GHOSTOWLGRID

I have to remove my turbo 400 from my 455 to replace the trans seal behind the torque converter.

I have a 200r4 auto from my 1987 olds 307 I pulled from this car so I could do my 455/400 swap.
It wouldn't be that much work to swap the 200r4 and drive shaft behind the 455.
I am wondering what it would take to make this 200r4 handle my 455?
If I can buy the parts and do it myself for not to much money I would be interested. However I do see a ready made one for about 2k dollars.
I am not looking to do future mods to the 455, I do a lot of highway driving and 10 mpg is not that great, looking to have the overdrive gear for better mileage.
Stock 71 olds 455 with a comp 268H cam in it.

Unless there is a better alternative that I can bolt in and buy a drive shaft to match?

joe_padavano

The proper parts to rebuild a 200-4R to survive (including the torque converter) cost me about $1700 from CK Performance. If you have any thoughts of doing this, spend the money and buy their 200-4R rebuild book. It has all the tips in step-by-step format and also tells you how to do it without the special Kent-Moore tools.

The only other trans that makes sense is the 4L80E. This is a TH400 with an extra overdrive gear set. It is quite a bit longer and larger. You'll need a custom driveshaft, custom crossmember, a bellhousing adapter, and an expensive standalone ECU for that trans.

therobski

X2 Joe, I have about 2K on performance 200r4 from Jack Laswell (very well known Buick GN geru). I tip my hat to you if you have the time and know how to rebuild it yourself. A lot of members on here I'm sure can help you with it.

olds 307 and 403

You need the hardened stator and pump rings, Transgo, servo included or CK shift kit with the billet servo, hardened sunshell, upgraded sunshell and you should upgrade the forward drum. Actually CK mentions the power levels each part is needed at in the desprictions, a lot are needed over 400 ft/lbs.

matt69olds

Depending on how you drive it, and how stout the 455 is will go a long way to determining how long the 2004r will last. If the trans is in good shape, install the big TransGo shift kit, it includes the aftermarket servo. Better yet, call CK Performance and order his valve body kit and servo package. Make sure the tv cable is adjusted right. When the trans decides it's had enough rebuild it with a hardened forward clutch housing and a good band, machine the 4th clutch piston, and upgrade whatever else broke.

GHOSTOWLGRID

I will look into it.
The 4L80e sounds a bit expensive, I'll probably pass on that one due to price, but if it is strong like the TH400 it might be a good choice as I was considering towing with this thing.

I will read up on the parts you suggested and also ask CK Performance.

If I do a lot of heavy accelerations on a properly built 200r4 with a 455 on it, it will last like the TH400 does now or will it still start slipping like I've read online?

I have a 4500 lb car and I upgraded to the 455/400 because the 307/200r4 was not cutting it for getting up to freeway speeds and couldn't maintaining them at WOT even on steeper up hills, the vehicle lost speed and I was going slower like the loaded semi's. With the 455 I'll push the gas down and it will just go.
Plus I go to the drag strip occasionally.
I hope that gives an idea on the type of use the car gets.

Should I skip the 200r4 and save up for the 4L80e swap? I have a place that does drive shafts so that part isn't an issue for me. But the cross brace for the transmission might be interesting, I can make one if needed, the 4L80e should fit in the trans tunnel if a TH400 fits?

I have 2.73 gears now. I was wondering if 2.11 might help or if I should leave them alone and just go with the 4L80e.
I'm trying to consider how much it will cost vs how long it will last. If you estimate about 1700 for parts, I'm wondering if I should buy a 200r4 ready to go as I see them ready made for a little more, but that's if it would hold up. I would prefer not to redo a trans ever 1-2 years.

joe_padavano

The 4L80E uses the same gear sets and clutch packs as the TH400 for gears 1 through 3. The parts interchange. There is an added O.D. gear set and clutch between the front pump and the rest of the trans, which is why it's longer than a TH400. I suspect it will not fit in the tunnel without mods - I know you need to make tunnel mods to put a 4L80E in an A-body.

matt69olds

The 4l80E is basically a th400 with a overdrive clutch in the front. With the right valve body mods, 800-900hp is no big deal. The electronics to run it get pretty expensive. The converters are more expensive, and there is no provision for a cable driven speedometer. There are extension housing with Speedo gear mounts cast in, just another expense. The biggest advantage with the 4l80 is unless you run it low on fluid, it will handle whatever you can throw at it and ask for more. It's a very tough transmission.

GHOSTOWLGRID

Thanks for the info everyone, it helps.

Is this a reputable place to buy a 200r4 for my 455?
http://www.smartpartsauto.com/automa...ion_200r4.html

joe_padavano

Never heard of them, however the ad sounds like these are stock rebuilds, not modified for much greater torque carrying capacity.

GHOSTOWLGRID

Ok, I'll keep checking around.

What about a manual transmission?
Does the 71 olds 455 have the hole in the crank for the pilot bearing?

olds 307 and 403

Hard to say on the pilot bearing, some do, some don't. The TKO 600 5spd manual is a good choice.

TexasT

not really a lot o places are going to be able to assemble a 2004r that will meet your needs. Not sure of your location but several of them deal in shipping one to you. Your local guy who builds "race" transmissions isn't a good idea. Unless they have a track record and some satisfied 2004r customers I wouldn't walk but run away from them . They will just leave you disappointed

therobski

As mentioned above last year Jack Laswell , dear friend of mine is well known in the Buick GN circle for engines and transmissions he builds and tunes for them. He may or may not have time to build you a 200-4R. If your patient you cannot go wrong. I spoke to him last week and he was busy tuning cars in the Dallas area for Drag Week. Jack 214-478-4561.