Ken: I didn't ever find time to edit all this stuff into something coherent. There might be some duplicate messages in here; I wound up having to piece a bunch of files together after a disk crash last year. (yes, I know about backups - my tape drive had died, and as Murphy would have it, the hard disk urped during the first backup of the new tape drive... entropy really *is* out to get me...) I chopped out all the non-T200 stuff. Hopefully not too much noise in the remains. - Dave /* --------------------------------------------------------------------- */ File: ATRANS.GM Divisions: *GENERAL *SWITCHPITCH *HYDRAMATIC *TURBOGLIDE *DYNAFLOW *POWERGLIDE *BORG-WARNER *T200 *T250 *T300 *T350 *T400 (3L80) *T700 (4L60, 4T60E) *4L80 *GENERAL **************************************************************** --notes------------------------------------------------------------------ Automatics GM code trans 1st 2nd 3rd 4th R note T350 2.52 1.52 1.00 na 1.93 M35 PG 1.82 1.00 na na 6 cyl and 283 PG 1.76 1.00 na na 327 and larger T400 2.48 1.48 1.00 na T200-4R 2.74 1.57 1.00 0.67 4L80-E 2.46 1.48 1.00 0.75 T700-R4 3.06 1.62 1.00 0.70 trans face to end face to mount base splines of yoke mount base hole spacing PG short 25.75 20.5 3.75 27 PG long 28.75 19.5 3.75 27 T200 28.24 20.5 3.75 27 T250,350 28.24 20.5 3.75 27 T400 short 28.93 26.83 3.75 or 4.25 27(some) 32(most) T400 long 28.93 28 3.75 or 4.25 27(some) 32(most) T700 31.24 22.25 3.75 27 4L80E 31.5 30.38 T350 short 27.63 20.38 T350 long 30.63 20.38 T200C, T200R, and T700R4(1984-1984 early) 27 spline the Chevy 200R4 is the same length as the (short?) T350, but 200's trans mount is about 7.5" further back. 20R4 says "METRIC" in 1.5" letters on bottom T350 27-spline yoke works with it. Mount-to-trans bolts are metric --personal observations-------------------------------------------------- --information from books------------------------------------------------- --information from magazines--------------------------------------------- CC Apr 96 - says all GM automatics, fluid out is bottom fitting, fluid in is top --information from catalogs---------------------------------------------- Summit catalog says T200 and T350 are same length --net lore--------------------------------------------------------------- mstrembi@epsb.edmonton.ab.ca dragnet 07 Nov 1995 - Hi, Here are the lengths of GM trannies. They came out of a magazine. case overall bellhousing to length length trans mount powerglide (short tail) 15 1/4 24 1/4 19 1/2 powerglide (long tail) 15 1/4 27 1/2 20 1/2 thm200 27 5/8 27 5/8 20 1/8 thm250 21 5/8 27 5/8 20 3/8 thm350 (short tail) 21 5/8 27 5/8 20 3/8 thm350 (long tail) 21 5/8 30 5/8 20 3/8 thm400 (short tail) 24 3/8 28 1/4 26 3/4 thm400 (long tail) 24 3/8 34 28 200R4 27 3/4 27 3/4 26 7/8 700R4 23 3/8 30 3/4 22 3/8 *T200 ******************************************************************* --notes------------------------------------------------------------------ phone with TCI; they say most T200 failures are input shaft, front planetary hub, cast iron splines T200 is one piece case, no separate tailshaft housing, big "boat" pan --personal observations-------------------------------------------------- --information from books------------------------------------------------- --information from magazines--------------------------------------------- CC Sep 95 - says stock T200-4R good for about 275 ft-lb - modified versions can take 350-370 ft-lb - rubber mount bolts are M10x1.5 - speedo cable should interchange with T350 - cable shifter bracket is GM 10026014 - convertor bolts are M10x1.5 x 15mm --information from catalogs---------------------------------------------- --net lore--------------------------------------------------------------- sorlin@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Steven J Orlin) rec.autos.tech 10 Oct 1993 - Well, first of all, there are two types of TH200 metric trannys. A TH200C (lockup converter) and a TH200 (non lockup) - I am assuming that you have a lockup, considering the year of your car. - I would strongly recommend replacing the TH200C with a TH350C or TH250C (if you really had to..) - The TH200 was built as a cheap alternative to the other transmissions being produced at the time. It is lighter (not much) , and most of the internals are pressed out of plastic and aluminum wherever possible to save bucks for GM. It is also less durable, and much harder to rebuild to be as durable as a TH250 or TH350. - What you will need, unless you want to say goodbye to your computer, is a lockup TH350C or TH250C, a length of steel vacuum line for the modulator; (TH200's use a cable to sense throttle position), a TH350/250 detent cable; (if you look hard enough, you may be able to find an adapter for your TH200 cable to work on the TH350. The mounting on the transmission is sized different. It would probably be much easier to just look for a used TH350 detent in a junk yard), some rubber vacuum line, and a connector to tap into your manifold vacuum, a TH350/250 dipstick tube ---you can reuse your TH200 dipstick, a TH350 type converter, AND a TH350 converter inspection cover. - With all these things, it shouldn't take more than a few hours to get everything hooked up. Some places make a kit to do the job, but all you really need is the above. You may also want to replace the mount while you have it out. - The speedometer will hook right up, and the TCC should... (not very sure about that--- you may need to splice in another connector..) But the computer won't know the difference, one solenoid is just as good as another:-) - But anyways, in the early 80's, the TH250/350C's and the TH200C's were used pretty much interchangeably. It was called a manufacturing option, which basically meant, you have no clue which one you will get.... KEN MOSHER gnttype 5 Mar 1993 - Well, last night I picked up my tranny from the guy who rebuilt it for me. He showed me the post mortem ... we looked at the following: - 1. The drum ... he sanded it and it looks ok, but I had him put in a new one anyway. This is a steel unit, so it can't be turned on a lathe, so I was concerned about roundness. He said it was badly discolored before he sanded it ... it indicated hot spots from a slipping 1-2 band. - 2. 1-2 band was pretty shot ... lots of wear and scoring. Evidence it was burned. Replaced it with a heavy duty unit that came in the kit. - 3. Input shaft splines were the shocker. The splines were about half worn away. There was galled metal between the splines ... indicates some pretty hefty torque was pounding on the shaft. We replaced it with a hardened shaft. - 4. Original 7 vane pump looked brand new ... casing was in excellent shape. Replaced it with the 10 vane pump for added volume and pressure stability. - 5. 2-3 clutches and steels showed evidence of hot spots and slippage. Not terrible, but the new steels and clutches were installed. The new clutches are semimetallic and should provide more "grip" than the stock ones. Added extra clutches to firm up this shift a little. - 6. 3-4 clutches (only 2 of these!) looked pretty good. Kind of surprising, given that for about 3 years the car was allowed to shift into 4th @ 105 mph in the 1/4. I would have thought they might really show wear, given the load ... but they looked pretty good! - 7. Examined the converter splines and they also showed a little nicking to match in the input shaft splines ... not bad, but basically makes the old converter worthless since a new one from GM is only $135. I'm putting a new one in and sending the old one back as a core. - Overall, my guy said he liked the condition of the tranny, given the fact that 400+ runs were made on it. Nothing was fried or showed excessive heat damage. Everything was very clean and tight and all he had to do is put in the performance parts. He said that's the time to get a tranny gone through, not after it's starting to show real problems... he was impressed that I hadn't noticed anything on the street, but only at the track under higher boost levels. Very impressed with the way the tranny has held up ... he attributed part of the longevity to the fact that a good tranny oil cooler (I use the B & M super cooler) in series with the in-radiator tranny oil cooler has been used since the car was a year old. KEN MOSHER gnttype 11 May 1993 - The ATR kit comes with a full set of steels and clutches, a very good quality band, all the gaskets, all the O rings, filters, etc. My tranny guy said it was a good quality kit and very complete. Most of the stuff came from Raybestos .... - While you are in there I recommend you have a hardened input shaft installed, have the 10 vane pump installed and to have a shift kit installed. I have a B & M shift kit that was only about $50 and it works great. 02 Mar 1994 17:39:28 -0500 Bob Valentine Subject: Re: 200-4R ratios? gnttype@srvsn2.monsanto.com > I asked much the same question a few weeks ago. The T200s do indeed >hold up well behind the GNs, but in other cars they seem to be marginal >even behind 305 Chevy and 307 Olds powerplants. While I don't know much about them, I do know: 1. They are essentially a TH-200 with a OD added. 2. A common failure point is the OD clutch drum -- plastic thrust washers are used, which don't hold up under stress. 3. Front pump failures. A HD pump is available, but I don't know from where. >I'd recommend schmoozing around your local tranny >rebuilders' and getting their comments, and maybe calling some of the >racing trans builders and talking to them. Tried that route. All the local tranny shops want to retrofit a TH700-4R, which is too expensive for me, and requires too may mods. Haven't tried any mail-order sources. Got any starts? 03 Mar 1994 09:04:30 +0000 (U) KEN MOSHER Subject: Re: 200-4R ratios? gnttype@srvsn2.monsanto.com [...Thanks all! Does anyone have any tips on doing a rebuild on one? It's not going behind a V6, but if they've held up under GNX motors there must be something right about them. (FYI, it's going behind a Olds 350) --> Bob Valentine <-- --> ravalent@mailbox.syr.edu <-- ...] Well, here's what I did with mine .... 1. Install heavy duty clutch/steel rebuild kit. Mine cost about $100 and came with extra clutches for the weak 3/4 shift. It also had a heavy duty band, all the seals, springs, filter, etc. Very complete. 2. Install hardened input shaft. That's one of the weak parts that can get really bunged up on a hear launching car. 3. Install 10 vane pump to replace stock 7 vane pump. Pretty cheap and good for smoothness and noise reduction. Helps stabilize pressures too. 4. Be very paranoid about the drum. Any signs of wear or heat, replace it. It's worth the $100 IMHO. You can resurface it, but these drums are very tough to get perfectly round again when you do this. 5. While you are in there, put a shift kit in. B&M TransPack is my recommendation. It has very nice shifts (not neck jerkers like Art Carr's) under part throttle, but really firms the shifts up under WOT. 6. After the car is put back together, run a tranny cooler in addition to the in radiator unit. B&M super coolers seem to look/fit/work great. That's about it... your Olds won't have the GN valve body, so it might be a little lighter duty, and the TRs came with a different case stamping. That's my $0.02 ..... 