Overdrive options - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cochino12 · 10-27-2010, 09:26 PM

I would really like to ditch the th400 in my crew cab for a 4 speed auto. I've heard mixed reviews about using a 700r4 because of the weight of the truck, 4l80 is more than I would like to spend, I do know where there is an almost new gear vendors for $1000...

The reason for wanting to swap is mileage and just make the truck a little more driveable at highway speeds. This truck will be mainly a DD maybe pull a trailer once or twice a year but nothing too heavy. Any suggestions?

Number21 · 10-27-2010, 09:48 PM

Well, I'm no expert, but I think a TH400 with an overdrive is like having a 4l80 with zero electronics. I'd love to put one in both my trucks but not sure if the mileage gain would be worth the cost? Then you get the added benefit of being able to split all your gears.

cochino12 · 10-27-2010, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Number21

Well, I'm no expert, but I think a TH400 with an overdrive is like having a 4l80 with zero electronics. I'd love to put one in both my trucks but not sure if the mileage gain would be worth the cost? Then you get the added benefit of being able to split all your gears.

Yeah, I dont think the fuel savings would equal out for a LONG time but it would be a lot easier to drive with that extra gear.

Jonboy · 10-27-2010, 10:53 PM

I found a lightly used 4L80E for $500, and looked into the Baumann controller for it. If you were to switch to a 90-91 Cluster, it could be done for about $1100. I agree about the extra gear; I was always waiting for the trans to shift again in my dually.

bigblock73 · 10-27-2010, 10:55 PM

200r4's are supposed to be stronger than a 700, and can be built to handle more too. Not sure how well they would work in a big truck like yours, but if I keep my 77, I am putting one behind the 292 when I get it built.

68GMCCustom · 10-27-2010, 10:57 PM

thats what I've got...haven't run it yet tho

cochino12 · 10-28-2010, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonboy

I found a lightly used 4L80E for $500, and looked into the Baumann controller for it. If you were to switch to a 90-91 Cluster, it could be done for about $1100. I agree about the extra gear; I was always waiting for the trans to shift again in my dually.

I figured I'd be able to find a cheap used 4l80 but buying used tranny's always scares me. $1100 isnt too bad of a price though. I havent done much research yet, is the Baumann control the best way to go?

Jonboy · 10-28-2010, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cochino12

I figured I'd be able to find a cheap used 4l80 but buying used tranny's always scares me. $1100 isnt too bad of a price though. I havent done much research yet, is the Baumann control the best way to go?

Not sure about the best, but it was the easiest (and close to cheapest) way I found. I have a friend that put a 4R70W in his Lincoln Mark VII, and used the Baumann stuff. He swears by it. Looking at their site, it won't take a lot to program it- their software is even compatible with Windows 98- so I figured even I could figure it out. I had a similar post in the engine and drivetrain section a couple of months ago, and it was discussed that swapping the engine wiring harness out of a 94-95 truck and using the PROM from a 91-94 454SS truck will work, but sounds like it will be a lot more work to do. I had found a 4L80E out of a '99 454 truck with mileage in the 60's from a yard I use all the time, so that didn't scare me so much. You might talk to 68 TT about the newer wiring harness swapout. It might be easier than it sounds, but I just didn't want to go that route.

cochino12 · 01-24-2011, 10:43 PM

any other opinions? the guys at bowtie overdrives are telling me I wont have any issues with a mildly built 700r?

85burb · 01-24-2011, 11:12 PM

I got a 700r4 in my burb. It is built for 500 hp. On friday i will be hooking it to my new engine that is going to that over 450 maybe as high as 480. My burb is prob close to the weight of your crew cab. I dont have any douts about my trans......now the transfercase is a nother story....

68GMCCustom · 01-24-2011, 11:21 PM

I hope to be testing my 500+hp built 200-4R soon! I just wish I knew when soon was going to be!

gchemist · 01-25-2011, 02:27 AM

A well built 700R4 will handle the dually empty. You will have to tow in 3rd. If you need OD towing, a NV4500 is the best option.

cochino12 · 01-25-2011, 11:18 AM

I have a buddy that has a fairly stout 700r that I can pick up pretty cheap, I think I may go that route now so I can make this thing a little better to drive on the highway and bump mpg.

I'll start buying parts slowly for the 4l80 swap later, might as well set this truck up to tow since it IS a 1 ton

jchav62 · 01-25-2011, 01:01 PM

Gearvendors are pricey, but if you're lucky, you may be able to find a good deal on a used one. I have a GV unit in my '62 behind a th350. I love it because I still get the crisp shifts of a th350 and still have OD without dealing with TV cable issues or computer stuff.

