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A forum for the owners and enthusiasts of General Motors B-Bodies from 1977-1990, but dedicated to the owners of 1977-1979 Impalas and Caprices. Join up now!


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    Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4

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    billg4
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    Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4 Empty Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4

    Post  billg4 Wed Jul 08, 2015 1:43 pm

    Has anyone done this swap?. I understand the transmission lengths are the same and the existing drive shaft can be retained but the rear cross member must be moved back 61/2 inches. Is anyone aware of what is involved in this or have knowledge of a suitable cross member to use? Thanks.
    walker45
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    Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4 Empty Re: Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4

    Post  walker45 Fri Jul 10, 2015 7:50 am

    Why do you want to do this, a TH 350 is a better choice even if it is
    an older production but still stronger in use .
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    Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4 Empty Re: Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4

    Post  billg4 Fri Jul 10, 2015 8:42 am

    I do a lot of highway driving and want the overdrive as well as the lower first gear for in town responsiveness. I failed to mention that this is for a '79 caprice. A properly built 200R4 is plenty strong enough for non racing use and will be an easier swap than a 700R4. Thanks for responding.
    383Falcon
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    Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4 Empty 700R4

    Post  383Falcon Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:41 pm

    Hi there! If you switch a TH350 for a 200R4 the only thing you should have to consider is the crossmember mounting as I am pretty sure the drive shaft is the same... I had about 180xxx miles on my 200R4 and switched that to a 700R4 and the only thing I had to do was fabricate a transmission crossmember and find a caprice with a 700R4 and take the drive shaft..
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    Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4 Empty Re: Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4

    Post  billg4 Sat Jul 11, 2015 3:42 pm

    Can the existing cross member be moved back and what fabricating needs to be done ? I am going to stay with a 200R4 to replace the existing T350. Thanks.
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    Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4 Empty Re: Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4

    Post  383Falcon Sat Jul 11, 2015 8:24 pm

    If the cross member fits the 200r4 then sure, at most you will need to drill new guide holes in the frame.. Personally, I welded two plates to my frame and fabricated a cross-member out of 1-1/2" steel pipe with a 1/2" plate to bolt to the tranny. It drops out with 4 bolts, I will take a few photos for you Smile
    Sweet Seventy9
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    Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4 Empty Re: Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4

    Post  Sweet Seventy9 Sun Jul 12, 2015 1:16 am

    Wasn't the 200r4 standard in early to mid 80s b-bodies?
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    Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4 Empty Re: Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4

    Post  GM B-Body Forum Sun Jul 12, 2015 10:51 am

    2004r are good transmissions if built right and the tv cable is adjusted perfectly, as far as fit ment you will have to move the crossmember as stated above and i believe you may have to change the shifter since it was designed for a 3 speed, you may have to get a universal floor shifter. I would pick a 2004r over a 700r4 anyday, it has a better overdrive gear, and 1st and 2nd gear are better than the 700r4. The turbo buicks used those trannys, they can handle serious power when built right.
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    Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4 Empty Re: Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4

    Post  GM B-Body Forum Sun Jul 12, 2015 12:42 pm

    sweetseventy9 wrote:Wasn't the 200r4 standard in early to mid 80s b-bodies?
    I think your thinking of the th200 and th200c the light duty cheap version of the th350 lol
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    Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4 Empty Re: Replace Turbo 350 with 200R4

    Post  Sweet Seventy9 Sun Jul 12, 2015 2:09 pm

    GM B-Body Forum wrote:
    sweetseventy9 wrote:Wasn't the 200r4 standard in early to mid 80s b-bodies?
    I think your thinking of the th200 and th200c the light duty cheap version of the th350 lol

    Maybe it was optional?  There's an 82 or 83 sedan near me with a factory 4spd auto.

    *** EDIT ***

    I just verified it was an optional trans for the Caprice. - http://www.capriceclassic.com/onamarie.geo/chevy1982.html



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