Hi guys
Anyone here have or know someone who is using a Gear Vendors overdrive unit? I was planning on getting a fairly beefy 200R4 for my build but im still somewhat concerned about its longevity and durability. Apparently the GV OD can handle up to 1200 HP. My motor is just a mildly upgraded E block 400 so no where near that. They cost about 2500. bucks but the CK performance 200R4 is 1900. It can handle 500 HP and 500 lbs. torque. I figure my motor may be close to 400HP and closer to 500 lb. torque. I dont want something that is that close to my HP limits. In other words i dont want to be pushing the tranny to ITS limits if i stand on it, which i know i will do at times. I dont plan on racing the car but still if i stand on it I want to know that the tranny is not under any strain. CK also makes another upgrade that they say handles up to 7-800 HP and 800 lb torque-if im recalling correctly. This upgrade is 2600. same as GearVendors OD. So if anyone has an opinion on this i would appreciate it.
Thanks
Steve

 

I have a Gear Vendor in my car, I got it used from ebay. It does make a big difference in the noise and mileage. The cost is about the same, but have you considered a 4L80E trans? Its basically a TH400 with a overdrive. When I installed the gear vendor years ago the 4L80E stuff was way too expensive. If I had to do it over again I would have gone with the 4L80E. It needs less trans tunnel modifications, it would retain the lock-up converter, Jakes Performance offers a transbrake valvebody () that retains the automatic function, and wont break unless you have a really stout engine.

 

My dad got one used on ebay too, and installation wasn't very fun. Works great though if u find a deal

 

Look here

http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/cata....php?ITEMID=13

 

or you can try here. Little more money

extremeautomatics.com/transmissions/2004r.html

 

Doesn't the E mean it' s computer controlled?

 

The 200-4r's big advantage is weight. It causes very low parasitic loss of HP, even compared to the usual thm-350 and thm-400 3 speeds. Adding the GV overdrive is going to increase loss. Unless you've got money invested in your installed transmission, moving to a built 200-4r is (IMO) the right choice.

 

You need to get the next step heavier duty 2004r if you do it that $1900 dollar one will be toast in short order if you are hard on your car then again if you drive your car like an old man and only abuse it rarely it will probably work for a long time.

 

I blew up one of these...TWICE. Went back to a T400. Never again. Perhaps the 555 hp and 552 TQ to the wheels on the chassis dyno had a part in its' demise.

 

I have looked at extreme he seems to advertise bigger HP and Torque than others but it looks like he used LESS billit parts. The Street Pro from CK Performance has a lot of billit goodies. I talked to him "Chris" I think he builds a good tranny but im still a little hesitant on the 200R"s. Not sure what to do.. They do put every tranny in a car and get it set up and tested before its shipped out.

 

I am with you on this one. Plus don't drive the Olds enough to worry about the gas mileage plus when cruising I am never in a hurry and find myself in the slow lane most of the time so the rpm's are no a concern. Of course I am running 3:08's