54 chev powerglide to 200R4 conversion?

i just picked up a 54 chev 210 post, 235 powerglide and want to convert to a 200R4,i looked thru the archives and came up with some info, several people make adapters, use 200R4 trans, S10 blazer real end, but what i still need to know is what year and model donor do i need for the tranny? what donor do i need for the rear end, i measured mine and its 54" backing plate to backing plate, and does anybody have a preference on the gear ratio, ive seen several 84 and 85 model blazers being parted out but am not sure what year would work best, this is my first go at a chevy or a 6 cyl car, so will be asking quite a few questions as i go. i would post some pictures but cant figure out how to resize them.
thanks for any help you can give me.
bill

 

call steve at buffalo enterprises in stanwood wa. he make adaptors that work but are $$$! be sure the s10 rear you use is 4wd as 2wd is way to narrow. the 4wd rear gives about .75" extra clearance over stock. lets see your project!

 

thanks Dude, i tried to upload a picture but they are too large and dont seem to go thru, but will try again, i found a 85 s10 4x4 blazer parts car for sale and was going to buy it but dont think i xcould use the tranny because of the transfer case, i dont know if a tranny shop could change the tail housing.it is a project car, very little rust, the 235 runs good, i thought there was something wrong with the guages, im used to flathead fords and this thing idles at 40 lbs oil pressure, but i quess that is about right. th powerglide seems ok to but i want a car i can drive at freeway speeds

 

S 10 uses a 700r4,not a 2004r

 

thanks sdluck
what cars have the 200R4? and will the 700R4 work as well, or is it larger in demensions?

 

The 200 4R I have in my 51 convertible is from a Monte Carlo SS. I was told by the tranny shop who got it and rebuilt it for me. I think they are found in the Buick Grand Nationals too. They are smaller then the 700 R4 and are a nice fit for the 50s Chevys. They are almost the exact dimensions as the 350 trannys. You can Google transmission dimensions and will probably come up with a link that will show the measurements for all the trannys. Or try this!
http://www.tciauto.com/Products/TechInfo/trans_dims_tables_print.htm
Dom

 

did you ever do the swap? what did you go with and hows it working?

 

I'm using both 700r4 and 200 4r transmissions in different cars. The physical dimensions that affect the trans tunnel (which is usually the biggest problem) aren't that much different. The mount location differences can be a pain in the butt, but moving the trans mount will take care of that. Drive shaft lengths will be different but are usually not an issue because most stock drive shafts should be replaced anyway. The biggest difference are the gear ratios. The 200 is a close ratio with evenly spaced gears. The 700 has a nice low 1st which is great for getting a heavy car rolling. I would think that a 700 might be a better choice for your 54. The overdrive ratios are practically identical.

 

A recient issue of Streetrodder of Rod and custom did that swap.