Hey Newbie with a 79
 

Hey I just scored on a 79!! It's actually my 3rd bird, the first 2 I had in High school.

I'm a grease junky so I know my way around, been working on cars since I was 14 so it's been over 30 years.

I got a concern that maybe someone can clarify for me. Got a 200-4R I've had sitting in my garage for over 15 years. It was running fine off a mid 80's Monte Carlo LS that had 90K miles. I plan on rebuilding it better w/TCI Pro kit and swapping it for of my 79.

I know that my rear gears are not preferable for it but my question is that it should still be ok right? The cars fron the mid 80's had gears similar to my 2.41 and worked ok.

Must I change it or .....see how it goes? Which of these 3 ratios should I get if I have to 3.42, 3.55 or 3.73 ??

I plan on building a SBC 383 if my 403 gives out, It's running fine now.

It can fishtail off the line!!!

Thanks guys!!

Going to be changing the motor if you change the Trans as I would assume the tranny will only bolt to a Chevy block.

The 200-4r has both bell housing holes for BOP and Chevy

And you'd be going with different ratios for a torquey 403 and a chev that likes to wind out instead. Regardless, you'll need a new carrier to suit the centre.

As much as I don't care for the 403, I would retain it, with better heads and intake. The bottom end is the weak link in that chain.

Pontiac 400/455 would put a smile on your face.

put that 383 in with the 2.41 rear and let us know how impressive it is off the line. It also depends if you want people to notice you roaring around town.

The Monte Carlo with the 200-4r in it had 3.42 rear gears, so that would be the ratio to use. With the overdrive, those mid-80's cars didn't use 2.41's or 2.56's. So, the transmission change wouldn't be worth it unless you swap the rear gears. Since you have 2.41's, you'll have to change the carrier also to use 3 series gears.