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I just called monster trans and they said 5-6 weeks for a 2004r so that's not happening. What do you guys run? Im getting my motor done for 400 hp and I would like overdrive. I have 3.90s and driving with the th350 was not fun but it's going to have to do. Im looking at the tci 311138 th350. What converter stall should I run? Mainly street use/daily driver but it's going to get some hard pulls on it
Last edited by HarrySlother; Aug 18, 2020 at 03:28 PM.
I use a T56 because that was the one I found that had the deepest overdrive. I can run a race-friendly 4:10 axle and still turn only 2000 rpm at 79 mph in sixth gear (0.50:1 ratio).
I use a T56 because that was the one I found that had the deepest overdrive. I can run a race-friendly 4:10 axle and still turn only 2000 rpm at 79 mph in sixth gear (0.50:1 ratio).
Get a real shop to build you a 2004R. Where are you located? Personally, I would never drive a 3 spd with no lock up converter with deep gears like that.
Get a real shop to build you a 2004R. Where are you located? Personally, I would never drive a 3 spd with no lock up converter with deep gears like that.
Massachusetts, not alot of shops around here that do high performance stuff
If you’re thinking 200-4R talk to Dave Husek @ Turbo Buick Performance or Chris Kokkonis @ CK Performance, both in Long Island. If you need a core I can sell you one in Hartford.
IMO 200’s require a specialist, I don’t know of any in MA once Russ Merrit stopped building them. One other thought is Jack Cotton, he’s in Agawam but I don’t think he does them himself & I can’t vouch for the product. Jack is a well respected GN guy.
Agree with above, TH400 is the toughest old school trans for our cars but a PROPERLY built 200 is a nice driving, strong trans that is easy to retrofit. If you get a “mass market” 200 you will likely be disappointed & unhappy. I have hurt a few 200’s but I think the present one has been in there 10 years of driving & has occasionally seen the track behind 530+ ft/lbs, runs low 12’s, cruises 2300 rpm @ 70mph through 3.91 rear.
If you want a 200-4R, Dave Husek is the man to see on the east coast: 516-285-1103, http://www.turbobuickperformance.com. Don't trust this to a local transmission shop, you need a specialist like Dave to make a 200-4r live behind a stronger engine. Go to TurboBuick.com and click on the Transmission Talk link; there is a whole section of that website devoted to the 200-4r transmission and Dave is a regular contributor to the forum.
Unless you're just planning on puttering around town, you're not going to be happy with 3.90s and no overdrive. You certainly won't be happy being a road hazard on some freeways in this country if you ever decide to take a road trip. Others have given a few options for the 200-4R, which is hands down the best option for an automatic in these cars. Personally, I'm done with the autos and have a Tremec Magnum waiting to go into mine.
I'd also throw out - waiting 4-5 weeks for the right transmission is a hell of a lot better than living with the wrong transmission for years and years. Getting impatient is the fastest way to make you unhappy with your car.
TH400 built by Mike's Transmission in Lancaster, CA - took about 3 months for him to build it. (I handed it to him at the beginning of drag racing season, pro racers had priority). He added a Gear Vendor's to it. Took a bit of work to get the Gear Vendors to fit in the tunnel, then tweak the Trans Mount to get it to fit.
4L80E. Turbo 400 strength with OD. Sure it takes a controller, but you're done. You get the OD you're after with insurance. If you get a 200-4R and burn it up and have to do it again, you'd be at where a 4L80E is.
I'm running a 200-4R built by CK Performance w/ 3.90 gears in my Type-O and a lock-up TC. The peace of mind getting it built by a reputable shop is priceless.
400hp with a 2004r is easily and reliable if built right. Get a valve body/servo/governor kit from CK or other specialist. Use a wide band, and a billet or hardened input clutch housing.
If your really feeling lucky, you might be able to roll the dice with a stock input housing. Unfortunately, if the shaft breaks there is no limping it home. Your stick with a transmission that has 6 neutral gears and park! The input housing is an expensive part, but the tow bill and the labor to pull out the trans to replace it would be just as costly.
The other option is 4L80, but at your power level is probably way overkill.
Following closely.I have an 87 200 4R, BRF code core out of an 87 GN that I want to build for my 70 442, 3.23 A/C car with 15" tires and a 455
that has been worked over some. This discussion and a few others that I have subscribed to will help on that decision. Thanks fellas,it is truly appreciated.
The thing is, I have a fully restored dual gate that WILL be going in as well. But that as they say, "It's all good when you get it figured out."
Adam:
Shiftworks makes a kit to allow your DualGate to access the extra gear position. A BRF core is a great starting place as it has the performance valve body so the shift characteristics are much better than say a Cadillac core.
The BRF trans is the holy grail of 2004R transmissions. The best factory servo, a governor with decent shift points, and a valve body designed for a performance car.
Rebuild it with a wide band and a hardened input housing and enjoy!
Just went through this find my post. These guys gave me some good feedback. Keep in mind if you go with a trann. or builder not in your area, it's called a hand shake guarantee, meaning you don't have one. I learned the hard way. 700R4 back to a turbo 400.
My Post; Transmission problems
Last edited by oldsmobilejim; Aug 31, 2020 at 07:32 PM.
For future reference in the event the OP already found someone. If I still lived in Mass I'd go with Husek or CK depending on who had the quickest turn around; Long Island is only 3-4hrs from most parts of Mass.
I put a Jegs 2004R in my car that I picked up fairly cheap and I have no complaints. If you're under 500hp 500lb/ft and not racing it should hold up fine. I have another OZ code 200-4R that will get the CK internals if the Jegs one blows up.
A built 2004R is really a great transmission; take a look at the gear ratios 1st 2.78 2nd 1.57 3rd 1.00 4th 0.67 that OD and gear spread is pretty nice! It's also lighter than TH400 not to mention has less drivetrain loss than the TH400. https://www.hotrod.com/articles/ccrp...mission-build/
Last edited by rogue_ryder; Nov 6, 2020 at 10:25 AM.
Richmond 5 street overdrive. Turns my 3.91 gears into 3.05 when it's in 5 th, (overdrive). I like to cruise so it works great, same length as my Muncie M 21.
