200 4R question
 

Hey guys, Just looking for some quick help, I'm swapping out the tired TH350 from the 72 and replacing it with a 200 4R so we can enjoy the OD and lock up converter for road trips.. My question is, the ID Tag on the 200 4R is CZF From an 87 Monte Carlo SS. I've read that they have a special (better for performance) valve body, plate, 1-2 servo, 3-4 servo, 2-3 intermediate servo, and governor. That being said, Should I still purchase and install a Shift kit for it prior to installing the tranny.?? Is it needed?? I was thinking of purchasing the TransGo performance shift kit from Summit.. Suggestions? Reviews??
https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...-hd2/overview/

Thanks for all the help...what an amazing online community. Keep up the great work!!

Re: 200 4R question
 

If you're sure the 2004-r is good and you're just driving it normally, no racing, I would just swap it out and change filter and fluid. If it aint broke, why fix it....

Re: 200 4R question
 

Thats a good point, I was just figuring that while its out on the bench, and since I'm opening it up to change the filter and fluids, now would be the ideal time. But I'm unsure on the performance of this stock tranny. Ya I wanna enjoy it for cruising, but it would be nice to have a bit of performance aswel. I've never installed a shift kit before, and I'm hoping this tranny swap will also help livin up the truck a bit.. Do the CZF tagged 200's need a shift kit??
Thanks again for the advice.
Jamie

Re: 200 4R question
 

One thing that is critical with 2004rs is line pressure , that is dictated by the throttle position valve . Many retrofits get this wrong and it ends in disaster , one way to insure good line pressure is to get a gauge , I recommend it , another is a constant presure valve body , they cost a few $

Re: 200 4R question
 

Kk... good advice.. My plan is to take the truck to our Local Trans shop and get him to set the Detent cable and check line pressure for me.. I've read that its got to be set up just right, So I'm thinking its best to let someone who knows these transmissions set it up properly for me.

Re: 200 4R question
 

Me, The trans came out of a SS they tend to be driven harder..
Depending on cash, I'd might entertain rebuilding it.. Shift kit.. without rebuilding it is just asking for it to fail.. No word on power output or use..
Remember the SS was 3300-3400 lb the truck is 4000-4200+ many of the hard parts might need upgrades if you drive it like you stole it.
Either way make sure you use the correct brackets to mount the tv cable to the intake and the carb. and Set it per manual..

Re: 200 4R question
 

Hey, did you know the cooler lines are reversed on the 200-4R relative to most other transmissions? I didn't until I looked... Make sure you swap 'em if they're different from the TH350 coming out of it!

Re: 200 4R question
 

Just keep in mind, driving it to the trans shop with a disconnect TV cable will damage the tranny, maybe even destroy it.

Don't drive it without having that cable hooked up. If you just have to do it, pull the cable out as far as it will go, then let it back in a couple inches and use vice grips to keep it there while you drive it to the shop very carefully/slowly.

-klb

Re: 200 4R question
 

I had a SS Monte bought it brand new it shifted fairly hard as it was. the 305 that powered the car would do a little more than chirp the tires in second. I normally put in a shift kit, but with the trans Being out of an SS I'd leave it alone and drive it to see first.

Re: 200 4R question
 

Take a look at these guys web site and then if your still not sure call them. They have always been good to me.

http://www.extremeautomatics.com/techHome.php

Re: 200 4R question
 

As far as performance goes they put these issues grand nationals with the turboed v6 they will take abuse. I had one rebuilt at a local shop, he put in a shift kit and got me a G/N converter for $300- $350. It ran good with a mild cammed 350. But I took it all out before it had 500 miles cause I was having trouble with everything else on the car. Lol

Re: 200 4R question
 

You have to ask yourself why GM never used a 200R4 behind anything bigger than a 307 Olds. No Corvettes, no big blocks, not even a 305 IROC. 200R4 was used in the Turbo Regals and GNs, but they don't last long there after engine mods. True, the GN was the highest performance application stock but in truth the 200R4 in stock form is not all that strong. They do require a rebuild to use much power or you will shatter the insides. If you are going to build the 200R4 first then fine, just don't yank a used one out and expect it to last in a truck. They were never used in a Corvette with the CrossFire (205HP/290 Torque) or TPI IROC (195HP/295 torque) which was about the same power as a stock GN (200HP/300 torque)-much less a 250HP TPI Corvette.

I'm not saying don't use a 200R4. I am saying that it might not last long if you take a used one out of a tired V6 or 305 A-Body and put it in a heavy truck with a 350/350 and trounce on it. I would do a 700R4. They got a bad reputation from early on, but if you get an '88 up core with the improved guts they last a long time. They also get a bad rap for swaps for people that didn't adjust the TV cable and burn them up fast. You should not start the engine until the TV cable is properly adjusted!! It is that important. The 4L60E that is still used today is a derivative of the 700R4 and they last a long time. I have one in my '01 Tahoe with 299K miles that has never been out. The 200R4 can be built to handle the power for sure, but a 700R4 can do it with a lot less mods. The current 4L60E shares some internals with some of the last 700R4 (4L60) transmissions.

Re: 200 4R question
 

I dont recommend the cpv , Get tv at correct adjustment and it works fine :chevy:

Re: 200 4R question
 

he vette. f body, truck, used the 7004r for one reason an one reason only café mpg.
The low 3.06 first.. to get it off the line without needing 3:73 gears..
A stock 7004r is as weak as the 2004r.. The G/N put more ft lb to the 2004r than even the vette put to the 7004r..
Both need help if you put them behind 250hp+ Difference being the later 7004r got upgrades.. and many of the 4l60e parts can be used.
the 2004r died with the g body and b body..
Both cost the same to make live, but one bolts in, one doesn't. the 7004r install has extra cost.. the 2004r bolt it in, use driveshaft and crossmembers..
The 2004r gear splits are much better than the 7004r..
The split from 1st to 2nd in a 7004r is a mile wide..
if a person is going to run a 7004r based trans go straight to the 4l65e