200r4 or 700r4 72 chevelle 500hp

[ecoman35]

Hi,
Going to swap my th350 for a overdrive unit. which would be the better trans. Saw a 200r4 built to 550hp and from what I understand is a smoother change out. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Motor built SB with 144 blower. 450-500hp

Thanks, scott

[John]

Interestingly I've been thinking about the same thing. Look forward to the commentary.

[fleming23]

200 is easier to fit and has, arguably, better gearing as the 700 has a large drop between 1st & 2nd.

How much are you wanting to spend? I ask because, I had a "built" 200-4R behind both a small and big block and changed that out for a 4L80 once I fried a band in the 200-4r. I was much happier using the 4L80 than I was with the 200 because of the electronic controls it provided (shift points, firmness, lock up, speedo calibration, etc.) that you don't get with the 200 or 700, but that comes at a cost.

Either the 200-4R or 700-R4 can be capable transmissions, if built properly.

[ecoman35]

Money is tight so trying to do cheap as reasonable. picking up 200 4r tomorrow out of a built 87 grand national with BRF tag. going to have checked and new converter before install.

[fleming23]

On the 200 - I would recommend changing the filter to one out of a 700. They should be interchangeable and this is a cheap swap other than trans fluid. Reason being, the 200 filter pick up is on the front top side of the filter so if you hook and accelerate hard the fluid can rush to the back and expose the pick up (probably shouldn't happen with proper fluid levels but things can leak.) The 700 pick up is on the bottom back of the filter and is a safety against the fluid starvation. It apparently only takes 1 time to burn a band when wide open.

Just something to think about..... I learned of this too late.

[ecoman35]

Thanks for the advise.