700r4 swap

MISFITmalibu63

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Feb 21, 2004
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so, with all these options floating around, i may be getting dads 355, but i want to toss in a 700r4 behind it. i know i'll have to get a new crossmember, use a TV cable, a geometry correction bracket on the carb, and new throttle bracket. is there anything else? what about lockup vs non lockup? what should i be looking to pickup. the 355 makes about 400hp
 

Doober

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Jun 2, 2003
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Personally I prefer lockup, feels like I'm turning unnecessary rpm otherwise. There are some how-tos on the net for a DIY lockup without a computer, I believe there is a temperature, vacuum and 4th gear pressure switch required, along with a relay to disengage lockup when the brakes are applied. I believe a Corvette servo and new boost valve are two of the easiest upgrades, past that and a shift kit you would be tearing it down for clutches, etc. I've also read the sun shell is fragile and if it's a rebuild, a 'beast' shell would be the best to use. If memory serves, you can modify shift points by changing the governer (round cover near the rear) or slowly grind material off the weights until you reach your desired rpm.
 

MISFITmalibu63

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Feb 21, 2004
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t5montecarlo said:
Why not a TH200-4R?

What's the difference and which is the least pain in the butt to swap to? I've never had to deal with overdrives
 

DOUG213XRJ

MalibuRacing Junkie
Sep 18, 2006
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I also like the lock-up. My 700R4 has a fourth gear pressure switch, so it only locks up in fourth. your stock crossmember can be cut a few inches off the mounting plate to clear the 7000R4 pan. I think I reused the TH350 trans mount. I had to have 2 5/8 inches removed from my stock drive shaft. I have a toggle switch inside the car so I can unlook my converter when/if I need to. I dont have a switch to unlook my converter at 25 30 MPH in fourth gear so some times it like chugs like if you where in a manual trans car going slow in high gear. So I will use the toggle switch to unlock the converter, Or the trans can be manual shifted to third.


Doug
 

melloelky

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Jul 1, 2009
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MISFITmalibu63 said:
t5montecarlo said:
Why not a TH200-4R?

What's the difference and which is the least pain in the butt to swap to? I've never had to deal with overdrives
from what i can recall you can use the cross member you have and the drive shaft too.there is a gain gear ratio wise from 1st to 2nd where the 200 is better the 700 but it escapes me at the moment.
 

SSedan64

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Oct 5, 2009
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If it's for the 82 Wagon you'll also need the Frame Extension & X-member to run a TH200-4R.
http://www.maliburacing.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=113023

Driveshaft would be the same length.
The 200-4R has less rpm drop between 1st & 2nd gear.

Trans------ 1st----2nd----3rd----4th Gear
TH200-4R-- 2.74---1.57---1.00---0.67
TH700-R4-- 3.06---1.62---1.00---0.70
 

MISFITmalibu63

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would i be able to snag a 200r4 from a GN or is that a different bolt pattern?? would be convenient because im using a GN rear with the 3.42 ratio

time to do some reading ](*,)
 

DOUG213XRJ

MalibuRacing Junkie
Sep 18, 2006
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With 400hp the 200 4R will need alot of hard parts. My biggest problem with the 200 4R is it shifts out of first gear at about 4200 to 4500 RPM. I called Art Carr about the first gear shift points thinking with a Art Carr transmission I could manual hold it in first and shift in to second at 5500 to 5800 RPM and they told me that even if I hold there trans in first gear its going to shift at 4200 to 4500 anyway. If you chose to go with a 200 4R call Art Carr or Monster transmission with your questions and concerns.

Doug
 

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