I swapped in a 200r4 behind my smallblock. I need to add the components to allow it to lock up. There are 2 kits one with an on/off switch and one without. Do I need to turn it off in a car and what is the advantage to this. I and running a 2500-3000 stall converter. I am determining if its worth it to drill a hole for a switch in my interior. [/I]

If you run highway speeds for any amount of time w/out it locked up you will burn the trans up. No need to lock up doing 1/4 mile runs, but you do if street driven

who makes a good conversion kit from th350 to 200r4? Thinking of doing this myself in my 69 camaro. It is a center console car if that makes a difference.

I know alot of us have done this swap and i'm finishing mine off. How do you wire up the lock up. I bought a kit from B&M which the directions assume you are adding this to an existing set up. I need to find a plug (junk yard this weekend) and don't know where the power connections go.

There are a few different options, assuming your trans is wired for electric lock-up in OD. (some are set up for hydraulic lock-up. some builders make them w/o lock-up) My trans is wired for electric lock-up in 2nd, 3rd and in OD)

- You can just run 12V "key on" to the trans and call it good. The converter should lock soon after shifting into OD, and unlock when downshifting from OD to 3rd.

- You can run the 12V key on wire through a GM cruise control switch. This switch is a direct replacement for your current brake light switch, and unlocks the converter when you hit the brakes. Converter locks again when you let off of the brake if you're still in OD)

- You can run the wire through a speed sensing switch which will only lock the converter when your selected road speed is reached. hooks into speedo cable and allows you to adjust the speed at which the converter locks. Made by B&M - spendy.

- You can run the wire through a vacuum switch which will only allow the converter to lock above your selected engine vacuum level. Not sure who makes 'em, but they're out there.

- You can run the wire through a manually operated toggle switch. Only locks up when you say so!

There might be other methods out there...

I use the GM cruise control switch AND a manual toggle. I keep the toggle OFF when just driving around town. The lock-up when going 25 MPH in OD was extremely annoying, to the point the car would buck and heave when slowing to a stoplight.

Where did you get the cruise control switch. Is there a specific vehicle I should ask for at the parts counter

GM part # 25524848

It's 2 switches in one package. A normally open switch for your brake lights, accepts your current wiring.

A normally closed switch for cruise control (converter lockup in this case). Accepts female spade connectors.

Hitting the brakes closes the connection for the brake lights, opens the connection for the converter.

thanks for the part# I ordered it. Here what I understand for the wiring, hot off the Cruise control switch to the pressure switch. then pressure switch to A on the pigtail. B and D on the pigtail are grounded. Tap into these connectins for the toggle switch
Last queston, there are 2 prongs for the cruise contol on the switch, One goes to the pressure switch. What does the other prong on the switch cruise control go to?
Thanks for your help

Here's how I wired mine:

12V key on source from the "IGN" terminal on the fuse block with an inline fuse. Into one terminal on the cruise switch. From the other terminal on the cruise switch to one of the terminals on the toggle switch. From the other terminal on the toggle switch to the transmission connector(I forget which one). That's it. Essentially one wire with two switches in it. If either switch is open, no lock-up. The lockup solenoid in the valve body uses a chassis ground, so no ground wire needed.

Here is a very simple drawing of the OD lockup circuit, please don't laugh.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/gort69/ccswitch.jpg

I am in the middle of my swap too. Did you get the dual pole brake switch?

Ken you had 2 threads about your tranny issue, I merged them. Its easier for folks to stick with you in just one posting. :)