04 Mar 1994 13:33:10 -0600 (CST) nbrotz@palm.cray.com (Norb Brotz) Subject: Re: 200-4R ratios? gnttype@srvsn2.monsanto.com ravalent@mailbox.syr.edu > > Thanks all! Does anyone have any tips on doing a rebuild on > one? It's not going behind a V6, but if they've held up under GNX > motors there must be something right about them. (FYI, it's going > behind a Olds 350) > I paged through a parts book yesterday and can report that the casing is the same. ;-) One item that is unique to the 86-87 TR is the pump. The governor assemblies are also TR specific. (I forgot to look at the valve bodies, but I suspecion of the modulator pressure; low modulator pressure causes slow engagement and a smooth shift. High modulator pressure due to large throttle opening causes harsh shifts. As the vehicle continues to gain road speed the governor pressure continues to increase. Eventually the governor pressure force exceeds the modulator pressure force by enough to operate the 2-3 shift valve. This activates another clutch pack which shifts the transmission into third gear. Note that I spoke of pressure forces above. This is due to the fact that the pressures operate on the ends of small pistons (the shift valves). The pressure applied to the area of the piston develops a force. Since the shift valves have two ends, and since pressure is applied to both ends (one end from the modulator and one end from the governor), the difference between the two forces causes the valve to move to one end or the other of its travel. Because the areas of the two ends of the valve do not have to be equal, the valve will operate in accordance to the difference between some constant times the governor pressure versus the modulator pressure. This fact allows the designer quite a bit of latitude in determining at what road speeds the transmisison will shift. There are also small springs which apply force to one end of the shift valves and these also affect the road speed at which the shifts occur. There are other complications in the tranny. For example, it has a means of deciding when the throttle is wide open (the detent cable) and WOT causes the modulator pressure to be ignored and instead a constant pressure from a detent regulator is used on the shift valves. This causes shifts to occur at the maximum possible road speed for each gear. There is a manual valve which is connected to the gear selector lever and which selects reverse, neutral, and can lock out either 3rd gear or lock out 2nd and 3rd gear. There is a main pressure regulator which is controlled by the modulator pressure; higher modulator pressures increase the pressure of the main oil which supplies everything else. Most of these complications can be ignored for the present time because Jon's interest is in the road speeds at which the tranny shifts. Now, to get to the question of adjusting the shift speeds. There is no "adjustment bolt on the side of the trans". The only way to make major changes to the shift speeds is to modify or replace either the governor or the valve body. You can make minor changes to the shift speeds by installing an adjustable aftermarket vacuum modulator. The total adjusting range of these modulators is about 4 to 5 MPH at WOT. At cruising speeds you will get about 2 MPH total adjustment range. This probably isn't enough to suit. Working on the governor is probably the best approach to adjusting the shift speeds. The factory actually offers a high shift speed governor; it was used in a few HP applications such as Camaros. You can just swap one of these in and you will see a dramatic increase in shift speeds. In fact, it may shift at too high a road speed after the change. E-mail me if you are interested in ... of days. Another approach to modifying the governor is to get a B&M governor kit and to install it in a NEW factory governor. Governors are very sensitive and delicate beasts; they "take a set" when they have been run for a while and they _don't_ like to be messed with. A new governor will probably save you the grief of a sticking governor after modification. The B&M kit comes with an assortment of small weights and several springs. You have to experiment to find the right combination. It took me 10 or 11 tries to get the WOT shift speeds that I wanted. The B&M instructions are downright poor; you need to change the weights to get the 1-2 shift speed that you want, and you need to change the springs to get the 2-3 shift speed that you want. Unfortunately, these changes interact and you will need to iterate to get both of them where you want them. The governor is fairly easy to change because it is accessible by removing a small cover on the side of the tranny at the rear. Caution: the trans will be hot when you are down there messing with the governor. It is easy to burn yourself. I suggest gloves. And you will probably want to lay in a small stock of gaskets for the governor cover. As I mentioned above, governors are finicky. Absolute cleanliness is a must. If ANY amount of dirt, grit, grinding compound, metal shavings, or any other foreign material gets into the governor then you will have all sorts of shifting problems which will likely be intermittent and erratic and near impossible to troubleshoot. The contamination can get washed out of the governor and end up in the valve body where it will cause bizarre problems. One final thought: your original question suggested that the shift speeds are too low at all throttle openings. One possible cause of this is a leaky governor. The leakage could be due to scoring of the valve journals, or to a loose fit between the valve journals and the governor shaft. Or it may be due to wear on the journals which the governor engages in the case. If looseness is the cause of your problem then just replacing the modulator should fix it. If case journal wear is the problem then you can get a kit from a tranny specialist which will allow you to put new bushings in the journal area. This fix requires removing the tranny from the vehicle so that you can properly clean out the metal chips after you have finished. ---------- brooktree.com!tesla.is!hale (bob hale) 28 Apr 1994 11:33:44 -0400 (EDT) davidc9186@aol.com Subject: B&M TransPak gnttype@buick.monsanto.com b) I understand the TV cable setup is very important. What is the > correct means pre-operation adjustment. Various explanations have > been offered, but I would like more substance to the explanations. > IE..do this because.....or else this will happen... Yes, it's VERY important. Do not drive the vehicle at ALL with the TV cable disconnected. The first WOT 1-2 shift will fry the 2-4 band. For the linkage on the throttlebody or carb, use a stock one for a 700R4 if there is any way you can, and if not, find one anyway to observe path that the tv cable attachment point moves relative to the tv cable mounting bracket as a function of throttle angle.... or just your pivot at exactly the same place as the OEM one (same X,Y coordinates in the plane of the throttle arm)... and you'll want to do your comparisons at WOT, since the WOT tv position is much more critical than idle. Your TV cable bracket needs to be STOUT: if you can noticeably deflect it with foot pressure (leg press it), it ain't strong enough. Adjust the tv cable just like the factory book says push the "button" on the cable and pull the cable housing away from the mount, then release the button. Next open the throttle by hand at the throttlebody to WOT. The TV cable is now adjusted to factory specs. I know some people with 200R4's will push in the button and carefully pull the cable back one "click" from the factory setting, but I don't think this should be necessary with the 700R4. One other note: get an OEM style TV cable. I had to use a custom type tv cable with a two-piece housing on my truck and the compression fitting the attached the two parts of the concentric cable housings slipped the first time the cable got hot. > c) The Lockup (TCC) will be operated thru a combination of vacuum > switches (no computer). An article in Car Craft (Jan or Feb 94) > showed the schematic and wiring. Any ideas out there about > making sure this works, so the trans won't overheat and fail. > Also.....substance....why....how...what for etc.... A vacuum switch may give you some serious headaches.... consider this scenario: you are crusing along with some amount of vacuum high enough to trip the vacuum switch. You depress the throttle a little more until vacuum drops enough for the TCC to unlock. The TCC unlocks and RPM's rise. Now vacuum rises and the TCC locks again. TCC locks, RPM's fall vacuum falls... see the cycle yet? I don't know if it will actually happen, but it very well could. A vacuum switch with more of a difference between on and off ratings will fix it. I don't believe any transmission damage will result from leaving the TCC disconnected, just decreased fuel economy. Also, if it screws up and your cicuit sticks on for some reason (gets shorted to ground somewhere), it'll drive a little funny, but it isn't dangerous. The 700R4's that I have seen will only lockup in 3rd and 4th gear, so when you are coming to a stop the tcc will unlock as soon as the tranny downshifts to 2nd. It also locks back up immediately after going back into 3rd. The 3-4 shift at low-med throttle is normally done with the TCC locked anyway, so thats no big deal either. The only place I see for damage to occur is WOT with the TCC locked in 3rd or 4th gear, since the TCC isn't designed to take WOT. I'm not sure if there is a safety in the tranny to unlock the TCC as a function of the tv cable/main pressure. 30 Jun 1994 10:10:13 -0400 (EDT) mpitts@vnet.IBM.COM Subject: Re: TE34 vs TE44 gnttype@buick.monsanto.com *** Reply to note of 06/30/94 09:47 Subject: Re: TE34 vs TE44 Here's exactly the procedure to convert a lockup pump to a non-lockup pump on the 200-4R. 1) Remove checkball and casing from input shaft. (works with lockup to, makes the lockup feel like another gear shift) 2) Remove lockup valve assembly from pump. 3) Replace with Art Carr's non-lockup valve. 