I have been going back and forth trying to figure out what transmission to use on my Dodge Coronet. I have a 230 flatty with a gyto-matic. I have really been contemplating using a 200 4R tranny. I am not concerned about power(i am not going to race). I am looking at ease and cost though. Wilcap makes an adapter kit for these. And they seem to be much easier to locate than a T5. I am going to convert to 12 volts. I am also going to do some mild engine performance upgrades(dual carbs, split manifold, high compression head, electronic ignition) I will likely have to have a shop do the install along with a Cherokee rear end, but I want to purchase as much as I can myself to save money. So, along with a new starter and a trans cooler; and the inevitable mods for supports- what else do I need to get....And more importantly what are things I need to think about before I commit to this tranny? Are there better options for an efficient automatic, and if so, can I get the necessary adapter and parts for it?
Generally, I am a fan of the the 2004R automatic and consider it a better choice than the 700R4 for several applications. However, that does not mean one or the other of them are ideal for all applications. In your case you have indicated that cost and complexity are significant considerations. Since you will be subletting much of the work involved, I think the complexity should be a foremost consideration if costs are to be contained and a satisfactory operating result is to be achieved. Toward that end, another question you should answer for yourself is, "where am I going to use the car most often?". If the car is for use around town at least half of the time, then maybe an OD trans isn't as cost effective, when compared to, for instance, a Turbo 350 non-OD automatic. Especially when you add to the mix that you will be changing the rear axle and have the opportunity to select a compatible gear ratio for the intended combination of parts. For instance, the axles ratios used in late '80s thru 2001 Cherokees were 3.55 for 6 cyl automatic models and 3.07 for 6 cyl manual trans vehicles. 4 cyl versions used 3.73 and 4.10, respectively. In my opinion, the 3.07 axle coupled with the TH350 would offer very adequate in town performance and modest engine rpm's when cruising on the highway. I would recommend you seek a early/mid '90s thru 2001 Cherokee with the 8.25 axle over the earlier Dana 35 model. The Dana 35 is 'OK', the Mopar 8.25 is better. In addition to which, with the TH350, the installation would be simplified by eliminating the need for the precision operation of the "TV" ( throttle valve) cable that 200 and 700 transmissions require. In those installations, the carb throttle arm must have the correct geometry to move the cable at both the needed rate and full travel. For more popular models of V8 carbs these arms can be purchased, but likely would have to be fabricated for your installation. Also, a rebuilt TH350 should cost less money than a comparable TH2004R. The adapter for the 2004R is the same as for Powerglide, TH350/400, so that is not a problem. As I recall, the TH350 has a cable as well, but I believe it for "kick down to passing gear" and is much less sensitive to geometry of linkage. Also, most TH350's do not have lockup torque converters, another simplification over the 200/700 models. There is a TH350C that does have the converter lockup feature and if you had a trans with that, it would be okay to use as it does reduce engine rpm a bit when engaged. Not too confuse the issue too much, but the Chrysler 904 Torqueflite 3 speed would also be a worthy trans to consider and adapters are available for that too. I am not promoting that, just offering info.
I also prefer the 200-4R over the 700 or the Ford 4spd. For your application, for what it's worth, sounds like a good idea. You say that there is already an adapter made...the rest should be a snap. You need all the required parts that any swap would need... TV cable, TV bracket, trans. yoke, some sort of speedometer hookup. The converter lock-up can be done as cheaply as a 4 dollar switch to a 50 dollar electronic connection from any of the (200-4R) trans. builders, and of course a crossmember. Art Carr in SoCAL is a good one to go to for everything from pieces to a complete setup. http://www.cpttransmission.com/ Have fun. Mike
Good choice on the 200-4R. Make sure the shop that rebuilds does NOT reinstall the throttle exhaust check ball and as was stated to make sure TV cable is correctly adjusted.
Put a 200 4R in the wife's 50 Chevy after the TH350 started puking fluid. I chose it because it fit between the frame rails and without any drive shaft modifications or transmission tunnel hammering that a 700 R4 would have required. I did change the rear gear afterward from 2.73 to 3.73 to get better performance on acceleration. This pretty much negated any economy advantage over the TH350. I now think the offline feeling is more a result of a torque converter with a little higher stall speed than stock. I also like the idea of a Torqueflight in your application just to keep it in the same gene pool.
You may want to check the bell pattern for your 230 vs slant six 225. If they are the same you may want to go with an A904 Torqueflite (from a slant six car) Only problem is the push button shift, but that can be solved by getting one 65 and newer.
My vote would be stick to your guns on the 200R4. Wilcap probably makes the adapter. You tube has several videos on the TV cable adjustment..They also show the proper bracketry for the cables to ensure proper alignment. I use the 2004R and Wilcap adapters behind my small block mopars. It is light and small and performs great. If you are capable of watching the video you can adjust the cable. Do not let that scare you away.
I'm a big fan of the 200 4r but for your car and engine combo I would use a 700r4. The 700 has a much lower first gear ,3.06 vs 2.74:1. In a light car the 200 works well, but in a heavy car with a relatively small engine I think the 700 would get the thing rolling a lot better.
Well, after reading all the input here I decided the best way to go is a TH350. I talked with some tranny builders and they all prefer the 350 over the 904. Due to having the Cherokee rear end with a 3.55 ratio, the 3 speed makes more sense than one with OD. Thanks HNSTRAY for the 411 on that. Also, there are no electrical considerations to worry about.....and Wilcap makes an adapter kit for it as well. I'm finally starting to get this project under way!
3:55 with OD works fine! my 85 chevy truck runs 3:55 gear with 350/700r4 and actually is easy on fuel.
With your set up, you have substantially more horses than my flatty(125 at most). So for your application that combo seems appropriate... not so much for mine. I live in a hilly region too. It will still be a taller final drive than it has now with the original 3.91 rear end. Sent from my MB886 using H.A.M.B. mobile app
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