Drove my car today with the 200-4R

[Ms Grumpy]

Last night it was decided that I was going to drive my car today to break in the new trans. It had been driven about 10 miles prior to me getting behind the wheel. I was not sure what to expect...but boy was I extremely pleased.

When I started the car and put it into gear it felt like I was holding back a monster. She just wanted to go, kinda like holding a dog on a leash that just wants to take off. As I drove away I was taking it easy, no more than 1/2 pedal is what I was told to do. So OK, I will take it easy, but that is not what the car wanted to do. As I was driving I did notice that the shift was very firm from 1st to 2nd (I found out later that it was actually shifting from 1st to 3rd because I had it in overdrive). But as I increased the speed the shifts were still firm, but not as evident as the 1st gear. A little later we talked to Lon (trans builder) who told us that the shifting will break in and become better after about another 200 miles. I can live with that.

Here are some installation input, about this transmission, from my mechanic/brother Eric:
"All the bolts that thread into the transmission are METRIC. Like the transmission mount bolts, shifter bracket bolts, and the TV cable mounting bolt. I even double checked that the trans line fittings were standard 5/16 double flare instead of metric or 3/8 like some newer cars.
The dipstick that was used is a universal dipstick. The rule of thumb is that "universal fit" means that it universally does not fit very well on any application. I recommend getting one for a 1978-1979 Camaro with a 200-4R."

Now today was also the 1st time that I have driven my car since the hydroboost ( http://www.chevellebrakeparts.com/products.asp?cat=16 ) was installed. In my opinion it is one of the best things that we have done to the car ! In the past, I was always concerned that I wouldn't be able to stop when someone hit the brakes really hard in front of me or if someone cut me off. No more. I could stop my car on a dime now.

I drove about 50 miles today, and loved every minute of it ! Now we still have to do some adjustments, but I should be on the road this weekend. I cannot wait !

[grandsport]

Sweet! Glad you are having a good time with HER.

[Ms Grumpy]

Other than not being able to stomp on the gas pedal and seeing what she would do. This was probably one of the best driving experiences that I have had in my car.

[flash]

When do I get to drive her ?

[smokenjoep01]

Whats the hydo booster for/do?

[Highway Star]

Sounds pretty cool. I'm glad that you're under way again. I want to hear about how it performs once you're past the break-in period. Subscribed for updates...

[Berg]

I'm glad to hear you like the transmission! It must be nice having that OD. Did you have to do a shifter gate conversion?
Joe- The Hydraboost or Hydro Boost (depending on who offers the system) eliminates the power brake vacuum booster and uses a cylinder that takes fluid from the power steering pump to create a mechanical advantage. A lot of diesel GM trucks use this because it does not require vacuum to operate. You can run a big ol' honkin' camshaft and still be able to stop! The good news is the whole system takes up a lot less room on the firewall making more room for engine clearance. Good for running a big block and not having to worry about valve cover clearance.

[Ms Grumpy]

Thank you Berg, you explained it a lot better than I could. When we put the car back together we used a vacuum pump, but I did not care for it at all. I was not comfortable with the braking power, or should I say lack of. In researching solutions grumpy concluded that the hydroboost best fit what I was looking for. And he was definately right.

I cannot wait until the break in period is over too. I really want to see what she will do.

[flash]

And when is it I get to drive it ?

[Ms Grumpy]

Originally Posted by flash

And when is it I get to drive it ?

Well I think we will see you at Chevellabration and the Ohio Show. I'm sure we can work something out.