4) Remove a cup plug from pump. 5) Tap cup plug oriface and insert hex screw, locking non-lockup valve in place That's it. Going back to lockup isn't too big of a deal. The hardest part was getting the cup plug to hold in the tapped oriface. I just expanded the plug with a hammer. :) I left the checkball out of the shaft. Feels like I have five gears now when it locks up. BTW: You can keep both a lockup version and a non-lockup version pump lying around, and the only change to go from one to the other would be switching the pump and converter. I was going to do this so I ordered a pump from a GSCA supplier. But I found the the stator support was a USED unit and it was installed such that I couldn't remove it. So I just converted the non-lockup pump back to a lockup. 18 Jul 1994 14:42:05 -0600 mellum@skyler.mavd.honeywell.com (Ron Mellum) Subject: Re: ATR move, tv cable gnttype@buick.monsanto.com >Also, which way does the TV cable adjustment go to decrease >the shift point? My tranny is shifting at abnormally high >rpm after the engine rebuild. Be careful not to set it too loose. This is one of the fastest ways to ruin the 200R4. To check, accelerate slowly from a stop. After the car has shifted into 2nd, floor the accelerator and make sure the car drops back to first. If it doesn't, the TV cable is set too loose. 01 Aug 1994 09:02:21 -0500 sekell@bb1t.monsanto.com (S.Keller-CV Instrumentation Manager BB1F 7-6317) Subject: Shift kit install "gnttype@tinman"@tin.monsanto.com This weekend I finally put in my 'shift kit'. This is the B&M unit for the 200-4R (Part #35229) Installation was not difficult, but definitely a bit more complicated than changing your plugs. After removing the pan and dumping fluid _everywhere_, I went through the well illustrated instructions step by step. I put it in with the 'Street' level modifications as opposed to the lesser 'Heavy Duty' level. Most of the changes are pretty minor and easily accomplished. The only 'permanent' changes were a few holes in the valve body separator plate that have to be opened up a little with supplied drill bits. When I removed the filter, the sealing ring on the neck stuck in the bore in the transmission case. This appears to be common. I found that it had hardened, making it difficult to get out. I was able to slide it out using a tool designed for opening paint cans. Its flat, hooked end was perfect for getting above the ring pulling it down and out. I found that the 3-4 accumulator spring and piston were assembled upside down from their described orientation. From talking to several other people, this is actually somewhat common. The kit instructions even mention this. I reinstalled them with the correct orientation. After looking at the diagrams in the factory service manuals, I don't understand how it managed to work at all as it was installed. Perhaps the most difficult part of the installation is reassembly, since it requires you to do several things that would probaly be easier if the transmission was upside down. If you are used to working on cars, defying gravity should be something you've already mastered. :-) I decided to install B&M's drain plug in the pan after seeing how much fun it was cleaning up all the fluid when I took it off the first time. This should make a fluid and filter change much easier in the future. I installed the plug where there had been a dimple in the pan for locating a magnet, however there was none. Note that the plug requires a 1/2" hole. This is larger than most handheld drills can handle. I used a drill whose shank had been turned down smaller so it would work with a hand drill. A drill press would probably work best. The instructions are very insistent about having you reset the throttle valve cable. I liked the way the car was shifting before I made the change, and was tempted to leave it alone. However, since the instructions seemed to indicate not doing it would curve your spine and lose the war for the Allies (apologies to George Carlin), I went ahead and reset it. The cable ended up a few notches more rearward than it had started out. This caused it to shift a few hundred RPM later than it had been and _very_ hard. At anything over about 25% thottle, the 1-2 shift was guaranteed to 'bark' the tires. From other's experiences I have heard, this was not characteristic of this kit. So I readjusted the cable a bit more forward. After initially over-correcting, I have found that with the cable adjusted to my liking the car shifts just a bit firmer during part-throttle 'around town' driving. However, WOT shifts are nice and solid but don't require frequent chiropractic attention. :-) If anyone was thinking about installing this kit and was concerned about driveability, I would say you shouldn't be. In all, it was not a difficult installation. If you are planning on attempting this I would suggest that you take your time and make sure to carefully observe everything as you take it apart. If you don't have a drain plug in your transmission, I would suggest you get a _very_ large drain pan and consider installing a drain plug upon reassembly. An extra hand wouldn't hurt during reassembly, either. 01 Aug 1994 13:20:05 -0400 (EDT) usib5ntr@ibmmail.COM Subject: Shift kit install gnttype@buick.monsanto.com ----------------------- Mail item text follows --------------- I1109963--IBMMAIL GN Newsgroup *** Resending note of 08/01/94 11:31 Subject: Shift kit install Scott writes: >I found >that the 3-4 accumulator spring and piston were assembled upside down >from their described orientation. From talking to several other people, >this is actually somewhat common. The kit instructions even mention this. >I reinstalled them with the correct orientation. After looking at the >diagrams in the factory service manuals, I don't understand how it managed >to work at all as it was installed. The turbo Regals have this piston installed upside down on purpose. Maybe it helps the shift on these higher performance cars. I hope by "correct orientation" you meant upside down. (The way it came out, assuming no one else has been in your trans). Strange you didn't have the magnet. I wonder if someone else *has* been in your trans. Get a magnet, it will only help to increase the life of your 200-4R by keeping metal particles from circulating through the internals. The best bet would be an externally mounted filter with one of Kirban's MetalArrestor magnets. That's in my furture plans. 01 Aug 1994 13:59:29 -0500 sekell@bb1t.monsanto.com (S.Keller-CV Instrumentation Manager BB1F 7-6317) Subject: Re: Shift kit install "gnttype@tinman"@tin.monsanto.com >>I found >>that the 3-4 accumulator spring and piston were assembled upside down >>from their described orientation. From talking to several other people, >>this is actually somewhat common. The kit instructions even mention this. > >The turbo Regals have this piston installed upside down on purpose. Maybe >it helps the shift on these higher performance cars. I hope by >"correct orientation" you meant upside down. (The way it came out, assuming >no one else has been in your trans). Looking at the fluid flow diagrams in the factory service manuals, having this piston and spring put in upside-down doesn't seem to make much sense. And the B&M modification would not appear work with the parts in this arrangement. I'm not doubting that a large number of these cars have things assembled this way. (Anyone know of ones that weren't?) I'd sure like to know why, however. I have yet to see anything documenting the 'upside down' arrangement. Anyone have experiences to relate? 01 Aug 1994 16:12:31 -0400 (EDT) usib5ntr@ibmmail.COM Subject: Re: Shift kit install gnttype@buick.monsanto.com ----------------------- Mail item text follows --------------- I1109963--IBMMAIL GN Newsgroup *** Resending note of 08/01/94 15:32 Subject: Re: Shift kit install >>>I found >>>that the 3-4 accumulator spring and piston were assembled upside down >>>from their described orientation. From talking to several other people, >>>this is actually somewhat common. The kit instructions even mention this. >> >>The turbo Regals have this piston installed upside down on purpose. Maybe >>it helps the shift on these higher performance cars. I hope by >>"correct orientation" you meant upside down. (The way it came out, assuming >>no one else has been in your trans). > >Looking at the fluid flow diagrams in the factory service manuals, having >this piston and spring put in upside-down doesn't seem to make much sense. >And the B&M modification would not appear work with the parts in this >arrangement. > >I'm not doubting that a large number of these cars have things assembled >this way. (Anyone know of ones that weren't?) I'd sure like to know why, >however. I have yet to see anything documenting the 'upside down' >arrangement. > >Anyone have experiences to relate? Doesn't the factory repair manual state that transmission type CZ,BZ (or something like that) requires this to be upside down? My TransGo kit also mentioned that you should flip it over when you do the installation of their kit. Okay, I just called my trans guy. He explained like this, "Flipping that piston over and putting the spring on the back side increases the volume for the shift, giving you a firmer 3-4 shift." 01 Aug 1994 15:35:23 -0500 sekell@bb1t.monsanto.com (S.Keller-CV Instrumentation Manager BB1F 7-6317) Subject: Re: Shift kit install "gnttype@tinman"@tin.monsanto.com >>>I found >>>that the 3-4 accumulator spring and piston were assembled upside down >> >>The turbo Regals have this piston installed upside down on purpose. >Doesn't the >factory repair manual state that transmission type CZ,BZ (or something >like that) requires this to be upside down? My TransGo kit also mentioned >that you should flip it over when you do the installation of their kit. I'll check the manuals, but didn't see anything. Now does the TransGo kit tell you to reinstall piston as it was (the 'wrong' way) or the 'right' way? The B&M says to install it the 'right' way, which is opposite the way I found it. >Okay, I just called my trans guy. He explained like this, "Flipping that >piston over and putting the spring on the back side increases the volume >for the shift, giving you a firmer 3-4 shift." Flipping it over...which way? ;-) 01 Aug 1994 16:57:48 -0400 (EDT) usib5ntr@ibmmail.COM Subject: Re: Shift kit install gnttype@buick.monsanto.com ----------------------- Mail item text follows --------------- I1109963--IBMMAIL GN Newsgroup *** Resending note of 08/01/94 16:43 Subject: Re: Shift kit install >Now does the TransGo kit tell you to reinstall piston as it was (the >'wrong' way) or the 'right' way? The B&M says to install it the >'right' way, which is opposite the way I found it. It tells you to install it upside down with the spring on the other side. But in the case of the GN, it's already like that. It could be that the B&M kit requires it to be the normal (low performance) way to accomodate some other change they have made in the valve body. I'll take a look at my documetation tonight. I have the TransGo and Art Carr kit manuals, as well as the Buick service manual. Did the B&M kit have you remove the #8 checkball? That's the one in the center of the valve body. If you didn't, and you want a little more kick on the 1-2 you can take it out. If you did remove it, and you want less kick, put it back in. Did the B&M kit do anything with the servo / 3rd accumulator? That's the piece that comes out of the side of the trans. 