lockup, there is no cable on the right side, just a place for an elect. plug still can be done? Jim
As far as I know the 200r4 never used a computer to control it. It used a TV cable that was attached to the carb (sort of like a kick down cable). 700R4 was computer controlled.
The lockup required a manifold vac switch to unlock it under full throttle acceleration and a brakelight switch to unlock it when hitting the brakes; I think the first may have been computer-switched after '81, as the visible vac switch disappeared at that time. The rest of it was for sure never computerized.
What zman said. The vacuum switch you're talking about is for the TH350c, (c stands for lockup converter on the 3spd). The 200r4 didn't exist until 84. It's not electronic, just get the TCI switch...that's the same thing all the Monte Carlo SS folks use when they take out the computer and drop in 383s and whatnot. Otherwise you need the vacuum switch and wiring from a car with the TH350c... And make sure to check out the TCC solenoid since you're probably going to open it up to put a kit in it before running it...TCC solenoids go bad, people think the trans is bad, but it's just a PITA/dextron shower kind of thing and cheap to fix.
Well while we are on the 200r4 subject, Id like to go with a bigger stall converter about 2000-2500 or so , now when im on the freeway im only running about 2200 rpms, hows it going to work with a 2500 stall and only 2200 cruising rpms? Im not sure how all that works.
You need to be able to lock-up the converter to keep the heat down in the tranny. You can pick up an inexpensive 4th gear only lock up kit cheap on ebay. Also an even more important issue is the TV cable. It controls line pressure among other things in the tranny and the tranny will fry the quickly if it is not set up properly. Check out this sight for more info. http://www.tvmadeez.com/article/index.html Bob
I was worried about that with the lock-up Metric tranny in my 49, so I called Shifts here on the HAMB and he assured me that NO harm would come to the trans if it was run without the lock-up wiring...the only thing it would affect is gas mileage and freeway cruise rpm. The Metric tranny, like the 200r4, uses a throttle valve (TV) cable to control line pressure in place of a vacuum modualtor, so propper TV cable adjustment IS critical...but wiring the lock-up converter is optional, according to experienced transmission guys.
you need to ID the tranny. ALL t-200 & 200-4r used a TV cable. There would be a square plastic electric connector on the side of the case in the area of the shifter linkage . NONE of the t-200 & 200-4r were computer controlled shifting. Only the converter clutch was controlled by a crude on-board computer not too long before the 200-4r was discontinued..
I haven't talked to shifts about it, but I did ruin one by running it on the highway with no lock up, or so the very experienced transmission guy told me, and was confirmed by TCI when I called and ordered the replacement parts. so I guess there are conflicting reports. But having burned one up behind a decently SBC I'll have to go with it need to lock up in 4th...
Well, mine was a three speed Metric automatic out of an S10 V6, it used a TV cable and had a provision for lock-up wiring... and that trans worked fine with the lock-up wiring left unhooked, freeway and city driving. There may be some subtle differences between those transmissions and the 200r4, with the 200r4 maybe needing it for proper operation of the overdrive function maybe?
BIG difference in a TH200 & a 2004R. You can run a TH200 w/o lock up, but a 2004R will toast if you dont. DAVE
Question for Shifts - is the 4th gear only lockup an acceptable way to go? I've set mine up this way but haven't put any real miles on it. Used a kit off ebay that had a pressure switch and the wiring. Thanks. Bob
Its an effective but aggravating set up to drive. 4th gear & lockup come in at the same time. The setup we use is a diesel seperator plate or a modified gas & a diesel accumulator housing. This will allow you to use a higher governor pressure switch(psi) & tailor the speed you want lockup to be. DAVE
There was at one time a lock up controller than hooked inline of the cable driven speed-O. it was adjustable for lock up road speed. Seems like B&M offered this device. Mayb other companies too.
Ok It's monday AM and got to call the shop where I go the tranny and it is definitely electronic, but not nesessarily a 200r. Sorry for all the confusion but I guess it made a good thread and I know I learned alot this weekend thanks Jim
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