Automatic shifter on the floor.

[rchavez101]

Currently my 94 has a manual transmission and I would eventually like to put in an Automatic. I know that I would have to change out the steering column. Has anyone ever put one in but put with a floor shifter? If you have do you have any pics and was it difficult to do. Or how hard is it to change out the column? Also I know that the transmission has electronics with it so are they compatible with my current set up or would I need to change out the computer plus other items for the electronics to work?

[Edahall]

Originally Posted by rchavez101

Currently my 94 has a manual transmission and I would eventually like to put in an Automatic. I know that I would have to change out the steering column. Has anyone ever put one in but put with a floor shifter? If you have do you have any pics and was it difficult to do. Or how hard is it to change out the column? Also I know that the transmission has electronics with it so are they compatible with my current set up or would I need to change out the computer plus other items for the electronics to work?

The easiest would be to put in a 700R4 transmission that has no electronics other than 12V for the lock up torque converter. If you go this route, make sure you get a 87 or newer 700R4 and have a reputable shop build it up. They're not the strongest transmission but can be built up to last as long as you don't do too much towing. As far as shifters, you could put in a floor mounted Hurst shifter. Also, you'll need to have your drive line shortened since any automatic you put in will likely be longer than the manual transmission you have in there.

[rchavez101]

Originally Posted by Edahall

The easiest would be to put in a 700R4 transmission that has no electronics other than 12V for the lock up torque converter. If you go this route, make sure you get a 87 or newer 700R4 and have a reputable shop build it up. They're not the strongest transmission but can be built up to last as long as you don't do too much towing. As far as shifters, you could put in a floor mounted Hurst shifter. Also, you'll need to have your drive line shortened since any automatic you put in will likely be longer than the manual transmission you have in there.

THanks Edahall. So as far as mounting it will the cross member for the auto tranny line up with this transmission? Also will the tranny bolt up to the 4.3L and the 5.7L if I decide to put in a V8?

[mountie]

Originally Posted by rchavez101

THanks Edahall. So as far as mounting it will the cross member for the auto tranny line up with this transmission? Also will the tranny bolt up to the 4.3L and the 5.7L if I decide to put in a V8?

Call my friend, Art Carr ( California Performance Transmissions). I used to R&R trannys & install coolers there. It all can be done. Adapter parts are easily gotten. I do suggest the 200 4R transmission as a strongest up grade, but the 700R4 is built strong out of their shop. Floor shifter changes are done there. Or you can find out what parts are correct for your application.

Call and you can get all your answers.

[Edahall]

Originally Posted by rchavez101

THanks Edahall. So as far as mounting it will the cross member for the auto tranny line up with this transmission? Also will the tranny bolt up to the 4.3L and the 5.7L if I decide to put in a V8?

>>So as far as mounting it will the cross member for the auto tranny line up with this transmission?

Yes

>>Also will the tranny bolt up to the 4.3L and the 5.7L if I decide to put in a V8?

Yes

[rchavez101]

Thanks Edahall. After looking at what it might take to change out the steering column it doesn't look all that hard and you can get the whole column on ebay for a decent price. I do like the idea of a 700R4. I have had them in the past and liked them. I would not be doing any pulling with the truck so it would probably work out just fine.

[mountie]

Originally Posted by rchavez101

Thanks Edahall. After looking at what it might take to change out the steering column it doesn't look all that hard and you can get the whole column on ebay for a decent price. I do like the idea of a 700R4. I have had them in the past and liked them. I would not be doing any pulling with the truck so it would probably work out just fine.

I had my 700R4 finally built strong..... ( I had MANY tranny failures in the past, and I was never hard on them) A couple mild changes to the valve body, but very important, who ever installs the tranny, they MUST know how to adjust the Throttle Valve cable!!!!!!

It sets the tranny pressure, by a cable, attached to the forward area of the tranny, coming out of the valve body,..... then up to your TBI lever...it matches your throttle use. Adjusted wrong, and you could be driving at 70 mph but the tranny pressure will be at a 30mph setting ( tranny running too hot). You may not notice if it's adjusted wrong, but you will notice the shifting quality when it is adjusted correctly.

The servo... ( a 3"round dish sort of thing)... can be changed to a firmer shift. ( I have a corvette servo if I want to change it)

[ChevLoRay]

Someone will correct me if I am wrong, but my understanding is that the 4L60 and 4L60E transmissions are electronically-controlled versions of the 700R4 which is based on the TH400, while the 200R4 is an overdrive version of the TH350.

I fail to understand why either transmission can't be built to withstand the engines they'er hooked to, or why people will say the 200R4 is stronger than the 700R4. I have always understood the TH400 to be the stronger transmission than a TH350, but I understand that the gear ratios favor the 350, on the bottom end.

I also understand that the 700R4 has an issue with some internals (sprags?), but I've also owned an '81 Impala wagon that had a 200R4...and I towed a 25-ft camper with it....but not in OD. As far as my '96 with the 4L60E is concerned for towing...I don't put into OD until I'm comfortable with the speeds that I'm going to be driving and don't have to drive in hilly areas. But, that's just me and my 4.3/automatic combo.

Help me out....

[Pop's C-10]

Originally Posted by ChevLoRay

Someone will correct me if I am wrong, but my understanding is that the 4L60 and 4L60E transmissions are electronically-controlled versions of the 700R4 which is based on the TH400, while the 200R4 is an overdrive version of the TH350.

I fail to understand why either transmission can't be built to withstand the engines they'er hooked to, or why people will say the 200R4 is stronger than the 700R4. I have always understood the TH400 to be the stronger transmission than a TH350, but I understand that the gear ratios favor the 350, on the bottom end.

I also understand that the 700R4 has an issue with some internals (sprags?), but I've also owned an '81 Impala wagon that had a 200R4...and I towed a 25-ft camper with it....but not in OD. As far as my '96 with the 4L60E is concerned for towing...I don't put into OD until I'm comfortable with the speeds that I'm going to be driving and don't have to drive in hilly areas. But, that's just me and my 4.3/automatic combo.

Help me out....

200 is it's own aninamal..it jus share tha same length & mount location as a 350 & yes,any trans can be build to hold power..

[mountie]

A 200R4 ...in simplistic terms has fewer vulnerable parts. It also can be built to manage 800 HP. many street / strip drag racing cars use it.

I installed one in a 1966 Dodge Coronet that had a new 426 hemi, and in a 1970 Mustang having a built 429.... they both had 750 HP.

My truck has a 700R4 that was built for 500HP.

You need to find a tranny builder that knows how to build a 200 for power. 200's fail the least ( next to a powerglide, which is a 2-speed)

I believe there is an interesting read about the 200 in the California Performance Transmissions website.

BUt!! you must have good tranny coolers to tow, etc. ( here's a dual Searab cooler set-up I designed on a Yukon.)