02 Aug 1994 09:00:30 -0500 sekell@bb1t.monsanto.com (S.Keller-CV Instrumentation Manager BB1F 7-6317) Subject: Re: Shift kit install "gnttype@tinman"@tin.monsanto.com >Did the B&M kit have you remove the #8 checkball? That's the one in the >center of the valve body. If you didn't, and you want a little more >kick on the 1-2 you can take it out. If you did remove it, and you want >less kick, put it back in. All the checkballs are in their stock locations. >Did the B&M kit do anything with the servo / 3rd accumulator? That's the >piece that comes out of the side of the trans. Nope. Here are the changes for the 'street' level installation of the B&M Transpak: 1 - Pressure regulator valve changed and tighter spring installed. BTW, the valve is a GM part in a GM label bag. I'm going to try to track down its origin. Must be from another application. 2 - 5 holes enlarged in the valve body separator plate. 3 - Tighter spring installed on the line bias valve in the valve body. 4 - 3-4 Accumulator installed with spring above piston (regardless of original orientation) and spacer placed above piston. Appears to limit maximum travel. 5 - 1-2 Accumulator reinstalled with spacer placed below piston. 02 Aug 1994 08:43:57 -0400 (EDT) usib5ntr@ibmmail.COM Subject: Re: Shift kit install gnttype@buick.monsanto.com ----------------------- Mail item text follows --------------- I1109963--IBMMAIL GN Newsgroup *** Resending note of 08/01/94 16:59 Subject: Re: Shift kit install >>Now does the TransGo kit tell you to reinstall piston as it was (the >>'wrong' way) or the 'right' way? The B&M says to install it the >>'right' way, which is opposite the way I found it. > >I'll take a look at my documetation tonight. I have the TransGo and Art >Carr kit manuals, as well as the Buick service manual. Scott, In the 1986 Buick Service Manual, Page 200-4R-60, Figure 200-4R-229 is a drawing of the 3-4 accumulator piston and spring being installed spring first, with the piston ribs towards the *case*. In the upper-right corner of the figure is a box that states, "For 'BY' Model Invert And Install Piston First". I didn't feel like crawling under my car this morning but I'll bet my GN has a 'BY' model trans. When I did my valve body kit, my accum. was setup like the 'BY' model description. I can almost guarantee I was the first one inside my trans. This goes along with what the TransGo kit has you do to *all* 200-4Rs. The TransGo kit has you put a spring on each side of the piston and instructs the mechanic to install the piston with the ribs towards the *plate* (valve body separator). Which is the same as the 'BY' model has it. I'm assuming you found your accumulator setup like the 'BY' model and changed it to the other setup. I wouldn't change what you've already done since you are happy with the performance. Unless you want a crisper 3-4 shift. I hope this clears up why you found it to be 'upside down'. 02 Aug 1994 09:38:09 -0500 sekell@bb1t.monsanto.com (S.Keller-CV Instrumentation Manager BB1F 7-6317) Subject: Re: Shift kit install "gnttype@tinman"@tin.monsanto.com >In the 1986 Buick Service Manual, Page 200-4R-60, Figure 200-4R-229 is a >drawing of the 3-4 accumulator piston and spring being installed spring first, >with the piston ribs towards the *case*. In the upper-right corner of the >figure is a box that states, "For 'BY' Model Invert And Install Piston First". I'll have to re-read through that section tonight. I have the '87 manual. I don't recall the TR trans designation, but 'BY' may well be it. >This goes along with what the TransGo kit has you do to *all* 200-4Rs. The >TransGo kit has you put a spring on each side of the piston and instructs >the mechanic to install the piston with the ribs towards the *plate* (valve >body separator). Which is the same as the 'BY' model has it. Interesting. Sounds like it is supposed to accomplish roughly the same thing as the spacer in the B&M kit. With springs on either side the piston orientation probably wouldn't make that much difference since it couldn't fully seat in either direction. So long as the springs were on the proper side, of course. >I'm assuming you found your accumulator setup like the 'BY' model and >changed it to the other setup. Correct. This is what the B&Meen the ECM and TCC switch is opened, thus preventing TCC lockup. The other interlock is a switch inside the case that prevents lock-up unless the transmission is in 3rd or 4th gear. If your car is locking-up while parked in drive, you probably have something else wrong. Could be that the TCC solenoid was stuck in the "on" position. BTW, you can manually lock-up your converter by grounding the TCC pin on the ECM. Use a switch to facilitate unlocking it though! 02 Aug 1994 08:43:57 -0400 (EDT) usib5ntr@ibmmail.COM Subject: Re: Shift kit install gnttype@buick.monsanto.com ----------------------- Mail item text follows --------------- I1109963--IBMMAIL GN Newsgroup *** Resending note of 08/01/94 16:59 Subject: Re: Shift kit install >>Now does the TransGo kit tell you to reinstall piston as it was (the >>'wrong' way) or the 'right' way? The B&M says to install it the >>'right' way, which is opposite the way I found it. > >I'll take a look at my documetation tonight. I have the TransGo and Art >Carr kit manuals, as well as the Buick service manual. Scott, In the 1986 Buick Service Manual, Page 200-4R-60, Figure 200-4R-229 is a drawing of the 3-4 accumulator piston and spring being installed spring first, with the piston ribs towards the *case*. In the upper-right corner of the figure is a box that states, "For 'BY' Model Invert And Install Piston First". I didn't feel like crawling under my car this morning but I'll bet my GN has a 'BY' model trans. When I did my valve body kit, my accum. was setup like the 'BY' model description. I can almost guarantee I was the first one inside my trans. 09 Aug 1994 23:55:55 -0500 sekell@bb1t.monsanto.com (S.Keller-CV Instrumentation Manager BB1F 7-6317) Subject: Re: Shift kit install "gnttype@tinman"@tin.monsanto.com Well, I'm real confused now. I decided to dig into the service manual to see what it said about the orientation of the 3-4 accumulator piston and spring. Well, the exploded view of the whole transmission shows the piston on the case side of the spring. Other exploded views of the assembly show the piston on the separator plate side of the spring. Not only that, but in these exploded views, the piston itself is very clearly shown in two different orientations in different pictures! i.e. The piston has 3 raised areas on one face. These are shown facing the spring and case in one, away from the spring and case in the other! The text seems to cause one to expect the spring on the case side, I might note. In the 'hydraulic diagnosis' section, the hydraulic schematics show the spring on the case side, with the rased areas facing the case. This is in the '87 service manual. I could find no application- specific notes. It seems that the majority of sources at my disposal show the spring on the case side, raised areas of piston toward case. This is how the B&M literature places it as well. This is precisely the opposite of its orientation as factory installed in my car. (and most TRs, from what I hear) 01 Aug 1994 13:20:05 -0400 (EDT) usib5ntr@ibmmail.COM Subject: Shift kit install gnttype@buick.monsanto.com ----------------------- Mail item text follows --------------- I1109963--IBMMAIL GN Newsgroup *** Resending note of 08/01/94 11:31 Subject: Shift kit install Scott writes: >I found >that the 3-4 accumulator spring and piston were assembled upside down >from their described orientation. From talking to several other people, >this is actually somewhat common. The kit instructions even mention this. >I reinstalled them with the correct orientation. After looking at the >diagrams in the factory service manuals, I don't understand how it managed >to work at all as it was installed. The turbo Regals have this piston installed upside down on purpose. Maybe it helps the shift on these higher performance cars. I hope by "correct orientation" you meant upside down. (The way it came out, assuming no one else has been in your trans). Strange you didn't have the magnet. I wonder if someone else *has* been in your trans. Get a magnet, it will only help to increase the life of your 200-4R by keeping metal particles from circulating through the internals. The best bet would be an externally mounted filter with one of Kirban's MetalArrestor magnets. That's in my furture plans. 01 Aug 1994 13:59:29 -0500 sekell@bb1t.monsanto.com (S.Keller-CV Instrumentation Manager BB1F 7-6317) Subject: Re: Shift kit install "gnttype@tinman"@tin.monsanto.com >>I found >>that the 3-4 accumulator spring and piston were assembled upside down >>from their described orientation. From talking to several other people, >>this is actually somewhat common. The kit instructions even mention this. > >The turbo Regals have this piston installed upside down on purpose. Maybe >it helps the shift on these higher performance cars. I hope by >"correct orientation" you meant upside down. (The way it came out, assuming >no one else has been in your trans). Looking at the fluid flow diagrams in the factory service manuals, having this piston and spring put in upside-down doesn't seem to make much sense. And the B&M modification would not appear work with the parts in this arrangement. I'm not doubting that a large number of these cars have things assembled this way. (Anyone know of ones that weren't?) I'd sure like to know why, however. I have yet to see anything documenting the 'upside down' arrangement. Anyone have experiences to relate? 