I bought a 2004r core and called the local tranny shops for a quote, $900 for a stock rebuild and $1500 for a heavier rebuild with heavy duty servo, shift kit and torque converter. I can't afford that, not to mention the conversion hardware.
Now, I'm back to the estimates for the rebuild of the 350 TH and was asked do you want the lock up converter which will cost a lot more - I didn't even know these 350's had a lock up, so how do I answer that?
Here's what I got, a 1967 350 V8 with a mild comp cam 268 and headers, 4bbl qjet. Rear gears are the stock SS 3.73 12 bolt posi. I originally was going with the 2004R because this would be a good match with the rear gears and be the best of both worlds, highway cruising and take off. But, now I can't afford the 2004R, so what rear gears should I use for highway cruising (I love to go cruising, not a drag strip racer) mated to the 350TH and what about the torque converter? Would a 3.31 posi be a good option. One last thing, tires are 27". Need your help deciding what to do next.

It is really going to be up to you. The most inexpensive would be to find a used TH350 and use it ! Your quotes to rebuild your 2004r seem about right. To pay someone to change your rear gears is still going to cost you $500 or more ! I have learned that you get what you pay for... and transmissions are not a place to save money on !

Greg, I think the stock rebuild would be fine for a mild 350. Bow tie overdrives was the cheapest stock converter price, I have found on the web. I agree with Tom, leave the rear alone and use that $500 to get the 200r4 rebuilt correctly. A th350 rebuild will be in the $500 range, so you have $1000 (virtual) to rebuild the 200.

A TH350C was the lockup version. If you dont have that, I am pretty sure you cannot convert a regular TH350.

You can build your own TV system cheap if you are handy (specs on the web) and the lockup circuit can be a simple switch in the beginning. Then when you get more $$ you can redo it.

A th350 and 3.73 gears will only help 1st gear, not final drive (which is 1:1 for both PG and TH350). So your cruising rpms will still be poor with the TH350. The ONLY way to get the best of both worlds (good 1st gear and better top end cruising) will be with the 200r4.

Spend the money for the right reasons! :)

One more thing. At $1500 for the 2004r rebuild, he would install a shift kit. What is a shift kit and do I need one for my slightly over stock rebuild 350 V8? So I'm virtually at $1000 for the 350 TH and new rear gears and this money could be applied towards the 2004r rebuild, that is why I am having such a hard time deciding what to do. Any other options.

dont change the gears, you will regret it later. I am in the middle of installing 3.73s now. if you were closer I would give you my old rear end. it has 3.08 open gears. you would lose some off the line but at 60 mph you would be turning about 2200 rpms. I am going to offer it for free here but if there are no takers it will go to the junk yard.

I am saving my pennies for a 200r4 too.

A shift kit will firm up the shifts in your transmission. Everyone on this site keeps saying "2004r", In my eyes a 700r4 is just as good or better. I know you all ready have a 2004r core, but the cost is about the same whether you have a core or not.

Greg, I pm'd you... might have an idea for you to consider. My old TH350 might be the answer for you.

I don't think you will be happy with the TH350 and 3.73 gears. I wasn't with my TH350 and 3.55 gears. To high of RPM's on the highway. So I swapped to the 700R4. Rebuilt it myself. If you rebuild your TH350 you'll want to go 3.42 or smaller. Really IMO you'ld best be served going with an OD tranny. And with your rear gears, the 2004R. If you had smaller gears the 700R4. I presently cruise on the highway 70mph @ 2000 rpms. If you need a rebuilt working TH350 I still have mine (complete).

A shift kit will firm up the shifts in your transmission. Everyone on this site keeps saying "2004r", In my eyes a 700r4 is just as good or better. I know you all ready have a 2004r core, but the cost is about the same whether you have a core or not.

Tom, the choice between the 200r4 and 700r4 all comes down to availibility, intended use and preference. There have been many articles proving the poor rap from the early 200r4s got is not justified. A 200r4 can be modified to handle the HP just like a 700 and for about the same price. Parts availibility is about the same too. The only place is changes is when you start talking about 500+hp.

Usually for a stock or near stock small block a mild built 200r4 is fine. The advantages of the 200r4 is a better OD, and better gear spread. The first gear is not as deep as a 700, but with the proper rear gear 3.55 and up 1st gear on a 200 is fine. If your rear gear is 3.42 or down, then the 700 is the better choice. Also with a 200, you dont need to cut the driveshaft.

As with either trans, the xmember, lockup, shifter mod and TV systems have to be added, so the costs are the same there.

