Overdrive Transmissions

[dk-52]

I am currently building a 72 Chevy shortbed 2wd pickup and have a transmission question. I would like to use a 700-R4, but I am unsure of which year will work. I have been told that it needs to be between a 86 thru 93. Does that sound right? The truck will have a 383 ci engine (not a race engine, just warmed up a little) probably in the 400 horse range. Thanks, Dan

[bMr]

1987-93 is what's in my notes from a similar information-gathering experience. I also poured over the information on this site to help understand what to upgrade when rebuilding: https://transmissioncenter.net/product-category/gm/

[Bigdav160]

Every year, from the introduction of the 700R4 in 1982 until final units 1993, there were improvements. Yes, Hydramatic redesigned it for '87 but the changes were not huge.

400hp 383 will require improvements to make the transmission live.

I should add, trucks in '93 used a 4L60e. Only cars got the hydraulically shifted 4L60

[SoCoC10]

Yes don't use a 200R4. They are no good. Everyone keep using 700R4s so people like me who don't drink the Cool Aid can keep pulling $75 200R4s out of junk vehicles, installing Trans Go shift kits, Corvette Super Servos and installing them behind 500+HP engines with zero issues. Grand Nationals were slow and didn't make any Horse Power.

[Mike C]

If you are using junkyard transmissions, the 700 is better than a 200. If you are buying build transmissions, then get a 200. The gear ratios are SO much better than the most obnoxious 1-2 rpm drop of the 700.

I'm buying a 600hp rated Extreme Automatics Th200 4R for the L36 427 I am putting in my short step, so putting my money where my mouth is.

Either can be made to take real power but neither will stock. Remember, there are only two types of auto trans: Those that have quit working and those that will quit working...

[jjzepplin]

I have an 89 700r4 and built it well. It's lasting nicely. I may try a 200r4 someday but they will not fit in a 4x4 unless it has a divorced transfer case. My junkyard 700 was $50. Can a 200r really live behind 500 HP?

[Mike C]

They can live behind 1000+ horsepower Buick Grand Nationals. Yes, they can but they need some parts replaced. Just like the 700 does when you push it past 500hp. Even a TH400 needs to be beefed up for those numbers.

A TH700 actually makes more sense than a TH200 in a 4x4. But in a 2x4 sports truck, the TH200 4R is better IMO.

[FRCvette]

I just had an OD trans installed in my truck by a local reputable trans shop. I told him I would like a 200r4 but he recommended using 700r4 which we did. He said years from 88-92 were best. I really like the swap.

[dennislbrooks]

The only only thing that I do not like 700r4-- 67 4wd bbc -- is the just off idle shift from 1st to 2nd --- jarring ---I have searched this on the web and they say --may break in or live with it. I do not know if the shift kit is responsible or what - monster trans. I do suggest a lockup switch - goes off on breaking - as many times I do not want it. Comes on after 45 if light acceleration. Higher under acceleration.

I have a 700r4 in my 70 442 455 and do not have this situation but does not have a lockup converter. Shift from 1st to second with light acceleration is quick at 15 mph. I would have liked to try a 200r4 in the olds.

[davepl]

Originally Posted by SoCoC10

Yes don't use a 200R4.

Not true, at least in a 2WD application.

They're weak in stock form but properly built are BETTER than the 700R4 and have a BETTER gear ratio setup.

I ran one in the 12s in a 4500lb car with slicks and a converter and it never complained. Ran 12 years. Then I had it freshened up to put in my truck and it died, so I went 4L80E. But that's the fault of the guy who "freshened" it up.

So, properly prepared and installed and adjusted, I'd take a 200 over a 700 any day, but that's just me.

[Bigdav160]

Unlike a TH400, they both have too many stamped steel parts for my liking but the 200-4R has more. Yes it can be built ($$$) to withstand quite a bit of punishment. In the stock configuration the 700R4 was always stronger.

[davepl]

That's why I'm -actually- running a 4L80E, which is basically a TH400 with overdrive added.

Stock: 4L80E > 700R4 > 200-4R
Built: 4L80E > 200-4R > 700R4