01 Aug 1994 16:12:31 -0400 (EDT) usib5ntr@ibmmail.COM Subject: Re: Shift kit install gnttype@buick.monsanto.com ----------------------- Mail item text follows --------------- I1109963--IBMMAIL GN Newsgroup *** Resending note of 08/01/94 15:32 Subject: Re: Shift kit install >>>I found >>>that the 3-4 accumulator spring and piston were assembled upside down >>>from their described orientation. From talking to several other people, >>>this is actually somewhat common. The kit instructions even mention this. >> >>The turbo Regals have this piston installed upside down on purpose. Maybe >>it helps the shift on these higher performance cars. I hope by >>"correct orientation" you meant upside down. (The way it came out, assuming >>no one else has been in your trans). > >Looking at the fluid flow diagrams in the factory service manuals, having >this piston and spring put in upside-down doesn't seem to make much sense. >And the B&M modification would not appear work with the parts in this >arrangement. > >I'm not doubting that a large number of these cars have things assembled >this way. (Anyone know of ones that weren't?) I'd sure like to know why, >however. I have yet to see anything documenting the 'upside down' >arrangement. > >Anyone have experiences to relate? Doesn't the factory repair manual state that transmission type CZ,BZ (or something like that) requires this to be upside down? My TransGo kit also mentioned that you should flip it over when you do the installation of their kit. Okay, I just called my trans guy. He explained like this, "Flipping that piston over and putting the spring on the back side increases the volume for the shift, giving you a firmer 3-4 shift." 02 Aug 1994 08:43:57 -0400 (EDT) usib5ntr@ibmmail.COM Subject: Re: Shift kit install gnttype@buick.monsanto.com ----------------------- Mail item text follows --------------- I1109963--IBMMAIL GN Newsgroup *** Resending note of 08/01/94 16:59 Subject: Re: Shift kit install >>Now does the TransGo kit tell you to reinstall piston as it was (the >>'wrong' way) or the 'right' way? The B&M says to install it the >>'right' way, which is opposite the way I found it. > >I'll take a look at my documetation tonight. I have the TransGo and Art >Carr kit manuals, as well as the Buick service manual. Scott, In the 1986 Buick Service Manual, Page 200-4R-60, Figure 200-4R-229 is a drawing of the 3-4 accumulator piston and spring being installed spring first, with the piston ribs towards the *case*. In the upper-right corner of the figure is a box that states, "For 'BY' Model Invert And Install Piston First". I didn't feel like crawling under my car this morning but I'll bet my GN has a 'BY' model trans. When I did my valve body kit, my accum. was setup like the 'BY' model description. I can almost guarantee I was the first one inside my trans. This goes along with what the TransGo kit has you do to *all* 200-4Rs. The TransGo kit has you put a spring on each side of the piston and instructs the mechanic to install the piston with the ribs towards the *plate* (valve body separator). Which is the same as the 'BY' model has it. I'm assuming you found your accumulator setup like the 'BY' model and changed it to the other setup. I wouldn't change what you've already done since you are happy with the performance. Unless you want a crisper 3-4 shift. I hope this clears up why you found it to be 'upside down'. 02 Aug 1994 09:38:09 -0500 sekell@bb1t.monsanto.com (S.Keller-CV Instrumentation Manager BB1F 7-6317) Subject: Re: Shift kit install "gnttype@tinman"@tin.monsanto.com >In the 1986 Buick Service Manual, Page 200-4R-60, Figure 200-4R-229 is a >drawing of the 3-4 accumulator piston and spring being installed spring first, >with the piston ribs towards the *case*. In the upper-right corner of the >figure is a box that states, "For 'BY' Model Invert And Install Piston First". I'll have to re-read through that section tonight. I have the '87 manual. I don't recall the TR trans designation, but 'BY' may well be it. >This goes along with what the TransGo kit has you do to *all* 200-4Rs. The >TransGo kit has you put a spring on each side of the piston and instructs >the mechanic to install the piston with the ribs towards the *plate* (valve >body separator). Which is the same as the 'BY' model has it. Interesting. Sounds like it is supposed to accomplish roughly the same thing as the spacer in the B&M kit. With springs on either side the piston orientation probably wouldn't make that much difference since it couldn't fully seat in either direction. So long as the springs were on the proper side, of course. >I'm assuming you found your accumulator setup like the 'BY' model and >changed it to the other setup. Correct. This is what the B&M instructions stated. They indicated some would be that way, but to change it in those cases. >I wouldn't change what you've already done since you are happy with the >performance. Unless you want a crisper 3-4 shift. I need to get some more 'seat time' to see how I feel about it. I recall my 3-4 being pretty soft originally and it seems more solid now. Kickdown out of OD works nicely and it feels like a good firm shift when it gets back into OD on the highway. I imagine there may just be a few different methods of accomplishing the same feat. Unless there is some reason to believe a particular orientation would cause premature band failure or something like that, I will leave it alone. 24 Aug 1994 10:19:53 -0600 mellum@skyler.mavd.honeywell.com (Ron Mellum) Subject: Re: 2004R gnttype@buick.monsanto.com >Yep ... the 200-4R in the GNs were (correct me if I'm wrong) "BY" code in '86 "BR" in '86 also. At least that's what's on my tag. >rear wheels and Chuck's is pushing 475 HP. No torque, but I'd love to know. >Anybody got a way to figure torque? > Date: Fri, 02 Jun 1995 08:25:18 -0700 From: j_carter@ix.netcom.com (Jay Carter) Subject: Re: Grand National/T-Type/GNX To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com Brady, Back in the "old days" (You remember those, right??!!) I bought a 16930 9" Converter from Art at Bowling Green in 1990 and proceeded to twist the neck out of it. Half track at 100 MPH with trans fluid everywhere!!! Interesting ride..... Anyway, I went through 3 more before Art finally got me one that worked. The problem with Art is his consistentcy and quality control. I think now he's even worse than he used to be. I have a guy down here who repairs converters and he's fixed something like 6 or 7 Art Carr's and he told me they were all different inside and it looked like he used whatever was lying around to build them. Art also has a problem with using cheap labor (Souther California, lemme see your green card!!). I have a friend who has been to Art's many times and he said the converter shop looked like a taco stand, if you know what I mean. Date: Sun, 11 Jun 1995 14:06:01 -0700 From: cfasulo%spf.dnet@gpo.nsc.com (DIFFUSION TECH, BEEPER 279) Subject: TCC SOLENOID AND GEAR SWITCHES To: @gnttype.dis Here is some info form the GM service manual regarding the TCC solenoid and gear pressure switches. OUR model of the 200R4 (and there are many models) only uses two gear pressure switches in the valve body. One is the 3rd gear switch and one is the 4th gear switch--there is no 2nd gear switch. Neither switch is in series with the TCC solenoid. (SEE Chart C-8, Page 6E3-C8-6) The electrical schematics in the service manual (Page 8A-21-3) also only shows a 3rd and 4th gear switch. Also, these are normally closed switches and OPEN when the tranny shifts to 3rd and 4th. The transmission in our car was never designed to lock up the converter in 2nd gear anyway. Also remember that the converter clutch is activated by hydraulic pressure not the TCC solenoid. When the solenoid is activated AND the valves in the valve body are in the 2nd gear apply configuration the converter will lock up--this is under a "forced" lock up condition. If the converter were to lock up in first the car would stall out just as if you dumped the clutch in a manual tranny. I too had a converter that would not lock up. All the electricals checked out fine. My problem turned out to be a stuck converter clutch apply valve in the front pump. Pulled the valve from the pump, chucked it carefully in a drill and polished it up with some scotchbrite. Converter lock up has been working fine since. Here is a quick way to check to see if your TCC solenoid is working without having to drop the pan: 1) Key on car not running 2) Jump pin 'F' to pin 'A' on diagnostic connector 3) Get your ear as close to the tranny pan as possible. 4) Have someone press the break pedal repeatedly--you may be able to do this yourself 5) Believe it or not you can and should be able to hear the solenoid clicking-- it is not real loud so you need to do this in quiet surroundings. Date: Mon, 19 Jun 1995 19:12:29 -0500 (CDT) From: Edward Hugh Welbon Subject: Shift points, shift kits and related tales of woe. To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com In the same vein as the previous post on this subject, I thought I would mention that I put the B&M shift kit (performance calibration) into my 86 GN and ask the Buick oracle and few questions that have consequently arisen. Some background: my 60ft times have been an embarassment to the breed, the best 60ft time was around 2.25-2.3 with (gulp) McCreary N50s (i think) southside bars and traction compound. The McCrearys were inflated to, oh, 15 psi. My mph was about 105 on those passes (13.5 ets). Every one that had driven the car at that time commented on how early the 1-2 shift occurred (2600 rpm or so). Since then I have replaced the motor and tranny mounts (badly sagging) but still have abysmal 60ft times (though the most recent passes have been with D40M2 radials). When I put the shift kit in I discovered that the 1-2 accumulator spring was broken such that there was no preload of the spring what ever (BTW, the factory had put the 3-4 piston was on top of the 3-4 spring). Naturally, I found out about the failed spring at 6:00 PM Saturday and couldn't find any one open to sell me a new one (ha... *finding* a new one took a bit of leg work). I *lucked* out and found someone in a tranny shop on Sunday morning that had a spring alledged to be from a Trans Go kit (yellow spring). I doubt that it was a TG sring since its uncompressed height was about 1/4 inch shorter than what I think the stock spring was (the stock spring was white, or maybe light gray in color). I didn't have anything else to use so after some discussion with a few GN folk in the area, Scott Keller and Ken Mosher (thanks for letting me be an issufferable annoyance BTW), I crossed my fingers and used the alledged TG spring. Now the shift points have moved up to 15mph/3000 for 1-2 and about 35mph/3800 2-3 and 3-4 to around 50mph (though that seems to be unhappy cause the TCC seems to want to lock at that speed). I presume that the change in shift points is a consequence of the recalibration. Today, with a bunch of phone calling, I found two other springs, one is a purple spring that has *slightly* smaller diameter (0.025" at most) wire (correct uncompresseded height) and a black spring that has significantly heavier wire (though maybe 1/16" less uncompressed height than the stock spring). Now the shifts are quite crisp ( almost too crisp) even on light throttle, I and my hot-rod buddies detect no slippage. I have the tv adjusted as per the GM procedure, I have yet to try adjust the cable forward a click or two. The car feels like it accelrates better now (though I have proof that