Rebuild experience

[DorianL]

Greetz people,

I'm a family guy that has done a few things on his classic car: new cam, heads, carb... I get by from reading books and a little help from my friends on message boards.

I'm ok (sorta) with V8s. Trannies seriously intimidate me

I am going to swap out my 350 for a 200-4R. The 200-4R came out of a 150,000 mile 1989 Caprice.

How do you know it is time for a rebuild? I was thinking of just tossing it in there (with a shift kit) and seeing if it slips excessively.

Are there other members of the board like me (simple dude, non guru) who have done a one-off rebuild of their tranny? How difficult was it? What challenges did you experience?

Many thanks in advance,

D.

[turbot2112]

youll know if it needs a rebuild pretty quick. ive been through 4 or 5. that damn flair.

[fast eddie]

Get a t-400 and forgetabout it!!!!!!!!!!!!

[machinegun]

I would recommend overhaul before installing. I personally used some of Bruce Toell's advice along with an ASTC manual and rebuilt my own 200 4r. I used a stock ATP rebuild kit and bought about 100.00 worth of Mac tools to do it. It took me about 5 tries of putting it together and taking it apart but was finally done. Once all checked out I put it in the car and ran 1.25 years with many 12.6x passes with 1.8 60' on Drag radials. I drove the car alot and really enjoyed it. I raced a mustang coming off the on ramp and smoked second gear. I did it all myself with my own time and 186.00 dollars. It worked great and I had a good time. I took my tranny back to our local tranny guy and had it done right for my 11 sec ride now. I can tell you that the experience was great, it worked fine and I will probably do it again on my next TR. I still recommend having gone through for peice of mind. Oh Bruce does excellent work and is great to deal with also.

[2quiktocare]

Dorian, if you like doing r&r go for it, but the wise money would be on going thru the trans prior to installation. If you are planning on using this thing on the street , stick with the 200 4r. The TH400 is great if you want to keep your engine at max rpm at all times, but that sucks the fuel. Properly built, you can't beat the 200 4r for dependability, economy, and durability. If you are mechanical, and are a meticulous person, then you can tackle the job. CLEANLINESS IS EVERYTHING. We (the board and PTS) are here for you if you have any questions. This is the place to come for help. There are many bright people in this forum. thanks,,,,, Mark

[DorianL]

I'm happy to hear this

machinegun You rebuilt yours for $180, excluding tools ?

1.8 on the 60? That means no hardened input shaft, stator support, etc. which is out of my budget anyway. (My input shaft looks new)

Good, good, good.

Will be calling you guys at pstxtreme tonight, my time.

[HOTTOGO]

I pesonally wouldn't put a used tranny in it, spend a little time and money to at least get or do a stock rebuild on it. If you chose to do it yourself, I wish you luck and most definitely take your time doing it.

[WE4]

Have we developed a studder, Mark?
Cali is callin your name .



Bruce
WE4