Have a 1969 Camaro with a TH350 auto trans. Would like to change to a Overdrive (4speed) auto trans. Does anybody know if there is a vendor selling complete kits (including trans) to make this conversion. Thank you. Markus

Ditto. This winter I also want to swap the original Powerglide that's in a '68 Camaro I just bought for a 4 speed auto...what are the options?

Probably the easiest overdrive automatic tranny to install in a first gen is a 200-R4. These are the same overdrive trannys found in the Buick Grand National Turbo cars, so they can take some abuse. From what I understand, the 200-R4 is the same length as a TH350 so there are no driveshaft mods required! You will need a transmission crossmember from a TH400 equipped car though.

I think Art Carr transmissions and Bowtie overdrives sell complete kits. I don't know the costs though.

Hope that helps.

-Mark

Yes I've heard about the 2004r. Is it best to purchase a new one? newly rebuilt? Would it also be a bolt-in swap with a Powerglide? I can handle a bolt-in trans swap, but I'm not real skilled at custom modifications...

Terry

My car was originally a Powerglide tranny car. I swapped the PG for a freshly re-built TH350 with a Trans-go shiftkit and installed it myself. It wasn't too difficult. I did have to gather up some misc. parts like a shifter linkage kit to convert from the PG to a TH350. (www.shiftworks.com)

If I had the funds, I would definately install a re-built 200-R4. But, if you are on a budget, even swapping from a PG to a TH350 makes a noticable difference in performance.

I did the powerglide to 2004r swap. There is no mod needed for the drive shaft but you do need a different crossmember. Bowtieoverdrives will sell you a complete install kit incuding a kickdown cable. I bought my trans locally so that if I had any problems (and I have!) I could get it fixed. I am thinking I should have spent the cash and bought directly from bowtie -they are really good people to deal with. Even if you don't buy a trans from them they are willing to help you however they can. I have heard they can be tough about warranty work though.

Kausboy, if I decide to do this swap in my garage, could I lean on you for tech/moral support since you've done the exact same conversion? I haven't found anyone in my area who his this type of knowledge-- Thanks

Keep in mind that the 200-4r in stock form is pretty weak. So don't go junkyard hunting for a 200-4r and expect it to live behind any real power.

The 200-4r has been worked over by the GN boys over the years and as a result there are some beefy aftermarket parts available. IMO you need to work with a reputable performance tranny shop that knows how to build the 200-4r for HD use, not just your local tranny shop.

I put a 700R4 in my 69 this summer, it went pretty smooth. I used the original cooler lines, but I had to tweak them a little bit. Also I had to get a different driveshaft built. I think the shaft was about $150. I also got a cross-member from bowtie overdrives. The cross member fit very nice and worked well. The only problem I had was trying to get the TV cable set right. Here is the link for the cross member. Good luck!

http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/index.shtml

Tmannet,

Sorry I failed to mention it before but, Eric68 does bring up a good point in that you need to work with a reputable tranny shop that understands what kind of power your engine puts out now, and what your future engine plans are. That way, the trans. builder can build it right the first time.

Bowtie offers a couple different level of tranmissions -like I said, I went with a local builder and I have had some problems -not with the power or anything, just the trans itself -namely a cracked case. It has leaked from the day I got it but seemed to perform well. My car is not a race car (327 with about 9.5:1 compression and an Edelbrock 600 with a very mild cam) -built as a "cruiser". It has an open rear end with what must be around 3.08 gears in it. The trans dumped the front pump bushing a couple weeks ago and after that was repaired it STILL leaked -that was when we found a crack in the case.
I think the bowtie crossmember is the way to go. My original flywheel worked but I guess in some cases you need to change it out. I used my existing cooler lines and also I found that the speedo housing from the 2 speed fit right into the overdrive trans - I had to replace the driven gear but bowtie had one for me! My speedo is still off (reads slow) so I need a driven gear with less teeth but that is minor. I also got a kickdown (T.V.) cable from bowtie. They sent detailed instructions on how to set it. I was impressed with the level of customer service they provided even though I didn't buy my trans from them. (I don't know what kind of experience others have had -but mine was favorable). I spent a little extra and got an "install kit" from them that came with a pressure guage and instructions on what my pressures should be.

Having just completed this conversion this past fall, I have nothing but great things to say about BTO. I couldn't be happier with the trans and
overall customer experience.

I bought my 200r4 from Monster Motorsports. I'm in the middle of the install so I cant comment on quality yet. Its supposed to be 450 hp and was $850 + shipping. It came with the torque converter, dipstick and tube, trans mount, and tv cable. I wont know its true quality till spring, but so far, so good.

Is there a reason you wouldn't go with the 700R4. The only change is the drive shaft length would need to be done???

Is there a reason you wouldn't go with the 700R4. The only change is the drive shaft length would need to be done???
For me the 200-4R has better 1st and 4th gears. (Not as much drop 1st-2nd, and little better overdrive ratio.)