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derekf
06-02-2005, 04:02 PM
Didn't get too much response when I stuck this at the bottom of someone else's post, figured I'd try it standalone:

It may be time to replace the TH350 in my Elky with a 2004r.

Being cheap (since I am cheap) and broke (since the wife is not cheap) the 4-figure prices I'm seeing for rebuilt trannies are probably more than I need to be looking to spend... so it looks like junkyard tranny is the way to go for me.

Given that I've never rebuilt a transmission, is this something that I can/should be trying to rebuild on my own or is it a task that really needs to be farmed out?

If it is indeed something I should be able to do, is there a recommended guide/manual for it, and what parts should be upgraded while I'm there? (and if I'm replacing all those parts, is the donor car that important any more? It's a safe bet that my 396 won't ever put out much over 400hp.)

What should I expect to pay for a complete pull out 2004r? (obviously, prices will vary by region.. but I'd hate to get ripped off)

Bad Bowtie
06-02-2005, 05:47 PM
Derek,
Before you begin the conversion take a look at this site http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/index.shtml there is alot of good information there. Take time to read one of the links on the side of the page called "TV System" as this is a pretty important part of the 200r4 ability to shift correctly, remember your turbo 350 has a govenor which helps control the shift and also a "kick down cable". The 200r4 and 700r4 control shifting by a "throttle valve (TV) cable which some people think is a kick down cable but is not. This TV cable adjustment is paramount to a transmission living or dying.
As far as rebuilding your own I would make sure I had a good friend who has built them before (cause your gonna need to borrow his special tools too.) next to me the whole way, otherwise to save some serious headaches and $$$.$$ send it out.
This is not meant to discourage you because one of these days I'm gonna take a shot at building a turbo 400 but it will be mine and not a customers. Let us know how your project turns out.
Jack

Steve Chryssos
06-03-2005, 04:13 AM
No reason not to try. Before you begin, get yourself an ATSG servive manual such as the one in the following link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7977686936&category=33727&sspagename=WDVW

Then take it apart carefully and keep every part organized. If you feel you are in over your head, then you can take the pile of parts to a good shop. At the very least, you will have had a looksee at the guts of the unit. You will know what the tranny shop needs to fix.

Then go here:
http://ckperformance.com/200R4_rebuild.html

69Rathead
06-04-2005, 01:32 AM
What should I expect to pay for a complete pull out 2004r? (obviously, prices will vary by region.. but I'd hate to get ripped off)

As he asked above...I'm interested in pull out prices too...anybody? Thanks

blown69nova
06-04-2005, 03:18 AM
Try going over to turbobuicks.com, you can find some great info there. Core prices differ depending on the donor vehicle. The 1987 Buick turbo GN being the most desirable core, which is referred to as the "BRF". The Monte ss has a good core also. I believe the valve bodies are the big difference.
Good luck, Steve

StaticAGE
06-05-2005, 11:11 PM
After having my 2004r rebuilt twice and having it blow up twice, I decided I couldn't do any worse than the transmission shops, so I rebuilt it myself. Get the service manual like Steve said, that way you can have all of the part numbers and specifics, then get the rebuild video. I got all of my stuff from http://www.transmissioncenter.net/200-4R.htm. It cost me around 4 figures but it has held up better than the "performance rebuild" that the trans shop did (shifts much harder too).

It was a lot of work to rebuild, but it only took me 2 days and no special tools. Look on this site http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/transmission/200rebld.html they have the backyard mechanics version of the rebuild and some added performance tips that I don't think the video covered.

If you use all three sources, I don't see why you wouldn't be able to do it yourself. It's been a while since I did mine, but let me know if you need any more help.

derekf
06-14-2005, 05:02 PM
Thanks, y'all. Looks like I'm going to give it a try when I've got the spare coin for the core and the parts.

LowBuckX
07-13-2005, 10:54 PM
Just bumping so it doesnt get lost... I May need this info.