10-27-2010, 09:26 PM	#1
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	Overdrive options I would really like to ditch the th400 in my crew cab for a 4 speed auto. I've heard mixed reviews about using a 700r4 because of the weight of the truck, 4l80 is more than I would like to spend, I do know where there is an almost new gear vendors for $1000... The reason for wanting to swap is mileage and just make the truck a little more driveable at highway speeds. This truck will be mainly a DD maybe pull a trailer once or twice a year but nothing too heavy. Any suggestions? __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

10-27-2010, 09:48 PM	#2
Number21 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 611	Re: Overdrive options Well, I'm no expert, but I think a TH400 with an overdrive is like having a 4l80 with zero electronics. I'd love to put one in both my trucks but not sure if the mileage gain would be worth the cost? Then you get the added benefit of being able to split all your gears. __________________ '73 K20 Cheyenne Super Camper Special 350/TH350/NP205 sittin' on 33's. You can set my truck on fire and roll it down a hill, and I still wouldn't trade it for a Coupe de Ville.

10-27-2010, 10:53 PM	#4
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: Overdrive options I found a lightly used 4L80E for $500, and looked into the Baumann controller for it. If you were to switch to a 90-91 Cluster, it could be done for about $1100. I agree about the extra gear; I was always waiting for the trans to shift again in my dually. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

10-27-2010, 10:55 PM	#5
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	Re: Overdrive options 200r4's are supposed to be stronger than a 700, and can be built to handle more too. Not sure how well they would work in a big truck like yours, but if I keep my 77, I am putting one behind the 292 when I get it built. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

10-27-2010, 10:57 PM	#6
68GMCCustom Truck and auto performance nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: McKinney,Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: Overdrive options thats what I've got...haven't run it yet tho __________________ Kurt - '68 GMC short step - NIB '09 LY6 6.0L crate motor w/mods, NIB '12 crate 4L85e w/billet 3k stall Circle D, 3.73 posi 12 bolt, DynaTech f-swap headers, 3/4 drop, handling mods, etc. - my toy '72 Chevy LWB C-10 Highlander - 350/350 ps/pb/tilt/ac - not original but close '06 Chevy TrailBlazerSS - LS2/4L70e - little black hot rod SUV - my DD '18 Kia Sorento - wife's econo-driver '95 Chevy S10 - reg cab shortbed, LS, 4.3, auto... my '68's powertrain and chassis build -links broken A surprise phase - carb to efi -links broken

01-24-2011, 10:43 PM	#9
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	Re: Overdrive options any other opinions? the guys at bowtie overdrives are telling me I wont have any issues with a mildly built 700r? __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

01-24-2011, 11:12 PM	#10
85burb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: lindale,tx Posts: 2,373	Re: Overdrive options I got a 700r4 in my burb. It is built for 500 hp. On friday i will be hooking it to my new engine that is going to that over 450 maybe as high as 480. My burb is prob close to the weight of your crew cab. I dont have any douts about my trans......now the transfercase is a nother story.... __________________ 82 c10 5.3/4l60 84 c20 5.3/sm465 85 chevy k10 suburban LQ4/4l60 91 chevy c10 suburban Lsa 5.3/4l60 2017 Silverado whipple 5.3 1964 Vw beetle 1974 vw beetle

01-24-2011, 11:21 PM	#11
68GMCCustom Truck and auto performance nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: McKinney,Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: Overdrive options I hope to be testing my 500+hp built 200-4R soon! I just wish I knew when soon was going to be! __________________ Kurt - '68 GMC short step - NIB '09 LY6 6.0L crate motor w/mods, NIB '12 crate 4L85e w/billet 3k stall Circle D, 3.73 posi 12 bolt, DynaTech f-swap headers, 3/4 drop, handling mods, etc. - my toy '72 Chevy LWB C-10 Highlander - 350/350 ps/pb/tilt/ac - not original but close '06 Chevy TrailBlazerSS - LS2/4L70e - little black hot rod SUV - my DD '18 Kia Sorento - wife's econo-driver '95 Chevy S10 - reg cab shortbed, LS, 4.3, auto... my '68's powertrain and chassis build -links broken A surprise phase - carb to efi -links broken

01-25-2011, 02:27 AM	#12
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: Overdrive options A well built 700R4 will handle the dually empty. You will have to tow in 3rd. If you need OD towing, a NV4500 is the best option. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

01-25-2011, 11:18 AM	#13
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	Re: Overdrive options I have a buddy that has a fairly stout 700r that I can pick up pretty cheap, I think I may go that route now so I can make this thing a little better to drive on the highway and bump mpg. I'll start buying parts slowly for the 4l80 swap later, might as well set this truck up to tow since it IS a 1 ton __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

01-25-2011, 01:01 PM	#14
jchav62 1962 C-10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico Posts: 4,978	Re: Overdrive options Gearvendors are pricey, but if you're lucky, you may be able to find a good deal on a used one. I have a GV unit in my '62 behind a th350. I love it because I still get the crisp shifts of a th350 and still have OD without dealing with TV cable issues or computer stuff. __________________ Joseph Chavez "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4



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