Since GM made more 700s than 200s, you have to go with what you find. The 2 best 200s to go with are the 86-87 buick GNs and Chev Monte SS. I was able to pick up two 86 monte 200s in the $200 range. So they are not that scarce :) One needs a rebuild, the other is a 90K runner. I hope to just be able to install the 90K one without a rebuild, I hope!. :)

Kevin,

Yes, I am familiar with everything you mentioned. As far as gear spacing, some people love the spacing of the 700R ! I have a 700R with 4.11's and my first gear is a little steep. I also have had 3 vehicles with the 4L60E (electronic shift version of the 700r4) and I have no complaints about the gear spacing. Drive a 3rd gen or a 4th gen with one and you will probably love it ! That 90K mile 2004r you speak of... Don't waste your time installing it before it is rebuilt. The famed Monte SS's and the Buick Grand Nationals were only putting out about 250 HP in stock form. I have a very mild 327, but it would shred a stock 2004r.

Tom

After thinking more, with 3:73's that th350 will be really churning on the highway. I have 3:08's and my th350 was pushing 3000 rpm on the interstate, it was LOUD too. Thats why I went to the 700r, it dropped my highway rpms down to around 2000, big difference. If you stay with the 3:73's then go with 200r or 700r and get that overdrive.

I'd save my money 'till I could afford the 2004R rebuild. Bottom line - overdrive is nice! and it would save you the hassle of a gear change with your T350, which would be a compromise at best.

This thread isn't about the 2004r vs. 700r4. That has already been beaten to death.

This thread isn't about the 2004r vs. 700r4. That has already been beaten to death.

Awww but 200's are junk!!! They can't take any power, 700's are waaay better! :D

Guys, my dilemma is between the 350th and 2004r. I have already spent money aquiring the cores. I don't like the idea of 3.73 gears with a 350TH, because I enjoy getting out and speeding down the highway with one eye on the rear view mirror. So, I really liked the idea of the 2004r for its smoother 1st and 2nd gear, using the same drive shaft, OD for more efficient RPMs and still having some torque off the line but the cost ($1500)to rebuild is really over budget. So, there is a quote for $900 for a stock 2004r rebuild but after reading posts I am very skeptical of a stock rebuild but I only have a slightly over stock engine anyway. So, what do ya all think, should I go that route? Again, if I went with the 350th, I'd have to change out the 3.73's for another $500 anyhow. So, please keep your comments coming, somebody may help me reason through this and make the right decision.

So, I really liked the idea of the 2004r for its smoother 1st and 2nd gear, using the same drive shaft, OD for more efficient RPMs and still having some torque off the line but the cost ($1500)to rebuild is really over budget. So, there is a quote for $900 for a stock 2004r rebuild but after reading posts I am very skeptical of a stock rebuild but I only have a slightly over stock engine anyway.

FWIW, my current AA (cadillac) 2004R was rebuilt using:

- Kevlar bands (not anything special, hard to get or expensive)
- Shift kit
- Billet servo (not sure if you would need this, don't even know if I do but it was pretty)
- Extra clutches

Other parts that I used that you won't have to:

- Yank converter
- Modified governor to shift at 6k
- Deep pan and 4L60E filter

So, ask the guys what parts they are going to use to rebuild your 200. I'd try and go with kevlar bands and extra clutches but besides that leave it stock if you want. Parts-wise it's not that expensive for a shop to build your 200, so given the economy maybe you can get a deal...not to mention that you are giving them the tranny they don't have to pull it out of anything (after re-reading I'm confused, do you have a core or not?).

I don't really have anything fancy in this tranny (well the converter is pretty pricey) and didn't have anything in the other one I had and they didn't explode into a million parts. The stock pan is too shallow causing cavitation on hard acceleration which smoked the high clutches and band but besides that no problemo. I hammer my 200 launching around 3500 RPM at the track and it hasn't exploded so far (knock on wood) so ???

I have 373's out back with a T350 , don't do it. Rebuild the 200r and you will be a lot happier down the road....
If you have any mechanic friends ask them, My buddie will rebuild a tranny for a case of Budweiser and pat on the back.

Send me an email.
I can save you some money on the 200-4R.
jakeshoe@yahoo.com

What are the codes on your 200-4R core?

I can build and ship you a 200-4R cheaper than your quote and I know more about 200-4Rs than most of your generic local rebuilders.
If not I can probably help you pick a local builder who is reputable.

Jake, I would interested in a quote for my 200r4 or places in central NJ that are good. My trans is an 86 CZF, I need a stock build for 300-350 HP 3.55 gears, no shift kit.

Thanks

Wow Jake, that's a great offer! :thumbsup:

The most important thing IMHO, is to use a builder who is familiar with all of the little "tweaks" for a 2004R. I tried to pay attention as I watched my buddy build mine and other 200's in the past, but he's so fast and there are little parts all over the place and he was putting things back together not how the came out and ugggghh, I was sooo confused! :D

Jake, I would interested in a quote for my 200r4 or places in central NJ that are good. My trans is an 86 CZF, I need a stock build for 300-350 HP 3.55 gears, no shift kit.

Thanks

Call Chris at CKPerformance. See what he can do for you. He is semi local and is very reputable.

If not give me a shout and I'll see what I can do, ALL my builds get valve body mods to make them more reliable, call it a shift kit, valve body kit, whatever but they aren't totaly stock, even for a totally stock application.