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 !