200-4r build

[critter]

I've been shopping around for a builder for a 200-4r for my Pontiac. Here are the specs:

3900 pound car, 4100 with my fat butt in it.
3.42 gears
450hp/550tq
Occasionally raced on drag radials
Will be looking to run a 3000 stall

Here's what a local builder reccomended. Does this sound about right or should I blow him off? I like the comfort of having a local man to go back to with problems but if he's off his rocker I'd like to know. I'd rather not waste money with him if it won't live and I'll deal with having a long distance build done. Here is what he says I need beyond a good rebuild on a quality core:

Intermediate high performance drum with hardened shaft

Superior high performance valvebody kit

High performance band

Diect Frictions Red high performance

Superior TCC lock up kit

Case connector

An additional option would be the Superior

Super Servo

[XCESSIV]

Use somebody in the Buick community that has lots of experitse on this trans goto Turbobuick.com

[DJW32]

Art Carr of california performance transmission

[rocketrod]

Use somebody in the Buick community that has lots of experitse on this trans goto Turbobuick.com
What he said! And here is some required reading:

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/transmission-talk/84598-i-want-everybody-know-exactly-who-who.html

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/transmission-talk/31365-attention-new-version-strengthening-2004r.html

[Steve Chryssos]

How tall is the rear tire? With overdrive, you might want more than a 3.42 gear--especially if it's carbureted and has a decent cam.

[critter]

27 inch tire, yes to carb and the cam is a smallish 230/236 HR cam.

I've talked to Art Carr and Brian Hofer at turbobuick.com along with a host of others. After all this, I'm undecided on the 200-4r. I always hear that hesitation in their voice when I say "it's a 462 cubic inch Pontiac".

Man, I need a 4l80e but if I have to dump that much money I'd rather use Keisler's no-cut five speed conversion. :(

[SicMonte]

i have a 200r4 (or is it 2004r??) in my 88 monte carlo ss. It weights about 3700 and has about 400hp going though it. I spent $1200 on my tranny build up four years ago and it still shifts and runs awesome. No idea what they did but it is an awesome tranny.

[XCESSIV]

Do the 200 it weight less and will take it I have friends with 600 to 700 Hp over 500 torque going 9's and lasting along time. The 200 is a great tranny with all the good parts and it has a higher 1st gear which will help with coming off the line. I use a 26.5 rear tire and 3200 stall non lock up convertor cruise at 2400 rpm at 75mph

[Karch]

Art Carr of california performance transmission

I thought the same thing for years. My buddy has a 455 powered Grand Am, and his CPT transmission was not done correctly, installed by CPT. It wound up taking out his thrust bearing and crank.

It was a very expensive mistake, not covered my CPT.

Critter, I have a similar HR in my 455.

I also have a 4L80e core that I was going to run, but have since decided it's going to be too expensive for a car that gets less than 500 miles a year, if anyone is interested.

[critter]

Karch, I looked at that but had a built 700r4 dropped in my lap today. It came with the converter so I'm not out much to try it. Just have to buy the adapter plate, TV brackets, etc.

We shall see.

[Karch]

Lucky you. I only get grief dropped in my lap. What's your secret?

Be careful with that 3.06 first gear and 455...it will really have trouble hooking.

You probably should look at bowtie overdrives for the TV related stuff. They've been doing it for years, though new owners as of about 3-4 years ago (Steve had passed away, I was told...he was a nice guy, quite a talker, at the Pomona and Long Beach swap meets).

[6'9"Witha69]

You probably should look at bowtie overdrives for the TV related stuff. They've been doing it for years, though new owners as of about 3-4 years ago (Steve had passed away, I was told...he was a nice guy, quite a talker, at the Pomona and Long Beach swap meets).Yes, yes he was.

The BTO guys are still doing well and making their products better all the time.

[critter]

Yes, everyone says their TV Made EZ is the best way to get the geometery right on the TV cable. I had intended to get that. I'm also going to have to swap flex plates. I've been running an SFI aluminum flex plate. It only has the TH400 bolt pattern. I'll probably pick up another SFI rated plate from Ace Brewer at PPR.

The deal was really odd. Someone in Dallas knew someon who knew someone, That kind of deal. It was built by Art Carr (the guy, not the company down there that he sold) and has roughly 3000 miles on it.