[critter]

I've been shopping around for a builder for a 200-4r for my TA. Here are the specs:

3900 pound car, 4100 with my fat butt in it.
3.42 gears
450hp/550tq
Occasionally raced on drag radials
Will be looking to run a 3000 stall

Here's what a local builder reccomended. Does this sound about right or should I blow him off? I like the comfort of having a local man to go back to with problems but if he's off his rocker I'd like to know. I'd rather not waste money with him if it won't live and I'll deal with having a long distance build done. Here is what he says I need beyond a good rebuild on a quality core:

Intermediate high performance drum with hardened shaft

Superior high performance valvebody kit

High performance band

Diect Frictions Red high performance

Superior TCC lock up kit

Case connector

An additional option would be the Superior

Super Servo

[HWYSTR455]

Is it originally a built 2004r? Might be able to reuse a number of parts.

When I did the homework shopping for a 2004r, I looked at all the big-name builders as to what goes into their' trans', and compared them. There were a couple parts that are exclusive to BTO as I recall, they make themselves, and make a difference when throwing any power at them, fyi.

Look and see what everyone is using for parts and compare, would be a good bet...

[Bronze66]

I was going to do the same. Have my trans guy build one. After looking for the right parts and info, it would have cost me more than buying one from one of the shops that build them all the time. Check out http://bowtieoverdrives.com/index.shtml. They have a lot of good info. I bought mine from them, level 3. Works good so far. After having it a while I decided to put a switch on the 12v so I could also manually lock/unlock converter when I wanted. I basiclly lock on highway and not around town.

[HWYSTR455]

I too found that it was less expensive, even though I was given a good, rebuildable core.

I ended up using the B&M adjustable lockup control, and I too have a override switch. I chose to lockup at about 40 miles an hour, and at times think I could lockup at a lower speed. Around town at city speeds, you can build some heat if it's not locked up, which is why I chose to lockup lower. I'm actually starting to think you want to lockup as soon as possible, but will determine that after more driving....

[critter]

What parts do they offer that are better?

[BILTIT]

I may just have to buy myself one of those tranny's for christmas!

[HWYSTR455]

The billet 2nd gear servo for one, would have to go back and look to remember. Anyway, the Level 3 trans is only $1395.00, how much was your guy going to charge for the rebuild? What's your converter like?

I got the trans, the console/shift conversion kit, a extreme duty lockup converter (with anti-ballon plate), hard & braided cooling lines, and a yoke for I think a total of like about $2600 shipped (to the east coast) to give you an idea. I chose a 2004r over other overdrive options for a number of reasons, like the gear ratio/spread, no adapters required, cost, and installation ease.

[critter]

My guy is the same price. That's why I was asking about the other parts. I'm going to have to start a spread sheet and lay this out I guess.

My converter will probably be a Continental unit with a 3000 stall and a lockup.

My biggest concern is "IF" I decide to run it on drag radials. Will it take the launch? If not, I'll stay off the track and move on to building a car for racing like I really should anyway.

[Steve C.]

What about the bolt holes on the flex plate ? I understand they are not the same size.

[67 Lamnas]

One upgrade I can think of that's not been mentioned is a kit to change the pump from a 7 vane unit to a 10 vane config.

Also, is anything included for the installation and setting of the TV cable.....(cable, bracket for the carb, etc...)

[critter]

Steve, I'm going to have to replace my flexplate anyway. I'm running an aluminum unit that only has the bolt pattern for the TH400. My understanding is that the steel units with the dual bolt pattern can have the holes opened up slightly to accept the new converter bolts.

67, good catch. That was one thing on my list to ask about. Also, BTO has a billet input shaft at their Level III that I don't see here.

No, neither has included any of the ancillary setup stuff in that $1,400 price.

[HWYSTR455]

I used an aftermarket flexplate, and it fit no problem, fyi..

I did get the BTO TV made ez kit, in that 2600, forgot to add that. I actually got a braided Lokar cable too. The brackets for the TV are great IMO, and are easily adjustable.

http://www.tvmadeez.com/


Oh yeah, did a filler tube and aluminum pan, too...

[critter]

Who's flexplate? ATI? TCI?

Was that a deep pan with the filter extension to get it back in the sump? I hear launching can uncover the stock pickup and cause cavitation. End result on that is premature death.

[HWYSTR455]

Almost certain a TCI, but honestly, would have to check. It's been since like November since I did it...

Yup, with extention (sort of), and did so because I heard the same thing, uncovering, and it also adds more fluid. As I recall, the pan I got uses 700 filters, so the exention is actually on the filter, no worry of loosing it or whatever. There were ribs on the floor of the pan that held the filter in place.

[Steve C.]

Flexplate brand ? Bolt pattern ? Bolt hole diameter ?

[HWYSTR455]

The brand is I'm pretty sure TCI, and it has dual or multi bolt patterns, 2.75 register bore. I can check, but, I know for a fact that the converter bolts fit without an issue. Soooo, I'm guessing, since the bolts are metric, that the holes are slightly enlarged. The data listed on the TCI site says 3/8", easily drilled to 7/16". If you doing a trans and you plan on replacing the flexplate, mock it up prior to assembly and drill it out if need be.

[Steve C.]

I just looked at at the 2004R swap thay did in HPP years ago. They used a early factory flexplate and enlarged the bolt holes for the slightly thicker metric bolts.

I'll use a SFI unit instead.

[67 Lamnas]

If you guys use a TCI flexplate (the $185 one), you MUST remove the powdercoating from it where any fasteners attach, or the bolts will loosen up. Ask me how I know..................

[critter]

Doesn't Dude sell an SFI flexplate? I wonder how it would work in this application.

So you guys running that BTO, how are the shifts? Firm? Soft? What about racing? Do you ever and if so, on what tires?

[HWYSTR455]

I'm totally happy with the shifts, though a very light throttle, low speed upshifts feel a touch soft, which I believe is mainly the converter in my case.

As for lockup controls, I use the adjustable B&M unit, with an override switch.