[robscar]

I would like to put a more modern auto trans in my 67 Bird. Modern meaning more gears, preferably a overdrive trans. Who among you has done this? If so, which trans did you use?
The th350 seems to be the easiest swap, but you do not get the benefit of a overdrive gear.
It seems to me that the hardest part of the 200r4 swap is the tv cable.
On the 200r4, is there a unit I should stay away from? Are they all dual pattern? There are several near me from 87-88 Monte Carlos right now. I may just have to make a template of the 2 spd bell housing and go compare.
Any suggestions and ideas would be appreciated.

[BMFH]

Hello All

Talk to Cammer 6, he is the Pioneer on the 200 4R Retro Fit.

The only ones that will bolt up without any problems are from Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac.
(BOP Bolt Pattern)

The Chevy ones can work, but you have to deal with an Adapter for the different bolt pattern on the block.

Hope this helps,

Dusty

[Cammer-6]

Originally Posted by BMFH

Hello All

Talk to Cammer 6, he is the Pioneer on the 200 4R Retro Fit.

The only ones that will bolt up without any problems are from Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac.
(BOP Bolt Pattern)

The Chevy ones can work, but you have to deal with an Adapter for the different bolt pattern on the block.

Hope this helps,

Dusty

not so
I have 2 of the 88 Monte Carlo SS units (one in car since it was almost new) and the other as a back up
These are basically the same as the Buick GN trans.
Same bolt pattern,almost same valve body.
I fabricated a kick down and TV cable bracket to mount to the bell crank and has worked for almost 25 yrs.

any 86 or newer is a good unit but the SS or GN are the best.
Im using a lockup converter from a corvette and really should have a little higher stall.
Word of caution
lockup begins in 2 nd gear and WILL STALL your motor on low speed starts.

[BMFH]

Hello All

So, I guess the cases are Dual Pattern, Chevy and BOP?

When the dual patters start?

Take Care,

Dusty

[Cammer-6]

yes dual pattern for the SS
as a matter of fact I got the backup unit pretty cheap because one of the bolt bosses was broke.
I didnt tell the guy until I paid for it that it was the Chevy pattern boss,which I wouldnt be using anyway.

[camerjeff]

I have heard that they did make a few BOP only 200R4 cases, but I have never seen one, the 5 or 6 I have seen are all dual pattern cases.

And I agree that you need a slightly higher stall converter for the OHC-6 than was recomended to me, I would say at least 2400 rpm. But I would talk to the maker of the converters and get thier input. If using the lock up feature of the converter the higher stall speed does not effect highway cruising.

As for lock up control, I always use the B&M speedometer controlled lock up controller, it gives you adjutable lock up speeds for 3rd & 4th gear, and a on/off switch. It is alittle spendy at $130 or so, but the 2 areas you do not want to skimp on this conversion is the convertor (as it is not an easy or cheap mod if you are not happy with the one installed) and the lock up controller, I have seen a couple of trans damaged by the owner just using a manual switch for locking the converter and forgetting to unlock it after coming to a stop.

Just my 2 cents worth. I highly recomend the swap, it was great on my sold 66 with the 3.90 gears!!!!! No driveshaft modifications nessisary, just slide the trans X-member back, and as stated the TV cable adjustment is a challange with these carbs. but can be done.

[Cammer-6]

Heres how I did mine
dual brake switch from a cruise control car
wire the lockup thru the switch,disconnect anytime brake is on.
I completely reversed the kickdown switch so that it disconnects above 50%.
Wire the lockup thru the brake switch,kickdown switch and a manual lighted toggle switch.
My trans will start lockup when it goes into 2nd gear,
the tranny builder wouldnt use a 4th gear only switch that was external,
says hes seen to many leak and destroy a trans.
My next step is to use a cruise control turn signal stalk and a pulse on pulse off relay.
I had played with a vacuum disconnect switch which I believe was off a Vega A/c.