Newbie

[ScottMHoffman]

I have a 72 Olds Convertible that I have put a 455 in and presently working on installing a 200r4. Should be getting the final parts this week and will find out what mistakes I made.

Grew up with a neighbor that owned a 71 Cultass Conv and had to have one. Owned a 71 Cutlass in college but always wanted the convertible. Finally purchased this one 3 years ago.

[citcapp]

Scott,

Thats one of the few pleasures about getting older being able to purchase and enjoy some of the things we could not do when we were younger. Post some pictures. Did you do anything to the 455 or is it stock, what year is the engine

[derek nesdoly]

Good to have you joining us!I put myself through school working out west,and bought a couple of used cutlii to get around. Had to put in a new exhaust and pipes on one ...it doubled the cars value as it had a $150.00 purchase price! Just whip off a couple pics and more info about you and your ride and in no time you're into all the other forums. Derek [recent newbie]

[ScottMHoffman]

Could not figure how to post the photo. Have a photo on my desk top.
Have edelbrock aluminum heads and intake, cam, headers, and high energy ignition. Do not know the exact hp but should be near 450. Installed front disc brakes and globalwest front A arms w/ coilover shocks.

[gearheads78]

Welcome...lots of good folks here

[rccktmn2]

Originally Posted by gearheads78

Welcome...lots of good folks here

WOW.....I must be a right wing extremist!

[gearheads78]

Originally Posted by rccktmn2

WOW.....I must be a right wing extremist!

Me too according to the new report from HLS

[Phil A]

Becarefull of the 200R4 trans. Use 86-87 Buick Grand National hard parts where you can. They are different and stronger. Stay out of OD unless you are on very flat ground for a long time and never manuel down shift trans. I was with a GM dealer for 30 years and we had a lot of trouble with them failing except for the Buick GN. Aftermarket trans shops may know how to make the stronger. If you can use a 700R4 it would be a better bet. Not sure the case will bolt to a 455 Olds.Phil

[OLD SKL 69]

A friend of mine is a tranny builder and he said the same thing. The 700R4 holds up better than the 200R4 in high horsepower applications. But he did say that the 200's can hold up providing you do not abuse it as long it is built with quality parts.

BTW, I am a right wing extremist as well since I don't believe in spending money I don't have!

[ScottMHoffman]

the 200r4 bolts right in making the install very easy. Just have to move the crossmember a few inches back. I did have a transmission shop rebuild it to supposedly with stand the hp I have. From what I understand I should be OK with the 200r4 as long as a stay way from any type of drag radial. Presently my weak link is tire traction. Keeping it that way should save the trans and rear from failure.

[joe_padavano]

There are 9 second GNs running 200-4Rs, so with the right parts these can be as strong as any other. The key parts for most street builds are the hardened stator support and the forward drum with a billet shaft. I got these parts for my rebuild because I've killed two stock 200-4Rs with my 307.