200-4r or 4l80e
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Teching In
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200-4r or 4l80e Doing a simple 5.3 swap in my 1969 Cutlass. Car is just a cruiser. Engine will be stock with a BTR low lift truck cam.
Looking for opinions on what transmission to use.
I have both a 200-4r and 4l80e, along with a brand new Jakes converter, but was built for a turbo build, which I sold.
At a crossroads on which to use.
200-4r would have the mechanical speedo I would like, but then I have to deal with the TV cable. Also need converter. Stock driveshaft can be used. Cross member easy too.
4l80e may or not be difficult to fit in tunnel. Electric speedo problem, and most likely need to have converter stall change. But have electronic control and stronger stock.
I am leaning toward 200-4r but would like to have other opinions on the matter.
No rear end ratio chosen yet.
Looking for opinions on what transmission to use.
I have both a 200-4r and 4l80e, along with a brand new Jakes converter, but was built for a turbo build, which I sold.
At a crossroads on which to use.
200-4r would have the mechanical speedo I would like, but then I have to deal with the TV cable. Also need converter. Stock driveshaft can be used. Cross member easy too.
4l80e may or not be difficult to fit in tunnel. Electric speedo problem, and most likely need to have converter stall change. But have electronic control and stronger stock.
I am leaning toward 200-4r but would like to have other opinions on the matter.
No rear end ratio chosen yet.
Last edited by mrvedit; Jan 25, 2018 at 07:43 PM. Reason: Corrected to 200-4r
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,476
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From: Bossier City, Louisiana
It would be major floor hump surgery on my 70 El Camino (very similar to a Chevelle floor) to fit in a 4L80E trans. Not sure on a 69 Cutlass but they can't be much different. If the car will always be a cruiser, I'd sell the 4L80 and buy a 4L60E as advised above. Then run the Holley one inch forward bias engine mounts and you might be able to re-use your own Cutlass trans cross member. Throttle valve issues worry me so I'd avoid the 200R4.
Lots to think about here.
Rick
Lots to think about here.
Rick
The 200 is an easier fit, but less capacity. The TV cable isn't a huge issue, it's been fine enough times. There's info out there for it. The turbo Buick guys get them to last, but it's expensive.
Teching In
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Im in the same boat. 67 Chevelle, new floors, LQ4 engine, holley mounts and exhaust...
Leaning on 200 4R since its smaller and NO CUT.....Once you factor in the cost
of the equivelant 4l60E and the controller the 200 isnt expensive....
I do need to figure out more about how the TV cables work and whether to go with
a lock up or non lockup set up. Im not drag racing, just cruising and showing...with an
occasional heavy foot...
Leaning on 200 4R since its smaller and NO CUT.....Once you factor in the cost
of the equivelant 4l60E and the controller the 200 isnt expensive....
I do need to figure out more about how the TV cables work and whether to go with
a lock up or non lockup set up. Im not drag racing, just cruising and showing...with an
occasional heavy foot...
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Verdad Gallardo The correct nomenclature is 200-4R.
TV cable MUST be correct but it's not difficult if you can read a blueprint and calipers. The issue is that most of the aftermarket "corrector" brackets aren't correct, and others over complicate it.
I've had good success doing the 200-4R for up to 600 HP. Several well above that but I don't recommend it usually.
There is ZERO clearancing needed to clear a 4L80E on a 68-72 A-body car. Chevelle, El Camino, Cutlass, etc.
I own a 1969 Chevelle and the 4L80E fits with enough room for me to hold my hands together and pass my arms by it all the way to the engine.
TV cable MUST be correct but it's not difficult if you can read a blueprint and calipers. The issue is that most of the aftermarket "corrector" brackets aren't correct, and others over complicate it.
I've had good success doing the 200-4R for up to 600 HP. Several well above that but I don't recommend it usually.
There is ZERO clearancing needed to clear a 4L80E on a 68-72 A-body car. Chevelle, El Camino, Cutlass, etc.
I own a 1969 Chevelle and the 4L80E fits with enough room for me to hold my hands together and pass my arms by it all the way to the engine.