4-speed auto trans swap

[rocknss]

I have a 1969 Chevy Burb with a 350ci & 4-speed Manual trans. I want to swap it for a 4-speed auto w/overdrive trans.

My question is what trans would be better for the Burb, a 200R4 or a 700R4?


Thanks:

[sailed2japan]

700r4 is what was put in 1/2 ton trucks. I beleive the 200r4 was used in s-10 and other light duty applications. Do some research before you choose a trans. If I recall correctly the 700r4 from early 90's camaros were the best ones built.

[capev86]

both are equally good if built right and properly used and maintained. the 200 is a direct bolt in that won't require cutting the driveshaft or moving the crossmemeber. but the 700 is more plentiful and features a lower first gear than most automatics....which is good for pulling a trailer. i like the 3 speed on the column my 72 burb has so i will find another way to add an overdrive (the saginaw had an OD unit available). that 4 speed has a really deep first gear.......i'd just go with a 3.08 rear gear and use 4th as an overdrive. but an auto is certainly more convenient for towing and driving in traffic....or if your knee can't handle a clutch pedal on a regular basis.

[jmmm229]

if you can afford it, the 4l60e option is much more economical and dependable. the 200 will not last, period. i have watched several 200's "built" crap out after less than a year. and a stock 700 isnt much better. if you are pulling loads, or if its 4wd, trust me, 4l60e or spend a bunch of money "building" a 700r4. it will perform, it just will not last as long. the most reliable overdrive is an after the trans unit. but, they are pricey.

[rocknss]

Its a 4x2 and it won't be doing alot of towing. I was leaning on a 700R4 but I might look at the 4L60E.

Thanks for all your input!!

[olblue60@aol.com]

The 700r4 and 4l60e are basically the same trans. The 4l60e is a computer controlled trans. I'm in with Capev86.

[jorgensensc]

I disagree with the statement about the 200. I have one in a '56 Bel Air and love it. Built by Phoenix transmissions out of weatherford. Great tranny, very nice. I feel like the first gear to second gear ratio was better than the 700, and many agree with that. I chose the 200 for the reason that it bolted right in place, with no driveshaft mods, in place ov the 350. Over all I think it is a better choice than a 700, if your getting one that has been rebuilt. If your looking for a junkyard tranny go with th 4l60e, but get ready for the cost of electronics to control it. Be careful in choosing the 700, some years are really crappy. JMHO.
Shawn

[sailed2japan]

Yeah the first 700r4 that came out were pretty crappy. I *think* that their problems can be solved with a shift kit and a rebuild, but I don't know for sure.

Also yoiu can get a shift kit to make a 4l60e fully valved eliminating all electronics, the same can be done with a 4l80e. If you really get worried about stoutness, that's definately the way to go. I had one in my 93 crewcab dually and I pulled alot of weight with it. I once tipped the scales at almost 20K.

[olblue60@aol.com]

I'm not sure of the years that I was supposed to look for for my rebuild but I believe it was somewhere around a 1985 thru 1992, were best to use. Mine was an 86 and the rebuilder said it was an ideal core.

[Long Roof]

Originally Posted by jmmm229

if you can afford it, the 4l60e option is much more economical and dependable. the 200 will not last, period. i have watched several 200's "built" crap out after less than a year. and a stock 700 isnt much better. if you are pulling loads, or if its 4wd, trust me, 4l60e or spend a bunch of money "building" a 700r4. it will perform, it just will not last as long. the most reliable overdrive is an after the trans unit. but, they are pricey.

You may have experience to back this up but I disagree on your 200 assessment. I live near a dragstrip and there are quite a following of T-type and GN buicks in the area. These turbo cars came with 200's. I have seen these cars whipped on hard and have never heard of any major problems of breaking. If professionally built these trans will hold up just as well as 700's.

All things being equal it comes down to trans gearing, drive shaft modifications and electronic controls. They will all work one way or another.