Seriously considering a 200-4R over the summer. (BTO Q's)

[supernovanator]

Hello.

I am seriously considering saving for a 200-4R this summer, since I am now pretty sure I can make around $3000 over the break. :) I was wondering if anyone with a third gen had used this X-member from bowtie overdrives: http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/catalog/catalog_inc/viewitem.php?ITEMID=67 Did it fit like stock or was there a bit/lot of trouble?:)

Also, what is the difference between a relay circuit and a brake-switch circuit?:o I also see that there are two relay circuit kits: A plain kit and a "complete" kit. What more benefit/product would I be getting by spending $60 more? :o

I have a powerglide. These are the same length as a th350 would be, correct? Does this mean I can use the stock driveshaft, or was that for a 700R4?

Thanks for tolerating all my newb questions, and if I am forgetting anything please let me know. :) (BTW I have been searching the forums and all I see is 1st/2nd gen stuff. I don't know if they are very different or not.:o)

[pops]

I would think that you could get all the info from Bowtie Overdrives themselves..
Why don't you contact them??

pops

[supernovanator]

I would think that you could get all the info from Bowtie Overdrives themselves..
Why don't you contact them??

pops

I am a fool, a FOOL!:o:D

Disregard the last two questions then.:D Has anyone had any trouble with the BTO crossmembers at all?:)

[69LT1Nova]

Why not get a cheap one from a junk yard? That way you have more $$ for gas when school comes back around for ya!

Go ahead and ask BTO your q's, then find a cheap trans and do it yourself. :)

[supernovanator]

Why not get a cheap one from a junk yard? That way you have more $$ for gas when school comes back around for ya!

Go ahead and ask BTO your q's, then find a cheap trans and do it yourself. :)

I meant to do it myself, but do you mean find a crossmember in the junkyard:confused:? I didn't mean I would be blowing $3000 on it if that is what it sounded like!:o I figure I would not trust myself hacking at a crossmember, because bad things would happen.:yes:

Most likely I will try to find a cheaper 200-4r, but the chances are extremely slim in El Paso, as there are only a few very small junkyards. I am more than likely going to order a X-member from BTO, and possibly the wiring harness. If I cannot find a transmission in the junkyard I may buy a $600 one from ebay, "good for 500hp", as if I would come close to that:rolleyes::p:D. I also hope to have my TPI done by summer's end.:) If I thought it would get better mileage I would rebuild my 307 with 58cc HO heads, a small * cam, TPI and the 200-4r... but I doubt it would make a difference so why waste the money?

[69LT1Nova]

I meant to do it myself, but do you mean find a crossmember in the junkyard:confused:? I didn't mean I would be blowing $3000 on it if that is what it sounded like!::o I figure I would not turst myself hacking at a crossmember, because bad things would happen.:yes:

Most likely I will try to find a cheaper 200-4r, but the chances are extremely slim in El Paso, as there are only a few very small junkyards. I am more than likely going to order a X-member from BTO, and possibly the wiring harness. If I cannot find a transmission in the junkyard I may buy a $600 one from ebay, "good for 500hp", as if I would come close to that:rolleyes::p:D. I also hope to have my TPI done by summer's end.:) If I thought it would get better mileage I would rebuild my 307 with 58cc HO heads, a small * cam, TPI and the 200-4r... but I doubt it would make a difference so why waste the money?

$220 from Summit for their beefy one. BTO looks to be less at $175.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2D770311&N=700+400304+4294908216+4294907681+115&autoview=sku

I can find 2004Rs all day long, and so should you, for $150. They are everywhere, even podunk towns.

[pops]

I am a fool, a FOOL!:o:D


Cut it out, you ain't no foo....

pops

[supernovanator]

I can find 2004Rs all day long, and so should you, for $150. They are everywhere, even podunk towns.

I shall look, but I do have that thread of doubt. The popular cars around El Paso seemed to be Grand Ams, Mustangs, and especially the Chrysler LeBaron.

Aren't 200-4Rs of certain years known to have relatively low HP ratings? Would a simple rebuild with performance clutches rid them of this problem if I found one?

