Quote:
Originally Posted by Olds64
Hi everyone! I wanted some info on different trannies before I decide what new engine / tranny combo is going into my 64 98.
Currently my 64 has a valve ticking 394 with a slipping Slim Jim. So even if I decide to put a 307 and TH 200 into my 64 it will probably be an improvement over what is in it now. 
I have heard that the TH 400 and 200 4R will bolt right up to a 455 or 403 as long as they have the BOP bellhousing. Is this true? What about a 700 R4? I thought they were only available on Chevy vehicles.
I also heard that the 200 4R would need to be beefed up to handle the torque of a mildly built Olds motor. What is involved with building one of the above trannies. I have rebuilt a TH 350 and my Slim Jim, so I don't have alot of tranny experience. I imagine I can put hi performance clutches and beefy hard parts into a tranny that I tear apart. Or is it better to have someone beef it up for me. 
Thanks for the info let me know what you think. |
You are pretty much correct. First, I assume in any case you'll be swapping the motor, since none of the modern automatics bolt to the 394 without an adpater.
The TH400 is GM's bulletproof three speed automatic and comes in Chevy and BOP bellhousings. It also comes in two different tailhousing lengths. Standard issue behind big block Olds motors from the mid 1960s to 1976. Note that the current 4L80E is an electronic overdrive version of this trans but only comes with a Chevy bolt pattern. It can be bolted to an Olds with the usual Chevy-to-BOP adapter plate, but you'll still need a standalone computer to operate it. This is the only truly bulletproof big block OD trans option.
The 200-4R is an overdrive version of the weak-kneed TH200. I've broken one behind a stock 307, but as you correctly note, beefed up versions of this trans live behind 9 second Buick GNs.
The 700R4 in stock form is not much stronger than the 200-4R and has the added problem of only coming with a Chevy bellhousing. The later 4L60 and 4L60E versions are stronger but the E version needs a computer like the 4L80E. Either the 700R4 or the 200-4R will need work to survive.