projectheaven

Hello all,

Is there a overdrive transmission for Oldsmobile?I have the 350 and these 3 gears just aren't working for me.I would LOVE to leave my cutlass all Oldsmobile but I've has experience with the 700r4 and it's great.I don't want to switch the other side (chevy).

What are my options???

Lady72nRob71

The only other one used in Oldsmobiles was the 200R4. I have that one in my 86 Cutlass. I do not think it was Olds-built, as it was used across the board at GM.

I have heard the 200R4 would be an "almost" exact fit for the 350; only the crossmember would need moving/modifying. You would also need a non-lockup converter, or a way to engage the converter clutch electrically. The bolt pattern should match, the length is the same and the yoke is also.
This is all what I have heard - not sure if it is all fact or not.

I have been thinking of repacing my 350 with the 200R4 should the 350 need rebuilding.
Has anyone done this swap???

The 200R4 did have some design flaws (ie. weak pump & brittle rings) that should be upgraded before installing a 200R4.

As for how much better fuel economy one should expect, I have no idea, but I am curious to what it would be...

Redog

They do make adapter plates for BOP engines to bolt up a Chevy (700r4) tranny to them

joe_padavano

The 200-4R vs. 700R4 debate will go on forever...

Neither one is particularly strong in the stock configuration and both must be beefed up to live behind even a mild 350 Olds. The 200-4R is used in the Turbo Buick cars and those guys have pretty much figured out all the different ways to break one and the fixes needed to prevent these failures. I've recently wasted the SECOND stock 200-4R in 18 months with my pavement-ripping VIN Y 307, so I've now ordered all the parts to build my own bullet-proof 200-4R, since it will get bolted to a 403 eventually. Maybe that buildup should become a tech editor thread?

There are a few advantages to the 200-4R in an A-body application. First, it does bolt to an Olds motor without an adapter. Second, it has the same overall length and output shaft size as a TH350 (or Junkaway, for that matter), so you don't need a new driveshaft. Third, the rear mount is in the same place as on a TH400, so the frame is already drilled for that crossmember location (on the 67-72 cars, anyway). Fourth, the gear ratios on the 200-4R are more evenly spaced than on the 700R4, which has a 3.06:1 first and a cavernous drop to second (the 200-4R uses a 2.74:1 first gear). On the other hand, the steep first gear helps a heavy car get off the line and the Olds motor should have enough torque to pull the big ratio drop in second, so call this one a wash.

Neither trans requires a computer, but both do require some sort of converter lockup control. Aftermarket units are available.

Oldsguy

I like that way that is worded, maybe my new sig line will read " I'm figuring out all the ways to break an Olds, and then fix it".

Olds64

I would say go with the 200 4R. I did some research into a similar swap and found that the 200 4R is a good transmission.

68conv455

The 700r4 is not the same length as your TH350. It also does not match the TH400 so swaps are not as simple with the drive shaft length. The adapter plate thickness also needs to be factored in. Plan on a custom length if you go with the 700r4. Use what you have with the 2004R.

Olds64

You could also purchase one of these for your TH 350.

http://www.gearvendors.com/index.html

RESTRICK

Hey guys im new to the site, but im looking into buying...

"1986 cutlass supreme 2dr. 15,000 miles on rebuilt 1970 olds 350 big block. very powerful. edelbrock carb, electric fan. Good body and frame, dual exhaust, good tires, rally rims, very clean inside and out" but it need a tranny, i was looking around at some of the ones you were discussing on the thread would this be over kill ? 2004R Level 3 for $1,700 ? and if i was to buy that tranny what kinda mods would i have to do to the crossmember (if any) and what else would i have to do to make it a solid swap ?

thanks for your time

cory

Lady72nRob71

A 1970 350 is a great motor to have in that '86 - I wish my 86 had one!
A 200R4 would be the easiest swap, as the frame is drilled for the crossmember already. And since the '86 was available with a 200R4 (I have one in mine), getting a crossmember at a boneyard would be the best way to get one. (I think one from a similar year Buick or Chevy G body would work, too.) What kind of tranny is in there now? I will assume a TH350... Stock driveshaft should work with the 2004R.

I do not know what a "level 3" is, other than an upgraded 200R4. What level you need will need to match the output of the engine and its purpose. Is it modded now or will it be later? Will it be a daily driver or for racing? Stock HP for that motor was around 250 net or more (I think) and can easily be increased to 300 or more...

Maybe some more experience will enter...

Olds64

$1700 seems like a good price if you don't have to give the seller a core. Also, if the transmission is brand new you know you won't be getting a lemon. Does the transmission have a warranty? It costs about $400-$600 for a complete rebuild kit for a transmission.

joe_padavano

Well, the 350 Olds isn't a "big block", but other than that, a properly built 200-4R would be a good choice. There is no fixed definition of a "level 3" trans, so be sure you know what you're getting for the price. $1700 is about the going rate for a modified 200-4R that will handle a stock 350. Does that price include a new converter? Be sure the trans has a steel or billet stator shaft, billet front drum with hardened shaft, 0.500" boost valve, and alto red band on the intermediate drum as a minimum. Also, install an auxiliary trans cooler with the new trans.

68conv455

Check out CK Performance Web site. With the Olds 350, you may be able to get away with the heavy duty rebuilt 2004r for $899. It seems like this is slightly better than a stock GN trans.
PS. - I have no relationship with them and do not have first hand information on their quality or durability so do your own DD.
Also,,, Joe. I'm counting on you to become the foremost authority on these transmissions. Dig in buddy and let us know.

joe_padavano

So far, I'm only the foremost authority on how to break them...

J-(Chicago)

So far I hate them both. The one in the roadmaster blew up.... and then the one in the parisienne blew up, then my buddy's 87 Cadillac one.... then the 87 monte one........


It seems their failures in stock form will go on forever as well

sethj78

Does anyone know where to get the beefed up innards for the 200-4R?
Thanks

joe_padavano

http://www.ckperformance.com/resourc...SMISSIONS.html

http://www.cpttransmission.com/catalog.htm

http://www.ptsxtreme.com/

To name just a few...

sethj78

Thanks for the links, now do you know where I can find out what parts need to be beefed up to handle a 455? Am I becoming a pain yet?

csstrux

SETHJ78 summit racing, jegs performance, I have found other sources looking on the net. haven't actually pulled the trigger though. As an owner operator, this has been an exceedingly difficult summer. So I can't tell you who has the best prices on what, or who has the best service. You might want to check out real olds power as well. those guys seem serious about performance, and post what they did and how it worked, with dyno tags. They don't seem quite as welcoming as this page, so I just kind of lurk occasionally. Hope the input helps.

Olds64

Brian Hofer is a popular builder of 200-4R transmissions for Buick GNs. You can go to a Turbo Buicks forum to get his contact information. He could definitely build a 200-4R to stand up to the mighty torque of a 455.

joe_padavano

Chris at CK Performance builds these transmissions for the Buick GN crowd. He's happy to discuss your particular setup over the phone and recommend parts.

sethj78

Thanks fellas that does help. I have been playing with the idea of an od trans for a while but only had a 700-r4 and didn't really want to put it on with an adapter. I finally got my hands on a 200-4r (and a 455 gas hog) so I have a little more push to do a od. Thanks again!!!

Olds64

Make sure you keep us posted. We expect to see pics.

68conv455

SethJ,
The Olds 455 is not a gas hog. It is a conesseur of finely distilled petrolium.

Olds64

citcapp

could not agree more. Provides more fun per gallon

sethj78

Forgive me, a conesseur it is! And definitely more fun per gallon!!!!!!!!