Hey guys I need your help. I recently built a 69 convertible for my wife with a 357 with way too much hp for her (XE274 with all Edelbrock top end....10.75 to 1CR and pulled easily over 400hp on the dyno right out of the stand) and left the manual Muncie 4 speed in it! Now here's the problem. It has a 3.55 and gets terrible gas milage (it's her cruiser) and of course is real busy at 75 MPH. So...she wants a 4 speed auto with overdrive. I have a plan, but I am not sure if the tranny will fit with the tail pipes and crossover all tucked up under the flexpan etc. Is a 200R a better package than the 700R4 and do you think it will fit in the same package space the manual and bellhousing is taking now?

thanks for your help!

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STEVE JACK
SOUTHEASTERN GOODGUYS REP

The 200R versus the 700R debate has been going on for a while. Do a search on this web site or do a similar search on WWW.Chevelles.com (http://WWW.Chevelles.com) and I think you will find what you are looking for. The general consensus is that the 2ooR is an easier fit as it should not require changing the length of, or your yokes, on your drive shaft. 200r's can be made to be quite strong, even stronger than the 700r's but this is costly stuff. Do a search and you should have plenty of reading material.

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1969 Camaro SS 350-383ci./365HP, T-56, 12 bolt, Power Trax Locker, 3.73 gears, 4 whl disc, Deluxe black houndstooth interior, rear window defogger, tilt steering, floor console w/gauge package, center mntd. clock, tachometer

I have had good luck with the 700r4, but i have not tried the 200r before. It's all about who builds the thing. I have one that has been behind 550hp is still healthy. I happen to like the very low first gear on the 700r.I have it lent out right now, but if you get interested in one I should have it back in a week or two.

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SCOTT
69 RS-SS 396 4-SPEED

Buy a 4th Gen Camaro...they have overdrive, 300HP and available as a convertible...hell, even A/C!

Thanks for the reply all.

Cavemate....the 69 will NOT depreciate at all, in fact will APPRECIATE. So, I can't afford anything but collector stuff. The convertible is worth another 25% just this year alone!

My 57 Belair cost me 35K to build three years ago.....had legit offers for 50% more. So...get the idea, kinda. I have late models to drive all I want.

I will admit, the newer Camaros are super on the senses tho.... good choice.

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STEVE JACK
SOUTHEASTERN GOODGUYS REP

We swapped out a 3 spd manual to 700 R4. Used crossmember by sliding back. Actually was much easier than anticipated. Instant fuel mileage. Unless you're quarter miling the car, 700 is fine. Oh yea, I like the low gear also. Next project is putting TPI on the thing.

RLWARD......thanks for sharing the experience. It does make me feel abit better about the space. The 3 speed is much like the 4 speed in volume and so forth.

I would be very interested in purchaseing your 4 speed if you were to make the swap.
I am rebuilding a 76 Camaro.
Thanks
Kevin