Hey guys I have just purchased a 200r4 transmission and a 700r4. The 200 is good and the 700 is just a core I have run a 700 in the past in my 54 truck but was wondering what to expect with the 200r4. Is there anything special when it comes to setting up the TV cable, has anyone had good luck/any problems with reliability. I am running a 70 model 350 w/ performer intake and 600cfm edelbrock carb, manifolds, stock cam not a real powerhouse in a 54 chevy 210 2 door sedan. Let me know what you think Thanks
I had a 2004R in an OT dd '86 Buick Regal behind a stock Olds 307. Never beat on. Made loud noises @ 75 - 80K. They have some shafts & gears in there that are not hardened. Replace those parts with hardened parts and they are said to be a good transmission.
ask 100 people get 200 different answers, much like asking Ford or Chevy. The 700 has been the tried and true trans and the 700 guys will spout all kinds of negativity for the 200, mainly due to what they have been told not what they have experienced. The 200 has it's issues, but so does the 700. both IMO should be rebuilt before dropping in your ride so in that case upgrade the weak points and either is a great choice. This is one of the better professional articles I have found. http://www.drwtransmission.com/thm_200-4r.htm
The 200 has a better gear spacing and uses less power. Both are fairly weak stock. Both can be made to handle decent power. The 200 is about the same size as a TH350. The 700 is bigger. I prefer the 200
If you can locate Shifts, who is on the HAMB occ***ionaly, he is the guy to ask. His occupation is repairing transmissions for fleet services. His knowledge of transmissions is great. He can answer your Questions.
I've had a 200r4 behind a stout (around 450 hp) for a couple of years. As mentioned, better gear spacing and smaller than the 700. Needs at the minimum a hardened stator. Mine has a bunch of billet steel parts, input shaft, forward drum, etc. The Buick GN guys are running cars in the 8 and 9 sec range with these, not stock of course. TV adjustment is well do***ented at Bowtie Overdrives. Get a line pressure guage and check pressures. Check out http://www.extremeautomatics.com/, Lonnie Diers is a 2004r guru.
I installed a Bowtie Overdirve (BTO) Level Two 200 4R behind a mild 350 V8 in my '68 Camaro. Went with BTO 2200 tq convertor with a B&M Star Shifter. It was built for 450 hp/ 450 lbs tq. Installed it two years ago. No issues. Did not have to cut the driveshaft like you do with a 700. BTO has a easy to install TV Cable system. I used BTO's trans pressure gauge to make sure it was set up right. No regrets.
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