I'm looking for some opinions on what is the best trans to put behind my 455 I have a 350 behind it now but I would like a 4 speed for a little extra cruising comfort. Any help would be appreciated.

 

I think a 200-4R will bolt right up, these can be built to handle the power from 455. I think you will only need a TV-cable kit to handle the lockup torque converter.
Steve

 

I've heard the term TV cable several times.
What is it?

George

 

TV stands for throttle valve cable. Despite the similarity it is NOT a kickdown cable as was used on the TH350. The traditional GM automatics used a vacuum modulator as a type of engine load sensor - low vacuum is typically associated with W.O.T. conditions, meaning more power. The kickdown function was separately activated either with a solenoid valve or a cable operated valve.

The 200-4R and 700R4 were designed at a time when GM was working on turbocharged cars and diesels, both of which do not have a reliable source of engine vacuum. (As an aside, the Olds diesels used a vacuum modulator valve on the throttle linkage, combined with an engine-driven vacuum pump, to mimic the manifold vacuum response with throttle position of a gasoline engine - this kluge was used to operate the vacuum modulator on TH350s behind diesels.) The TV cable is essentially a mechanical throttle position sensor that operates a valve controlling internal pressure in the trans in response to throttle position. It also serves as the kickdown cable.

Interestingly, early Olds automatics, like the Rotohydramatic 5 in my 62 F-85, also used a throttle valve to control line pressure.

 

It's the cable connected to the back of your television... Kidding, the T350 has a kick down cable, it's function is to engage passing gear at wide open throttle. A TV cable is an overdrive transmission way of monitoring throttle position in order to regulate transmission fluid line pressure and provide part throttle downshift points and a detent for wide open throttle downshifts.

 

Education is a wonderful thing!
Thank you.

George

 

Nice, Joe - I still haven't been able to properly use the word "kluge" in a conversation!
Steve

 

The term I wanted to use wasn't suitable for polite company.

 

Is the 200 r4 a different length than the 350? Just wondering just in case I have to shorten or lengthen my driveshaft. And as for the throttle valve cabel, if I ran a manual valve body would it still be needed?

 

The 200r4 and the T350 use the same driveshaft, however I believe the trans xmember moves back to the turbo 400 location.

 

Okay what about the manual valve body. Would I Stoll need the tv cabel?

 

I'm pretty sure a manual valve body for a 2004R will eliminate the need for the TV cable. There might be a couple vendors out there that still use the cable, but only to provide a throttle indexed line pressure. In other words, low throttle=lower line pressure and a softer shift. Stand on the loud pedal, line pressure goes up along with the shift firmness. A manual valve body will do away with the headache of trying to modify the governor to get the shift point where you want them (obviously!) but for the best performance and durability the trans will need some expensive internal upgrades.

 

How expensive you talking about?

 

Ck performance sells a complete 2004r for $2500 and $1900. Depends on your hp.

 

One of the main things you need to be aware of is if your are using a stock Qjet the 2004r can be a PITA to hookup the TV cable to. If you use almost any carb but a Qjet, Bowtie Overdrives builds a kit that makes it full proof and simple.
I did a 2004r in my 65 and it is a great improvement.

 

There's an easy way around this. Grab the primary throttle shaft from a CCC Qjet off a 307 and swap that in place of the one in your original Qjet. I picked up a handful of Olds CCC Qjets at Fall Carlisle for peanuts just to rob the throttle shafts.

 

i did a 200/4R swap this summer with my fresh BTR built 468.
Went with an Art Carr built CPT trans built to 750HP specs. and 3000 stall NON-lockup converter. I'm pushing 550HP and about 610 TQ. Hence the beefed strength.
Your going to love your when you get it done. I'm running 3.73's and when OD kicks in the revs settle down to around 2000 at 65mph.

http://cpttransmission.com/

 

Is Bowler Performance Transmissions better than Extreme Automatics if so why?

 

This is the best/cheapest solution. Its hard to beat factory engineering.