that my butt is not well calibrated). So, the question is should I try the heavier springs? Should i dink with the TV setting first? Are the shift points reasonable? (the main mods are ATR313A cam, head work, ATR headers, 3" down tube, ATR exhaust, Armstrong 93(street) and 108(race) chips, blue stripes, ram air). One last thing, one transmission guy assured me that a lighter 1-2 spring would surely damage the tranny (I don't think he fully comprehended the fact that there was a shift kit in it though), he specifically refered to damage to thrust washers. Any truth to this? I am on the digest so if you want to contact me immeadiately use welbon@bga.com. And thanks. Date: Mon, 19 Jun 1995 20:30:08 -0500 From: sekell@bb1t.monsanto.com (S.Keller-CV Instrumentation Manager BB1F 7-6317) Subject: Re: Shift points, shift kits, and related tales of woe. To: "gnttype@tinman"@tin, "welbon@bga.com"@tin >I put the B&M shift kit (performance calibration) into my 86 >Now the shift points have moved up to 15mph/3000 for 1-2 and about >35mph/3800 2-3 and 3-4 to around 50mph (though that seems to be unhappy >cause the TCC seems to want to lock at that speed). Are these at WOT? >Now the shifts are quite crisp ( almost too crisp) even on light throttle, >I and my hot-rod buddies detect no slippage. I have the tv adjusted as >per the GM procedure, I have yet to try adjust the cable forward a click >or two. I've installed this same kit. After resetting the cable per the procedure, the shifts did occur too early and too hard. I found I did have to move the jacket forward a few clicks to get the shift points right. Still shifts tight and firm. I'd suggest trying that before going inside right away. If moving it one or two clicks doesn't do the trick, however, it may be a sign that the spring will need replacing. Perhaps someone familiar with the Trans-Go kit will know more about its spring arrangement. Date: Mon, 19 Jun 1995 23:32:35 -0500 From: cooldave@nando.net (David Cooley) Subject: Re: Shift points, shift kits and related tales of woe. To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com >Now the shift points have moved up to 15mph/3000 for 1-2 and about >35mph/3800 2-3 and 3-4 to around 50mph (though that seems to be unhappy >cause the TCC seems to want to lock at that speed). I presume that the >change in shift points is a consequence of the recalibration. Today, with >a bunch of phone calling, I found two other springs, one is a purple >spring that has *slightly* smaller diameter (0.025" at most) wire (correct >uncompresseded height) and a black spring that has significantly heavier >wire (though maybe 1/16" less uncompressed height than the stock spring). Ed, The shift points are not controlled with the accumulator springs.. All they do is change the firmness of the shifts. I eliminated the springs altogether and put 3/8" nuts on the shafts to hold the pistons in place after the trans go kit was in. The shift points are controlled in 3 places. The shift valve springs, the TV cable adjustment, and the governer. At wide open throttle, the governer should do all the shift point for you.. If the springs have come loose or broked from the governer, then it will shift too soon. Mine shifted at 5200 RPM from 1-2, at 4900 from 2-3 and 4800 from 3-4. If your trans was rebuilt, and the wrong governor put in (they stuck the governor from a diesel powered car in mine.. it shifted at about 2800...), then the shiftpoints will be very off. Date: Tue, 20 Jun 1995 19:54:50 -0400 From: Kenmosher@aol.com Subject: Tranny Help To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com Well, I thought we had a line on what's up with my tranny, but it didn't pan out. The problem? The damn thing won't shift at WOT... just hits the rev limiter (very quickly in 1st, I might add <*grin*>). It shifts fine under less than WOT ... fact is, if I set the TV cable forward enough, it'll shift great up to almost WOT if I keep my thick floor mat in the car (4.3 volts TPS). Take the floor mat out and it won't shift (4.7 volts TPS)....hits the limiter. Tranny has a brand new valve body, the Trans Go kit, new clutches/steels, new pump, etc. (after my other tranny woes). I'm using Mike Kurtz's 2800 stall lockup converter. We thought we traced it back to the TV system, but no matter how I mess with the cable, I can' t get things right. Date: Tue, 20 Jun 1995 22:08:50 -0700 From: j_carter@ix.netcom.com (Jay Carter) Subject: Re: Tranny Help To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com Ken, Did you happen to put a shim in the TV Valve by any chance? If so, that will definitely alter shift points somewhat. If not that, what about the governor? Lastly, have you checked the pressure on the trans via a gauge? I am having a trans problem myself that I can't figure out. It goes something like this: Just fit the car with an Art Carr 9" converter (#16930 4000 stall Thanks Mike!!). Anyway, I lost second gear on the other trans, I think a valve just stuck, the car wouldn't shift out of first ever. Anyway, we had a spare laying around that we had converted to non-lockup to take to the Nationals as a backup for Nelson's car. Before when the trans had a lockup converter, it shifted so hard that it would almost knock your teeth out. Anyway, doing nothing but converting it over to NLU, the 1-2 shift has gone away. Keep in mind that the valve body or servo has not been taken loose. The 1-2 shift comes around 4500, the rest of the shifts come at their normal shift point. The TV cable does change the shift points, too much on the 1-2 BTW. Anyway, I think I have a leak around the valve body. I am going to pull the valve body down and put new gaskets on and check the check balls for location. I talked with Mike Kurtz today (More on that at the end) and he faxed me his drilling pattern for the seperator plate. I am going to (attempt) try to work that into the Art Carr shift kit as well while I have the plate down. If that doesn't work, I'm just gonna send my old trans to Mike and have him fix it. It has the blue clutches and coleen steels so I'm sure the forward and direct clutches are fine. Probably needs a band, though. Anyway, about Mike Kurtz. I had talked with Mike before kind of in a general bullshit session. I called him because of something totally untransmission related and chewed the fat with him for a few minutes and found him to be a very likable fellow (Good 'Ole Country Boy if such a thing exists in Texas??!!) Anyway, after this deal I've had with my trans, I have to say that next to Chuck Smithwick (Tech Transmissions in Nashville, Ga) Mike's the best trans guy I've ever talked to. BTW, that's a joke, well, rather Chuck's a joke. Seriously, though, Mike knows his stuff and I was VERY impressed with not only his VAST knowledge of the 200/4R (And I'm sure transmissions in general) but also his willingness to help me even though I wasn't buying anything. There are quite a few vendors that really try VERY HARD to sell you something everytime you call for advice. Mike's not one of them. He told me flat out, "I get XXXXX dollars for my race rebuild, if we can't fix it over the phone, send it to me and I'll take care of it for you." Well, rest assured, if I can't fix it, it's on it's way to Texas. Mike Kurtz is a class act, period. Later, guys!! Jay Date: Wed, 21 Jun 1995 20:14:20 -0500 (CDT) From: Edward Hugh Welbon Subject: Trannies, tachs, plug wires and sway bars To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com I mentioned that my shift points seemed high when I replaced the broken 1-2 spring with a weaker than stock 1-2 spring (also did the B&M shiftkit). Well I took another t-fluid shower last nite and put a slightly heavier 1-2 spring in (same number of turns as the factory spring, nearly identical height (though its hard to be certain) and a bit over 0.020" larger wire diameter. The 1-2 shift will now tear your head off 8-) and with just a bit of a nudge on the throttle WHAM, down shift (here porschie, porschie, here porschie, porschie 8-). Something will break, I just know it. But dang, it sure is a fun way to break parts. I wish I had a better test than just staring at the tach, but I swear that the 2-3 shift went down to 3600 from 3800 and the 1-2 went up to 3200 from 3000 rpm (aproximate rpms, with the GM tv adjustment and light throttle, no opportunity for WOT availed itself today). I know that the RPM of the shift points is not supposed to be controlled by the 1-2 spring, but I swear to Dogbert that it did. Also, I have always seen a *slight* amount of frothing of the t-fluid at the dipstick, it doesn't look like whipped cream, but there are a few bubbles there (unlike the engine oil dipstick which has none fer instance). How much is acceptable? I have the t-fluid filled to top of the cross hatched safe zone of the dipstick, is this too much? Uhm, I am still using the factory tach (with turbolink) and was thinking about getting a better tach, any suggestions on what makes sense? Where might I best get one (like Summit or Jegs fer instance). Jane sent me a set of Red's wires. For $22 (+$5 to ship), it is hard to beat 'em, they fit well. I didn't notice any performance change, but I was edging up on wire change time and wasn't looking forward to shelling out $50 for a new set. I measured the dc resistance, it is pretty low (the short wire was just under 600 ohms, the longest about 1100+ ohms). Got a set of slicks and wheels on my doorstep this evening (M/T 26X10-15 and 8X15 wheels). I was thinking about using tubes but this will mean screws in the rims, is there anything magic about this? Do I just use a few (how many?) 3/4" X 10 sheetmetal screws on each side of the rim and try not to foul up the bead (like drilling into the bead wire etc?). Think I may get sick Friday (race day is Saturday 8-). At the next meet, I will certainly disconnect the swaybar, as well as pump out the street gas, put in the good fuel, put on the slicks, change the chip, adjust up fuel pressure and boost level, check the fluid levels, check tire and air bag pressures, check my shoelaces etc, etc. Sigh. Date: Wed, 21 Jun 1995 12:48:53 -0500 From: ijames@codon.nih.gov (Carl F. Ijames) Subject: Re: Shift points, shift kits and related tales of woe. To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com >>Now the shift points have moved up to 15mph/3000 for 1-2 and about >>35mph/3800 2-3 and 3-4 to around 50mph (though that seems to be unhappy At very light throttle mine shifts at 2000 (the converter stall speed). Slightly more gas and it shifts at about 2500 rpms in each gear. >after the trans go kit was in. The shift points are controlled in 3 places. >The shift valve springs, the TV cable adjustment, and the governer. At wide >open throttle, the governer should do all the shift point for you.. If the >springs