I need to order a trans soon for my 65 cutty who s gonna get a mild 455 and has a ST300SP right now,I found those guys on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...31355276559872 who claim that their 2004r would hold up behind that motor but im not sure ,anyone who has dealt with them?or should i go with a 350 that is easier to build and find parts for?(dont forget that im not living in the U.S and to return a trans that would have a problem is just out of the question)Im between those 2 trannys because a th400 would mean that i have to shorten the drive shaft that would cost me 400-600usd here
Any suggestions or shops with a internet link would be much appreciated because i have to order it soon

Regards Panos

 

Noone?

 

I'm not familiar with them, but I do know the 200R4 can be built to holdup behind a 455. A couple years ago I was daydreaming about this and contacted a guy on a Buick site. He wanted $1800 for his rebuilt ones but he also had a long list of guys running his transmissions who said good things about him. This one on ebay is about half that price. I would look around a little more and see what other people are asking for them. I like to save money as much as the next guy, but especially in your position if you decide to buy his use paypal or a credit card for your protection. In case the transaction turns bad you'll have a way to get some of your money back.

Yes a TH350 or TH400 would be simpler. But I like the idea of an overdrive transmission then putting lower gears in the rear end. You get a snappy response off the line, but still have lower rpm's on the highway. John

 

I have not heard of that particular company but if I was you I would not be bargin shopping. I would be doing research in the Buick GN world and see who's name comes up over and over again for the most reliable 2004r builds. Since you are over there shipping one back for a problem is the last thing you want to deal with. That's my .02

 

You posted faster but looks like we are on the same page

 

Ok thanks for the respons,my budget doesnt allow me 2grand for a trans right now so i think i m gonna stick with the 350 What are the weak points of those?

 

Anyone who knows this guy? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...TQ:MOTORS:1123 he also has an ad at craiglist http://delaware.craigslist.org/pts/1657487250.html 500$ for a 350.

 

Try CK Performance's web site. They have revised their 2004r product and pricing and it looks to be a good value. I lurk at the turbo buick site and they are highly regarded.
Personally, I wouldn't buy a trans from an auction web site.

 

I have a question about the Oldsmobile TH400 Switch Pitch Trans made thru 65-67, are they rare? Hard to rebuild? locate parts?

 

HolidayCoupe
I suggest you start a new thread with this as the title. Your more likely to get people who can answer your questions that way.

I will say that I've got a couple from full sized cars, they have the long tail shaft vs the short tail shaft on the Cutlass/442. I believe the ones from full sized cars are easier to find. I don't know enough about them to comment on your other questions. John

 

will do....sorry bout that, thanks anyways.

 

This might be a little late but I have a 200r4 in my 72 Cutlass behind a 455 with 300 rwhp. Have just about 1000 or so miles without any problems. I do not race it but I am not easy on it either. Good part - it bolts right up - bad part, the cost. The trans is just the beginning. How about a lock up torque converter? reduces rpm 300 more or so. Then you need something to control this lockup feature or it will lock up immediately. Do you need a better oil cooler or do you want to trust your new expensive trans to a cheap one? Finally does the driveshaft fit or do you need a new one? So what looks like $1,800 will end up $3,000 plus.

Do I like it yes? Nice to crusier at under 2500 rpm.

 

Have you cosnidered ordering a transmission from a parts house like Summit or Jegs? You couldn't go wrong with a transmission built by B&M, Hughes, etc.

 

I forgot you will need a TV cable and bracket to attached to the carb. On the 72 Cutlass the kickdown cable on the 350 trans was attached to the throttle and not the carb. The adjustment of the TV cable is the most important part of the install. If the TV cable is not set up correctly you can ruin the trans in short order.

 

Thanks everyone for the help.I decided to go with a stout th350 from Ross Racing Engines for the right money,the 200-4r is out of my reach right now

 

Scott, this is not a TV cable, only a kickdown cable. The TV pressure is done by the vacuum modulator on TH350's. About the only thing that will happen is either the trans will always be in kickdown or have no kickdown at WOT.

 

With the TV or Kickdown I was talking about the 200r4 not the turbo350. I was told by the mechanic who I purchased the 200r4 trans from and adjusted the cable for me, if this is not done correctly, the trans will not last long.