I have a 455 I'm building for a 1971 Cutlass S. 3.73 gears. The engine is similar to 70cutty's. I have a TH400 I was going to build up. But debating something with an Overdrive. Any advice much appreciated

 

I have a Tremec 5 speed manual in mine but have put a Bowtie overdrive in a friend's. Go with the overdrive. You'll never regret it. They're stout, can handle the power, and you can drive your car across the country if you so desire. Do the cost equation as to how much it will cost to rebuild the TH400 vs buying a built overdrive for your application. They're a little pricey but the flexibility you get is worth the cost IMO.

 

You'll be much happier with an OD trans, but be sitting down when you get the price. Expect to pay about twice as much for a properly built 200-4R than for a TH400. A Gear Vendors unit will cost about as much as a built 200-4R, and you still need to get the TH400 and a custom driveshaft.

 

It depends on what/how your going to use the car. If you just plan on driving local with limited highway, then I'd stay with the T400. If you plan on long trips, then go with the Odrive.

 

It will prolly be half and half driving in town and highway. How much modifications on putting it in. I had a driveshaft built for the TH350 that's in it now. I prolly won't be able to use that with either a TH400 or 200-4R?? Any suggestions for a stout 200-4R?

 

The drive shaft will work on the 200-4r, not the T400.

 

Dang I woulda never thought the driveshaft would work. I'm looking at some 200-r4 online. Not sure which one is good for my build

 

The 200-4R is the same overall length as a short tail TH350 (or Jetaway, or Muncie), so it uses the same driveshaft. The mounting pad location is in the TH400 position, however, so the trans crossmember needs to be moved back.

 

Just to give you an idea. I am looking at couple of options right now, if I go automatic, my built up th-350 with Gear vendors OD or 200r4 from CK performance. Gear vendors is about $2500 and CK quoted $3300 shipped for their strongest 200r4. torque converter, tv cable adapter included.

 

Cool. I'll look into CK. that's a pretty penny but want to have a sound set up

 

A Beefy by design TH400 with a Gear Vendor OD unit. Best of both worlds. Im just not sold on the 200s guts, even beefed with exotic parts. A 400 from an HD application say from a 442 verses a light duty unit does not need exotic parts to survive. Hell even a light duty 400 has more beef than a 200. Just sayin as I have had both apart...