Torque Converter for 350

[Bob Moretto]

I am thinking of using a TH 200-4R tranny in replacement of the Powerglide that can with the 1969 chevy 350. Can I use the torque converter which was with the Powerglide for use with the 200-4R?
If not, which converter would you suggest.

[MrPbody]

Bob,
No, the 'glide converter won't interchange. "Level 10" is among the better suppliers of TH200-4Rs. They would be a good place to ask about the converter.
You might also consider the TH700-R4. It bolts right up to the Chevy engine (TH200-4Rs mostly have BOP flange). There are several good vendors for that one, including Level 10.

[Bob Moretto]

Originally Posted by MrPbody

Bob,
No, the 'glide converter won't interchange. "Level 10" is among the better suppliers of TH200-4Rs. They would be a good place to ask about the converter.
You might also consider the TH700-R4. It bolts right up to the Chevy engine (TH200-4Rs mostly have BOP flange). There are several good vendors for that one, including Level 10.

I've been told to go with the 200-4R because I won't need to alter my driveshaft and the tranny cross mounting brkt can easily be re-positioned.

[MrPbody]

I'm afraid whoever told you that is wrong, UNLESS, you happen to have the rather rare "long tail" PowerGlide. Standard length PGs are shorter than the OD transmissions. They're more along the lines of TH400. MAYBE, if it came from a truck or an Impala... Measure the overall length and compare!
Please post your findings.

Jim

[Bob Moretto]

Originally Posted by MrPbody

I'm afraid whoever told you that is wrong, UNLESS, you happen to have the rather rare "long tail" PowerGlide. Standard length PGs are shorter than the OD transmissions. They're more along the lines of TH400. MAYBE, if it came from a truck or an Impala... Measure the overall length and compare!
Please post your findings.

Jim

The PG measures approx. 28 inches long and you are partially correct in that it is connected to a Chevy 350 but installed in a 1969 Pontiac Parisenne, which is Canadian built using an Impala chassis and engine. This car is 100% original (it was my father-in-law's car)
I found the following web page which shows the different length trannys and it appears I do have the longer version.
http://www.maliburacing.com/auto_tranny_id.htm

I am about to purchase the 200-4R this weekend and will measure very carefully the length of both trannys.

Thoughts....... please

[MrPbody]

The length really isn't important if that's the transmission you really want. It's a good one, no doubt. Most of our research and exerience show the 200-4R to be stronger than the 700, IF the sun shell and sun gear are upgraded to "racing quality". Very few were produced with the "dual pattern" bell housing flange. Most fit Buick/Olds/Pontiac/Caddy, not Chevy. The TH700-R4 is a Chevy exclusive.
If the length is too much, the driveshaft can be cut by any competent machine shop. If too short, a new driveshaft is all you need. It sounds more difficult than it really is. Not too much money, either, usually around $200.

[curtis73]

I have to disagree here. Almost all 200-4r trannys are cast with the universal housing, having both bolt patterns.

Everything else is spot on. Here are some links with 200-4r tech.

http://members.aol.com/powerrslid/thm2004r.html
http://www.drwtransmission.com/thm_200-4r.htm
http://www.vibratesoftware.com/html_...nsmissions.htm
http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/tran.../200rebld.html
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/200-4R.htm
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/Tr...asurements.htm
http://www.drwtransmission.com/trans_weights.htm
http://www.nastyz28.com/transid.html

As you'll see, the PG, 350, 200, and 200-4r all share the same overall length within 1/8". Also, I'm not sure about the PG, but the 350, 200, and 200-4r all share the same output shaft. Swapping between these three is incredibly easy, like you said, you just need to relocate the crossmember and possibly change the mount for a different bolt mounting.

[Bob Moretto]

Originally Posted by curtis73

I have to disagree here. Almost all 200-4r trannys are cast with the universal housing, having both bolt patterns.

Everything else is spot on. Here are some links with 200-4r tech.

http://members.aol.com/powerrslid/thm2004r.html
http://www.drwtransmission.com/thm_200-4r.htm
http://www.vibratesoftware.com/html_...nsmissions.htm
http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/tran.../200rebld.html
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/200-4R.htm
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/Tr...asurements.htm
http://www.drwtransmission.com/trans_weights.htm
http://www.nastyz28.com/transid.html

As you'll see, the PG, 350, 200, and 200-4r all share the same overall length within 1/8". Also, I'm not sure about the PG, but the 350, 200, and 200-4r all share the same output shaft. Swapping between these three is incredibly easy, like you said, you just need to relocate the crossmember and possibly change the mount for a different bolt mounting.

Thanks for the info. I have gone ahead an ordered the 200-4r