have come loose or broked from the governer, then it will shift too >soon. Mine shifted at 5200 RPM from 1-2, at 4900 from 2-3 and 4800 from >3-4. If your trans was rebuilt, and the wrong governor put in (they stuck >the governor from a diesel >powered car in mine.. it shifted at about 2800...), then the shiftpoints >will be very off. If the governor springs break or come out it will shift very late. Mine shifted at about 5000 rpm no matter how slowly or quickly I revved to that rpm (thanks to TVM for diagnosing this for me :-)). A trans shop told me that all 200-R4 governors are the same (I knew better but I needed to be able to drive for a while til I could get a correct governor) so they put in one they had; naturally it shifted at about 3000 rpm at WOT. As far as the TV cable goes, shifting early=softer and late=firmer. Date: Thu, 22 Jun 1995 13:57:29 -0400 From: Kenmosher@aol.com Subject: Re: Your upshift woes To: GEGC87A@prodigy.com, gnttype@buick.monsanto.com [...I had the exact same problem you are having with upshift. I have had problems with the trans go kit. From that point forward, I have always used B+M . Anyway besides a possible governor; how about the PRESSURE REGULATOR valve. ...] I pulled the regulator out and checked it. It looked like everything was OK ... it was the right one for the kit and everything. [...When did this problem start.....] When my tranny guy decided that the B&M kit was eating bands (at least it shifted! <*Grin*>). He decided to install the Trans Go and do all the hop up tips that Mike did. Then the d*mn thing started doing this, so he installed the newest miracle kit from Trans Go, which involved actually drilling and plugging VALVE body holes! Then the stupid thing was 100% manual and slipped to boot.... out comes the tranny AGAIN (time #2), my tranny guy conned GM into taking my original valve body back "under warranty" and started completely over with a new governor and new valve body. Installed the tranny and then "snap", the front pump broke ... piece of crap blue stripe converter snout wasn't welded straight and it broke the pump. Out comes the tranny again (time #3) then my guy replaced the pump and made sure nothing went thru the rest of the tranny. That's where I'm at now. We dropped the pan about 3 times now ... once to make sure the governor seals were good, once to pull the regulator valve and make sure it had the right springs and valve, and once to check for a cracked filter. No luck and it's back to the same thing that it was doing before the nightmare started. We actually pulled the valve body out of Chuck's car and checked all the check ball locations, hole sizes, springs, etc. Nothing amiss, as far as the kit instructions go. Funny thing is .... Chuck's car had the same kit put in it WITHOUT Mike Kurtz's modifications ... just the kit and it is doing the same thing. That points to something in the kit to me. This is getting old ... maybe I can pester Mike a bit more for some trouble shooting tips. Thanks for all the help! Date: Thu, 22 Jun 1995 13:54:24 -0400 From: Kenmosher@aol.com Subject: Re: Tranny Help To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com [...Did you happen to put a shim in the TV Valve by any chance? If so, that will definitely alter shift points somewhat. If not that, what about the governor? Lastly, have you checked the pressure on the trans via a gauge? ...] No shims ...just the procedure in the Tran Go No Yo-yo (or should it say "No Go Go?") kit, which involves there "Bootstrap TV" modification. Looks like it simply makes it so the TV valve won't hang up. I did the Mike Kurtz separator plate mods (after talking to Mike) and he talked to my trans guy to get the extra clutch packs and recommendations on Kevlar bands and such. Gotta agree that Mike's a helluva a guy... very knowledgable. However, we can't seem to find this bug. The next step is to get a gauge on the tranny ... maybe this weekend. The governor is brand new, as is the valve body, seperator plate, etc. BTW, Chuck's tranny, with the same kit is doing the exact same thing and we swapped governors on it (thinking the same thing you were, bad governor) and it does the same thing. Date: Thu, 22 Jun 1995 12:28:14 -0700 From: j_carter@ix.netcom.com (Jay Carter) Subject: Re: Your upshift woes To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com Ken, If you back the detent pressure way off (lower it) does the trans ever shift or does it just stay in first? My trans stuck in first last time at the track and we pulled the valve body and found the TV Upshift valve to be sticking. Anyway, my problem now is similar to yours. The trans will shift one the 1-2 but it's at much higher RPMs than the other two shifts. Also, it's a WHOLE LOT SOFTER than the other two. I have done as you did. I modified my plate as per Mike K's instructions but this trans has an Art Carr shift kit in it. I also pulled the valve body out of my old trans (The one with the sticking TV valve) and installed it and it still does the same thing. This means the trans shift crappy with a known good valve body. I'm gonna look into the servo next. This trans in the car now has a larger servo from a regular 200. I know this works as I have used it before, but I also ran into a snag several years ago with this same servo causing the same symptoms after some valve body modifications. I just can't seem to remember what caused it though. I do remember that I put a stock servo back in and the problem vanished so I am hoping that maybe that will be the case here. BTW, if all else fails, call TCI and talk to Greg Friend. I have known Greg a long time and I'm telling you, he's the man when it comes to this stuff. He designs all of TCIs manual valve bodies (Including the GN one). Later! Date: Thu, 22 Jun 1995 16:13:03 -0400 From: Kenmosher@aol.com Subject: Re: Your upshift woes To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com [...If you back the detent pressure way off (lower it) does the trans ever shift or does it just stay in first?....] It shifts if you back it way off ... once in awhile. If you only go to 7/8 throttle it'll shift (albeit at 5700 rpm!). It does this IN ANY GEAR, not just 1->2. [...[...o with this same servo causing the same symptoms after some valve body modifications. I just can't seem to remember what caused it though.....] Boy, if the servo is the problem, lemme know! That wouldn't be too bad to fix. RIght now the damn thing won't upshift from 1->2 or 2->3 without hitting the rev limiter. Actually it won't upshift AT ALL at WOT. It drives fine at anything up to about 3/4 throttle though. [...and talk to Greg Friend. I have known Greg a long time and I'm telling you, he's the man when it comes to this stuff. ....] Thanks! I've talked to him before... sharp guy. Date: Thu, 22 Jun 1995 22:10:08 -0500 (CDT) From: Edward Hugh Welbon Subject: Shift kits vs. handling and turbo sneeze valves. To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com A road racing addict comes out of closet... One draw back (IMHO) that I have encountered in using a shift kit is that it makes cornering at the limits a little trickier. The last thing you want when you are accelerating out of the apex of a corner is an abrupt 1-2 or 2-3 shift. It can throw the balance of the car off (tail wagging). The closer you are to edge of the grip of the rubber the worse the consequences can be (the idea is to get the front and back ends as close to peak grip as possible. An abrupt power input can push you over the sweet spot into a not so sweet spot of the grip curve. The shift kit with street rubber can even make a simple passing operation interesting (especially with a tight posi - I guess it look and sounds impressive to the pass-ee, but it ain't no fun for the pass-er). Sideways at any speed was it? An abrupt down shift while braking into a corner is not a good thing either, that can put the tail first also. I think that you want a smooth, precise shift, not an abrupt shift. In an automatic, a broad power band with quick spool up is seems to be a major plus. When you throttle steer the back end, you don't want to have to guess at how much throttle is enough. So this leads me to a question, I find modulating the throttle around a corner with a turbo having a just the right amount of spool up time to be a little troublesome, a little too much throttle and you get a big power delta - not good. A light touch on the throttle helps (squeeze rather than jab) but this reduces the margin for driver error a lot. I was wondering if a sneeze valve might help, my reasoning is that when the throttle closes, the sneeze valve would vent off the boost somewhat and help prevent the turbo from spinning down due to abrupt air flow changes. Comments (tvw?) welcome. Date: Tue, 20 Jun 1995 20:49:09 -0400 (EDT) From: Richard May Subject: Re: Shift points, shift kits and related tales of woe. To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com On Mon, 19 Jun 1995, David Cooley wrote: > The shift points are not controlled with the accumulator springs.. All they > do is change the firmness of the shifts. I eliminated the springs > altogether and put 3/8" nuts on the shafts to hold the pistons in place > after the trans go kit was in. The shift points are controlled in 3 places. Which accum. assembly are you speaking of? I am getting ready to order the one piece 2nd apply unit from AWI to help my slushbox. This unit is lacking the accum piston under the servo. I wonder if your mod accomplishes some of what this part is supposed to do... Explain some more please :-) Does anyone have any experience with this part? Date: Fri, 23 Jun 1995 10:32 -0500 (EST) From: mws@bsg1.mme1.state.va.us (MICHAEL W. SMITH) Subject: shift points To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com (dist) shift points shift points are controlled by 1.the govenor 2. tv pressure which is then mtv pressure. mtv pressure is sent to the 12,2- 3,3-4 shift valves. the govenor spins the weights around ap- pling pressure to the check ball(s) located in the govenor shaft. the pressure from the govenor is direct line pressure. once the pressure is up it overrides the lower pressure of the shift valve and causes the vehicle to shift. 