[supernovanator]

yep... definitely great customer service! not even 30 minutes after I asked those questions I got a reply...:):thumbsup::thumbsup:

your going to want the complete brake switch kit for a 2004r... The brake kit just replaces your stock 2 prong brake swithc behind the brake petal and makes it easy to install... the relay will work in any vehicle , like old pre 1955 cars that dont have the 2 prong brake switch and newer cars that are different also...

[69LT1Nova]

I shall look, but I do have that thread of doubt. The popular cars around El Paso seemed to be Grand Ams, Mustangs, and especially the Chrysler LeBaron.

Aren't 200-4Rs of certain years known to have relatively low HP ratings? Would a simple rebuild with performance clutches rid them of this problem if I found one?

The 2004Rs to watch out for are in early 80s Camaros with 4 cylinder engines. I'd also steer clear from most of the 6 cylinder transmissions, unless it came out of a Buick Grand National. Good sources include Camaro, Caprice, Olds, Buick, etc with an 8 cylinder.

[supernovanator]

The 2004Rs to watch out for are in early 80s Camaros with 4 cylinder engines. I'd also steer clear from most of the 6 cylinder transmissions, unless it came out of a Buick Grand National. Good sources include Camaro, Caprice, Olds, Buick, etc with an 8 cylinder.

Actually, I do believe there are a few Cutlasses w/307s around...:) Thanks for all the help!:)

[69LT1Nova]

Just be sure to check out the color of the transmission fluid before you buy it. Make sure it is a bright red. If it is brown looking, don't buy it - it usually means the trans has been abused and the clutches are burnt up.

[Chori]

Just be sure to check out the color of the transmission fluid before you buy it. Make sure it is a bright red. If it is brown looking, don't buy it - it usually means the trans has been abused and the clutches are burnt up.

you can also smell burnt bits in the fluid. if you can, take someone who is familiar with transmissions, an extra set of hands is always good.:cool:

[supernovanator]

you can also smell burnt bits in the fluid. if you can, take someone who is familiar with transmissions, an extra set of hands is always good.:cool:

I relatively know what to look for when buying a transmission... I especially know what you mean by metal in the fluid.:yes: What I plan to do is magnetize an old dipstick/whatever I can find, then stick it in the dipstick tube... Unless it is aluminum that should work. Would the metal be aluminum on these transmission?:confused: I am not familiar with their make-up...:o

[onecarnut]

I got my junk yard 200-4R out of a 1985 Buick LeSabre.

It needed a rebuild, but I am happy with the results.

[ddoyel]

http://members.aol.com/powerrslid/thm2004r.html :yes:

[ddoyel]

more info... http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/oft200.htm

[Pauls72]

Save yourself $100 and use a TH400 Cross member. The transmission mount point is only 1/8" differance between the TH400 and 200R4. Usually more than enough slop in the pieces to bolt right up.
Yup same driveshaft will work.

[jinkzd]

I purchased a "complete" kit from BTO in 2001 (?) for my 1st gen. Although they were very helpful I feel I could have done it myself for far cheaper and really the same amount of effort. They only shipped to terminals at the time, unsure if that still applies. Real pain to pick up. I had ordered the 200 but was shipped the 700r4. I was a little upset and they offered to make it right but I just didnt want the hassle. I wanted to drive. The dipstick/fill tube sent to me was in no way correct. Lots of "rework" to get it to fit. The trans crossmember did not allow ample clearance to remove the oil pan without tipping it and spilling a ton of fliud. (more rework!) For my hard earned cash I would have rather invested into the local economy and perhaps met some knowledgeable folk to boot. Its not rocket science. BTO did send me a very shiny and well performing trans. I did get what I paid for, I just think there a cheaper options that you will be just as happy with. Money left over to buy some Brews! I am actually looking to swap this out for a 4-spd. T-10 or Muncie.:yes: No longer need the overdrive for commuting. Looking for an even up swap, if anyone is interested! Lokar shifter / upgraded 700r4 2800 stall converter. Hope my 2 cents helps.