Some of you trans guys help me out, I am planning on putting an overdrive trans in when I get to that point in the restoration. I know most of you are using the 200 but it would seem that the 700 is much tougher? If you lay out the parts like the front pump, the input shaft, the band, clutches, drums, spragues, planetaries ect the 700 has much larger componets down the line. Seems like it would be much easier to build to take the torque and HP of the 455 and would be much more durable. I know the 200 has a more even split between 1 and 2 but I am not planning on racing this car, but would like an over drive. What am I missing here. I know you need an adapter plate for the 700 but that should not be a problem?

 

Although the 200 is almost a bolt-in, it must be HEAVILY modified to last behind a high-torque motor.
I, like you, feel the 700 is a better suited match - toss in a shift kit, a little higher stall converter w/lockup, and away you go!
Best match would be the 4L80E - 400 w/OD, but that's more $. Still, it'd last almost forever!
Both would need adapter plate, electronics, and driveshaft mods.

 

This topic has been discussed several times. Google "2004R vs 700R4"
The search feature would probably help you find the threads discussing it to save yourself some time.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...tml#post193750

The 200-4R doesn't need "heavy mods".
A 700R4 also needs mods to withstand any decent torque itself.

I'm building a 200-4R right now for 800hp and technically speaking only the Hardened Stator ($30),
Hardened Sun Shell ($30), and billet input drum ($350) is needed besides a full rebuild kit,
and a $30 Red Eagle band. Plus you spend some $$$ on upgraded clutches and steels if you
choose to have them. The rest is just recalibrating the hydraulics, which is pretty simple.

The 700R4 can not be built up to handle the same HP that a 200-4R can.

The 200-4R has parts available for it to be behind a 1000hp motor.

Talk to Chris @ CKperformance or just about ANY OTHER reputable nationwide racing transmission shop.
They will all tell you that the 200-4R is a better transmission to go with. I didn't listen to them the 1st time.
This time I did. Chris is a huge transmission guy known on every major forum. Especially www.TurboBuick.com

 

X2 on both the mods and CK Performance recommendation.

 

Hey Aceshigh do you have the center console?

if so how are u doing it now that u have the 200r4 with the 4 speed. i was looking around and see that they make a kit to compensate for the 4th gear but only on the dual gate. i also have the 200r4 but i have not put my center console and shifter in yet because of this reason. i know this was brought up awhile back but never did hear anything about it.

 

I bought one a month or so ago for a project. It fit the console and it is not a dualgate. Look around, it's out there. I don't have the box at hand so I can't tell you who made it.

 

http://www.shiftworks.com/cutlas.htm

 

I haven't finished building it because Chris still after 6 weeks now hasn't been able to get
his 200 page performance rebuild manual for 200-4R's out to me. They've had a lot of issues
with their printer in New York getting them done correctly.....just called, hopefully next week.

All I can say is......thank God this is a winter project.

But truthfully, I'm probably selling my console and going full blown custom console.

I've put almost $1000 in parts upgrades to my 200-4R. Most of it was speedo gears, driven
gears, hardened parts, Hydraulics recalibration kit, red eagle clutches, new speedo bullet since
I totally trashed mine, new Road Runner converter, etc and a full blown CK high end rebuild kit
and their CK Billet Servo and the $350 billet input drum

I'm probably going to sell it after this season or next.
I really just had the itch to rebuild one, but someone will benefit from this once I sell it big time.
I'm only using this trans until I get the final funds $$$ together for my 2nd LSX swap with my T-56 6 speed.
It was kinda a dumb move $$ wise but I just wanted to do it myself to gain the experience.

I'm an avid hands on learner when I have the time. When I don't have the time, I pay to have it done.

 

i knew they fit in the console but the stock shifter is only a three speed versus the 200r4 which is a four speed.


Right on thanks joe. i guess i was looking in the wrong places.

 

Dave, either one would work for you but the 200R4 wouldn't need an adapter and I believe the 700 has a lower first gear. As mentioned above the Buick guys have figured out how to build the 200R4 super strong. So if you wanted to go that route I'm sure it would stand up behind your 455. Also check out the link from shiftworks, they have an adaption kit to convert a factory 3 speed floor shifter for the 4 speed automatic. John