2004r in a HEAVY car. Can it work?

[Modly]

I don't own a turbo Buick anymore (Sadly.. it was stolen and lit on fire), but you guys seem to be the best of the best in 2004r transmissions...

My current project car is a '66 Cadillac hearse, which now has a fuel injected 500ci Caddy engine. It weighs something over 6500 lbs without me, my tools, and other goodies in it. The engine puts out roughly 450 ft/lbs of torque, and 400 HP.

The TH-400 I had in it was poorly rebuilt by somebody, and lasted less than a year before falling apart. This time I want to build the trans myself (Never done it before, but I do engine machining for a living so I figure it can't be too bad), but I wanted to switch to something with overdrive. The 2004r is my best option because it has the proper bellhousing to bolt up to my engine.

So my question is, can a 2004r handle what I want to throw at it, and what do I need to do to make it do so?

[1CleanT]

Originally Posted by Modly

I don't own a turbo Buick anymore (Sadly.. it was stolen and lit on fire), but you guys seem to be the best of the best in 2004r transmissions...

My current project car is a '66 Cadillac hearse, which now has a fuel injected 500ci Caddy engine. It weighs something over 6500 lbs without me, my tools, and other goodies in it. The engine puts out roughly 450 ft/lbs of torque, and 400 HP.

The TH-400 I had in it was poorly rebuilt by somebody, and lasted less than a year before falling apart. This time I want to build the trans myself (Never done it before, but I do engine machining for a living so I figure it can't be too bad), but I wanted to switch to something with overdrive. The 2004r is my best option because it has the proper bellhousing to bolt up to my engine.

So my question is, can a 2004r handle what I want to throw at it, and what do I need to do to make it do so?

If you run that 200 in that hearse go ahead and put it in the back and bury it.. it WON'T hold.. put a 400 in it and be done with it.

[jakeshoe]

I think the 200-4R will hold up to your demands, BUT it will need to be a totally billet unit as far as internals, and I would keep the shift calibration mild.

For about the same money you could do a 4L80E and use an adapter. I don't really like the adapters but...

[Modly]

I don't like adapters either. I originally had the 500 bolted to the '66 TH400 (Different bellhousing), and the adapter caused a few issues. Granted the adapter was poorly made, but I've been scared off from doing that again.
I'd also have to implement a controller to handle the 4L80e, which once they start offering a CAN device to hook up to my megasquirt it could be easy, but right now there is nothing.

I suppose while cost is still important, as long as I could do it for a reasonable amount and make it work I'd go for it. Could $1500 get all the parts needed for me to build one up?

[chris718]

www.CKPerformance.com

[WE4]

Hell, We are putting them in 1 ton trucks now. They are very reliable built for your application. I would NOT hesitate to do that conversion. Actually very easy to do also. It may cost you a bit in the beginning but will pay off in the long run. I can make your unit work in that car with NO problem. I would even warranty it to a point. Personally, I would do it as you have a neat combo going there. Out here the newest fad is the caddy 500 cu in motor. They are putting it in several cars now for the torque and we have built several for this application.
Give us a call or visit Performance Transmission Services and if you call you will speak directly to me. I even have the PERFECT core for that swap.

I did one of these for a hearse in a 72 Cadillac for RPM machine in Rohert Park Ca, about 3 years ago. They do alot of work for GM Hi-Tech. It came out GREAT!!!
I could do without the coffin the guy carries around to make it look real, but it is spooky to work on!!!!

Bruce
WE4
Performance Transmission Services

Originally Posted by Modly

I don't own a turbo Buick anymore (Sadly.. it was stolen and lit on fire), but you guys seem to be the best of the best in 2004r transmissions...

My current project car is a '66 Cadillac hearse, which now has a fuel injected 500ci Caddy engine. It weighs something over 6500 lbs without me, my tools, and other goodies in it. The engine puts out roughly 450 ft/lbs of torque, and 400 HP.

The TH-400 I had in it was poorly rebuilt by somebody, and lasted less than a year before falling apart. This time I want to build the trans myself (Never done it before, but I do engine machining for a living so I figure it can't be too bad), but I wanted to switch to something with overdrive. The 2004r is my best option because it has the proper bellhousing to bolt up to my engine.

So my question is, can a 2004r handle what I want to throw at it, and what do I need to do to make it do so?

[Modly]

That is reassuring and good to know. I do plan on driving this thing alot on the highway next year, and if I could gain 20% in fuel economy at a minimum just from the overdrive, I'd be ahead pretty quick. I'm going to drive it out to Portland, OR from near Detroit, MI in the spring...

Now, for a rebuild core, is there something I should start with that would be better than others, or with the work that will go into it would it not matter? I understand the Turbo Buick transmissions are the best out of the lot, followed by Monte Carlo SS's, etc... But those would also be hardest to find.

[1CleanT]

Originally Posted by Modly

That is reassuring and good to know. I do plan on driving this thing alot on the highway next year, and if I could gain 20% in fuel economy at a minimum just from the overdrive, I'd be ahead pretty quick. I'm going to drive it out to Portland, OR from near Detroit, MI in the spring...

Now, for a rebuild core, is there something I should start with that would be better than others, or with the work that will go into it would it not matter? I understand the Turbo Buick transmissions are the best out of the lot, followed by Monte Carlo SS's, etc... But those would also be hardest to find.

Yeah but he is talking about a $3500+ built 200.. can have a stronger better th400 for alot less.

[SloGN]

other than the BRF the AA code 200r4 trans is the best way to go i think since it has the better thruster washers already in the case.

[Brer Rabbit]

But if u must have an overdrive, then look into that Gear Vendors Overdrive company. I know a guy that installed that unit with a well built 400 into a small block chevy turbo car after smoking two 700r4s. Never heard from the guy after that. I think the units are pretty expensive and heavy but those two things really are not an issue it looks like.

[turbocaddy1982]

my 82 caddy weighs 5,000 lbs...it now has 200,000 miles on it...trans still good..all high performance clutches and bands...

[bobc455]

A tranny cooler would be a good idea too (with either transmission).

-BC