how well does the 200r...
TECH Regular
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
I have been researching this myself over the past week. I have searched many sites for the Buick Grand National as this is the tranny that most of them run. Yes It is capable of handling the power but as far as I can tell is also the most expensive way to go.
I am right now researching the Gear Vendor overdrive unit for the TH350 and the TH400. Mine will have to handle well over 700/700 flywheel
I am right now researching the Gear Vendor overdrive unit for the TH350 and the TH400. Mine will have to handle well over 700/700 flywheel
Go with Century transmissions for a rock solid 200-4r. Mike Kurtz is their builder. The gearvendors is big time $$.
GN are going 9's with built 200-4r so it will hold if you build it. One thing to know is you need to either modify the TC or put an adapter on the flexplate to get the 200-4r to work with a LS1.
GN are going 9's with built 200-4r so it will hold if you build it. One thing to know is you need to either modify the TC or put an adapter on the flexplate to get the 200-4r to work with a LS1.
I've got a 200r4 from a 87 GN and had to do alot to get it to work right.
Things your going to run into
1..getting the speedo to work
2. either using the TV cable or going a full manual VB
3 new driveshaft
4 new converter
5 mod your crossmember or buy one
6 no more tail mounted TQ arm
7 run new tranny lines
8 shifter
thats just some of the things i can remember off the top of my head. I built the transmission myself with alot of reading and asking ?s on turbobuick.com
Your going to want a BRF coded trans from a 87 gn.
Things your going to run into
1..getting the speedo to work
2. either using the TV cable or going a full manual VB
3 new driveshaft
4 new converter
5 mod your crossmember or buy one
6 no more tail mounted TQ arm
7 run new tranny lines
8 shifter
thats just some of the things i can remember off the top of my head. I built the transmission myself with alot of reading and asking ?s on turbobuick.com
Your going to want a BRF coded trans from a 87 gn.
Trending Topics
Youll have to get a custom converter built, you can run a stock or an aftermarket flexplate as I am. (TCI SFI approved flexplate) Youll have to get a custom driveshaft made. You can use a stock 6-speed trans crossmember, but youll have to elongate the holes a 1/2" forward. You have to have a reluctor wheel pressed on to the input shaft, get the casing drilled for a bung, and then all you would need to do is plug in your factory speedo cable. You will either customize the tv cable, bracket, etc. or go with a full manual valvebody. You will have to go with a torque arm that doesnt mount to the end of the tailshaft, unless you get the kit from Yank which I personally dont like. I just went with a chromoly Spohn torque arm. I know it may sound like a lot, but its really not. Im getting my tranny built by Mike Kurtz at Century Transmission. He is one of the best 200-4R builders if not the best. He has built them well into the 9s. I cant recall, but I thought that he got one into the high 8s, but I could be wrong. Hope that helps.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo By the way, I got my converter from Yank and it wasnt any extra charge that I was running the 200-4R instead of the 4L60E. You just have to mention that its going behind an LS1 with a 200-4R. Be sure to let them know if youre running an adapter plate on the tranny or not.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: texas
sweet,i just off the phone with Mike @ Century. cool dude. he said it definately will handle low 9s with no problem. he gave me a list of the things i need to do to convert. talk about costing some $$. but i cannot bring myself to converting my car to a trailer queen and going with the dreaded th400. i want to be able to drive the car(in/out of town) i am paying for monthly so thats why i wanna go with the 200-4r.
does anyone else have info... thanks guys for the great info so far.
does anyone else have info... thanks guys for the great info so far.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: texas
yeah, i think i am headed that way myself....after i build this damn engine ,lol. i just noticed you have the engine i am building chad, except i have gtp heads and going with a direct port setup.
Originally Posted by TA2SLOW346
Sweet pics thanks. I was wonder how I was going to get the TV cable to work.
Anyone know if this adapter plate will let me use a regular 200-4r converter with an TCI LS1 SFI Flexplate? It looks like it will. http://www.transmissioncenter.net/200-4R.htm It is about half way down the page.
Any other infor about getting the TV cable mounted and adjusted would help a ton too.
Thanks
Mike
TA2SLOW346: The last link you provided on the TV cable, did you happen to use their kit? It looks like a nice set up...I never looked into that because Mike at Century fabricates a bracket and a custom length cable for everything works out. I believe he says he welds something to the throttle body, but Im not sure what or where. Do you know if that kit is specifically for a 200-4R in an LS1? Thanks for the info so far.
Does that kit come with everything that I need? Im not sure what Mike's kit looks like, but this one seems to be nice. If it was out when you were in the process, would you have used it? Thanks