I'm in need of a new transmission soon, and have noticed that some of the cars (generally the really powerful ones) have used TH400 transmissions. I have an 84 T-Type, but the 200R4 I have has the wrong valve body, converter, and probably many other parts. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the TH400 instead of the 200? Other than the obvious loss of overdrive.
Thanks!
A Turbo 400 will weigh more than a 200-4R, even without the overdrive. But of course this points to the beefier pieces used in the 400 and thus, the greater strength of a 400.
The 1st and 2nd gears of a TH 400 are different than a 200-4R. Depending on your horsepower level, this can hurt or help you.
TH400 parts are cheap, cheap, cheap. Plus there is a much larger selection of aftermarket parts, gizmos and neat stuff.
If you are going to switch transmissions, you must also change torque converters, crossmember and mount, U-joints, and probably driveshaft length.
That'll cover most of the issues. I am still not sold on the change...K
I am going to change from a 200-4R to a THM400. What crossmember is needed? Who supplies torque converters that are specific for our turbo applications? I want to upgrade the trans and work out the bugs before I install my Stage2 engine.
Bruce Toelle of Precision Transmissions in Sacramento can probably answer most of your questions.
Give him a shout.
Performance........
Bruce
Does anyone have any Input on the T-400 with the switch-pitch converter In It from Poston, It's suppose to have a 4000RPM high stall and a 1400 RPM low stall converter.Thanks for any help you can give me before ordering this Trans.
OOps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Check with Bruce Toelle at Performance Transmissions!
Geez, and I had that good looking black Performance Transmissions t/shirt on yesterday day.
The one that says on the back, "If God wanted to build a Perfect Performance Transmission, She would call Bruce Toelle at 916-739 0510 and subcontract the job to him!"
Is your car a daily driver or a pure race car? How much horsepower are you making? Generally the 200-4R is a better choice unless you're breaking it with too much horsepower. If your '84 is stock or even a modified street-driven car, that's probably not a problem. Get the right internal bits for the trans and get it running right.
Keith
'87 TR
12.3@113
also remember th400 takes 40 more horse to turn then a th350 witch i believe takes more horse to turn then the 200 or 700 if its not pushing mega horses i would most likly spend a couple a bucks and put the 200 back in good luck
Steve , you are killing me!!!!
Stop it!!! (You missed a spot on the right cheek)
LOL
Bruce
WE4
I PUT A 400 IN MY CAR THIS YEAR. I THINK ITS A GREAT IMPROVEMENT OVER A 200R4. GET IT BUILT RIGHT AND ITS ALLMOST UNBREAKABLE.YOU WILL NEED A NEW DRIVESHAFT, THE CROSSMEMBER AND TRANS MOUNT WILL WORK.(OPEN THE 2 HOLES ON THE MOUNT)MINE FITS PERFECT.MY INTERNAL PARTS, MOST INPORTANT GOOD SPRAG, BECAUSE THIS PART WILL MOST LIKELY BREAK. NOT ALL 400'S COME WITH A SPRAG. I HAVE A HIPSTER TRANS BREAK, REVERSE MANUAL VALVE BODY, AND A NEW SHIFTER. I USE THE TURBO ACTION CHEETA SHIFTER. THE CAR SEEMS TO DRIVE ALOT BETTER WITH THE NEW TRANS. IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS JUST LET ME KNOW.
What's the rest of your build up Jeff? What kind of ETs is the car turning?
MY BEST TIME THIS YEAR IS 1088 @ 123, AT BUICK RACE DAY AT NORWALK.60'TIME 1.475.THE MOTOR HAS MOSTLY STOCK PARTS,CRANK,RODS,PISTONS AND RINGS.IRON HEADS PORT AND POLISHED BIGER VALVES.STOCK INTAKE, HEMCO UPPER 70mm THROTEL BODY. 50# INJECTORS THUMBWEEL CHIP.TE 63 4 BOLT TURBO STOCK HEADERS.23 psi OF BOOST. ANEY OTHER QUESTIONS DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK.
Ive always heard the 400 takes 7 hp more than the 350. And of course less HP is used in the modern vane style pump type overdrives. Negligable Id think given the strength.
Rick
Someone above asked about the switch-pitch TH400. I assume they're asking about use in a TR application. Not sure I'd recommend it. I'm only familiar with their use in V8 cars. The converter strength in particular seems to be a weak point when you get into higher horsepower levels. (i.e. 400+)