giving up on th400, what 2004r to choose

Old Sep 10, 2012 | 05:45 AM
  #1  
cut123's Avatar
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giving up on th400, what 2004r to choose

After fighting my old th400 im still getting slipping in second. All possible option have been explores just gonna have to retire it. I am goin to replace it with a aftermarket 2004r. I really like the monster transmission complete conversion package but at 2200 it seems the most expensive. Bow Tie overdrives gets good reviews and the trans is cheaper but by the time i buy lock up kit, stall coverter and tv parts i may be money ahead with the monster. Any other suggestion on a good builder?
Old Sep 10, 2012 | 06:09 AM
  #2  
bigoldscruiser's Avatar
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Contact John Kozak in Richmond, KY. He has his ad in JWO. He is a retired GM employee and is very knowledgeable about what you need for your application and is much more reasonable in price. email kougar172@gmail.com phone 859-623-1883 I bought mine for my '66 98 from him and have been very satisfied.
Old Sep 10, 2012 | 06:16 AM
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Most shops should 'match prices' with their competetors.
Call Bow Tie and see if they will.
What's a phone call worth?
If you'v a 350 with a rear 3:00 or lower rear gear, the 700r4 has a steeper [3:06] 1st gear that'd get you rolling faster.
I had both behind a 'corporate' 305, and liked the 700 better.
Old Sep 10, 2012 | 06:21 AM
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going behind a 300-400 hp 403 with a 3.73 gear ratio, would rather have the 2004r

Last edited by cut123; Sep 24, 2012 at 07:55 PM.
Old Sep 10, 2012 | 11:30 AM
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Any 2004r will work, they are identical from about model year 84 and up except for the calibration. Find a core that suits your budget and contact CK Performance. He offer a package that includes valve body, governor and 2nd servo. Don't pay the big buck for the high dollar cores, get a cheap trans out of a Cadillac and install the high performance parts.
Old Sep 10, 2012 | 08:15 PM
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I have a core here near Chicago if you end up needing one. Willing to take reasonable cash offer, or trade for your Th400 core.
Old Sep 24, 2012 | 07:52 PM
  #7  
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After alot of reasearch although maybe not the favorite choice i ordered the monster master conversion kit. They seemed knowledgable on the phone. The main reason i choose this route is simplicity the kit comes with all the parts needed for the conversion. Some other places had cheaper and stronger transmissions but by the time you piece everthing together they will nickel and dime you to death. I will try to report back on what i think.
Old Jul 28, 2013 | 09:45 AM
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what did you think?
Old Sep 12, 2013 | 02:23 PM
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Curious as to your engine combo and TH 400 specs. The stock TH 400 is rated for over 800 ft lbs of torque. If it is slipping, there is something very wrong or you have monster torque. Again, just curious.
Old Sep 12, 2013 | 06:51 PM
  #10  
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Have a friend that dealt with Monster. Tranny blew shortly after purchase (was not abused), and Monster gave him a real hard time with warranty.
Old Sep 12, 2013 | 09:14 PM
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TH400's:

Just looked at the "Monster" ad at the bottom of the page. They are saying their "step above stock" rebuild is suitable for less than 300 HP/Tq? The stock TH400 is rated at 2 1/2 times those numbers. My TH 400 TB doesn't slip with stock clutches and and the standard heavy sprag. You need to find a better builder. TH 400's are almost bullet proof when assembled properly.

Many years ago, I had a friend with a 427 BBC and a TH400. He raced it regularly, revving it up to 6000 RPM in Neutral and dropped it into first when the light turned green. He did that for about a year and a half before the TH400 started acting up. Totally stock TH400.

The TH400 is an easy transmission to repair if you should decide to do it yourself. Most of what you need to know to fix automatics is; if the part has any detectable wear, replace it; and, keep rags away from clean parts. Blow off everything with air before you reinstall it. Lint will mess with autos. Another way two learn is to pay a local guy to teach you how to do a repair. Some will do it and that's how I learned to rebuild my first basket case PG. Only cost me $50 and a gasket set. And there are pretty good videos on youtube.

My new '55 barks the tires in first, second, and third. There is nothing quite like an old Olds slant pan hydro. Another good piece they didn't make enough of.

"Jakeshoe" on the Chevelle Forum has done a lot of transmissions for the BBC people on that site and has an excellent reputation.
http://www.jakesperformance.com/ Give him a call.

Last edited by kirkwoodken; Sep 12, 2013 at 09:29 PM. Reason: Change:
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