1-2 shift firmness is controled by the 1-2 accumalator, a stronger spring increases shift firmness. the 3-4 accumalator controls the 3-4 shift firmness the same as 1-2 acc. the 2-3 shift firmness is controlled by the servo acting as a accumalator. a lot of people swap the 2004-r servo for the old 200, but i've seen it bread 3rd gear clutches. i had a problem of the overreving of the engine to make it have a 1-2 shift. i got a new seperator plate, put the check balls in the proper stock locations and it worked fine. make sure you trans. is a b-r-f trans. your valve body should have a spot of pink or yellow paint on it. the gn valve body is a special unit for gn only. Date: Sat, 24 Jun 1995 18:39:12 -0700 From: j_carter@ix.netcom.com (Jay Carter) Subject: Transmission Blues Gone!!!!! To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com Well, finally, after a week of struggling with the trans from my car, my woes are over. I installed a 9" converter with this trans and disaster, the car shifted like it had marshmellows for tranny fluid. Anyway, after numerous patching attempts, we finally pulled it out and did it the way it should have been done to begin with. Here's what we did to correct the problem. I don't know exactly WHAT cured it, but one of the things did. We tore the trans down far enough to get the band and clutch pack out. We replaced the band and some of the clutches. While the case was empty, we helicoiled some *questionable* valve body bolt holes thinking we may have an internal leak somewhere. Anyway, after all this, we reassembled the insides and I used a different 1-2 servo that we had laying around. the last 3 digits on the servo cover are 134. These servos are from a regular 200 (Late 70s model, LARGE cars, like Caddys). This servo has a HUGE apply area.. Anyway, to make a long story short, the thing shifts like a champ. This is the best trans I have ever had with a 9" converter. If it still had a lockup in it, it would shift hard enough to break things. So, at the moment, I'm happy..... Now I just gotta get that TE-63-1.... :-) BTW, another problem we discovered was that the TV Upshift valve was binding. This is the valve that everyone tells you to remove the spring from when you install a shift kit. If you're having trouble with the car not wanting to shift, this is the first place I would look. Anyone that's interested in a bench overhaul, e-mail me. My buddy Nelson said he would do some as time permits. No trannys with problems, please. Just transmissions that need overhauling. Nelson can build them but he's no transmission guru like Mike Kurtz. Date: Fri, 30 Jun 1995 07:50:58 -0400 From: tyork@doas.state.ga.us Subject: Re: transmisson problems To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com >transmisson problems > >i have heard that flaring between gears is causes by >insufficent fluid pressure to hold the 2nd gear band on the >drum. the fix is suppose to be a stiffer spring in the line >bias valve located in the valve body. > Art Carr has a new valve that will solve that 2-3 flare, I can't remember the part number but if you describe your problem to them they can get you the correct valve. Date: Fri, 30 Jun 1995 09:45:11 -0400 From: Kenmosher@aol.com Subject: Re: transmisson problems To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com Well folks ... I need a shoulder to cry on. We're still fighting a problem with my tranny. Actually, this is quite a tale of woe, so stick with me <*Grin*> I pulled the valve body out last weekend and have been methodically disassembling it and double checking the Trans Go No Yo Yo instructions (or should we say "No Go Go?"). Chuck and Keith came over last night and I finished checking the last valve ... and viola! The kit said to keep the stock spring for GNs and Monte SSs, yet I see a RED spring (left over from my B&M kit) in the line bias valve. All right! I double/triple checked the TV valve assembly and everything is just like it says it should be in the instructions. We felt that maybe we had found our problem and reassembled the valve body and put it back in the tranny, filled it with fluid, and off I go on a test drive. Sh*t. Same symptoms ... no 1->2 or 2->3 gear change under WOT. And now even part throttle shifts are delayed a bit (like the TV cable is adjusted wrong). Argggggh! And to top it off, no 3->4 shift at all ... (although that may be due to a binding 3->4 accumulator spring ... they are a b*tch to put together on your back trying to hold the valve body in place with the spring trying to through it all back in your face. To add insult to injury ... Chuck's car lost 2nd gear and up until that happened, it had the same symptoms as mine. He's basically given up and obtained a new/rebuilt tranny from the Delaware guys. They sent the tranny to him and he got it yesterday all excited that he was getting the car back on the road.... WRONG. The tranny had obviously been dropped off the truck somewhere along the way. The tail shaft was all bunged up and the case is cracked in a couple places. Man, we can't win for losing! Anyway ... any brilliant ideas out there on why my d*mn tranny won't shift under WOT? It acts like it's in the TV system, to me. Too much pressure? Too little? I've got to drop the valve body again this weekend and I'm almost to the point where I'm going to pitch all the Trans Go stuff, restore everything to stock and then come forward with the B&M kit again. Problem is, I have to get all the stock takeouts back from my tranny guy and I'm not sure if he still has them. What a nightmare! I'm pretty confident the car is going to run a nice number ... it pulls like a demon on street gas and low boost (14psi for testing the tranny to try to keep tire spin down). I'm pretty sure that I should be able to post a low 11 time slip if I can get it sorted out. HELP! Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech Subject: Re: Towing: "OD" vs. "D" From: norm.dang@canrem.com (Norm Dang) Date: Thu, 8 Jun 95 17:38:00 -0500 M > From: mart@cs.ucr.edu (Mart Molle) M > M > Dan Dusing (EENG01@email.mot.com) wrote: M > M > : > [...]. That's why it's not recommended to use OD for towing - it M > : > wasn't designed for those loads. M > M > : I beg to differ with the statement above. GM, Ford, and Dodge permit M > : towing in OD as long as the tranny does not hunt back and forth M > : between OD and third. It conserves fuel and lowers engine RPM. I M > : would not recommend pulling a 6% grade in OD, but as long as you M > : are towing on level terrain, using OD is acceptable. Driving in the M > : mountaineous terrain out West is another thing altogether. Hi, I saw an article a few months ago about modifying 700R4 and 200R4 trannies for higher performance. It stated that when the stock tranny is in OD, hot fluid get pumped directly to the pan, rather than going through the cooler. This is done to maximize mileage. It further stated that it was possible to overheat the tranny by letting it repeatedly shift between 3rd and 4th under hi load. Both rebuilders (Art Carr and TCI ?) quoted in the article modify the tranny to always run the fluid through the cooler. This might help explain why some manufacturers make the above recommendation. Regards Norm Date: Mon, 03 Jul 1995 15:27:41 -0400 From: Kenmosher@aol.com Subject: Re: Full story on the Rear Seat Fame Braces To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com [...Ken M, check to make sure you did'nt install the upshift valve back wards....] You mean the TV Upshift valve? According to the kit instructions, it's not changed. The kit does change the TV downshift valve spring, but I double checked it and it looks good. I pulled the upshift valve just to check and it looks just like what the chassis manual and the kit instructions say it should. Thanks for suggestion, I'll double check when I yank the valve body <*sigh, again*>. I suspect something either in the governor circuit or the TV upshift circuit, but I'll be d*mned if I can find it. Mike Kurtz has suggested a governor change to an '84-85 car governor (bigger wieghts, due to the different calibration of the older valve body). That might change the symptoms and give us an idea of what to try next. I'm looking for one to borrow for a test now. As an aside. Chuck landed an '86 T with high miles for $1000 the other day. He got a helluva deal, new PowerMonster, new A/C compressor, lots of rebuilt parts, maintenance records from day one, all receipts, etc. The car has almost brand new Radial T/As and the rims are original Ts without any scuffs or scratches. The car runs, but has a knock. The previous owner declared it a rod knock, but Chuck and I noticed from the receipts that the timing chain had been replaced recently and the noise started shortly after that. We listened and it sounds like something in the timing cover to me. Anyway, it's a straight car, decent paint, a little door rust, but a heckuva bargain. I'm trying to talk him into letting me borrow his valve body out of this car (rock stock) and see if my problem disappears. If it does, then it's something in the Trans Go kit ... if not, I'm going to starting looking at the front pump valving and the governor. I'm pretty sure if we solve mine, Chuck's will be solved as well. Date: Mon, 03 Jul 1995 07:37:57 -0400 From: JTesta1966@aol.com Subject: Re: Transmission Swaps To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com In a message dated 95-07-02 21:14:36 EDT, you write: >To each his own! Both point of views have their merits. I am a bit of a >purist when it comes to these cars but I would switch the trans. > >Dave Holgate I was going to do the same thing. I read an article in HOT ROD or one of those, about swapping the 200 for a 400 and adding on an overdrive unit. Well I talked to Pat Barrett of Level 10 Automatics, he told me if I was in the 8's then go for it. As far as the 12's whrere I was he told me to stick with the 200R4. He told me he could build it strong enough to take me to the 9's. I told him I've had this f*ing thing recuilt 5 times by shops that were in to "high tech" rebuilds. He gauranteed me it would last "forever" as long as I added a cooler. Ok, I shelled out $1200 for the trans and $600 for the 9" lockup convertor. I am an idiot right?? I dont think so, a stock trans job is $1500 so what do I have to lose. I got the car back and WOW, chirped second, thoird, and bangred fourth!!! A real improvement. Well its two years later and other than a cold flair (Pat has advised me that it is due to the kevlar band flexing at a different rate when cold, I thought a sticking accumulator but I dont realluy know transes.) It still chirps 2nd, 3rd, and bangs fourth!! A lot better than the 5 other $1500 rebuilds, and I have the low first gear and overdrive AND lockup!! (BTW you should not defeat the lockup as if the car is running hot the ECM locks up the convertor so full volume of the ATF is run through the trans cooler, to protect the trans!) I'm sure I'll get arguments on this but it is my .02$ Date: Tue, 04 Jul 1995 21:22:44 -0700 From: j_carter@ix.netcom.com (Jay Carter) Subject: Re: engine knock To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com Jtest1966 Wrote: > >Mine was a shot thrust bearing. Worn so bad the drain slots were filed >flat!!!! > You wouldn't happen to have an Art Carr 9" converter installed in your car by and chance would you? I know of many people (Me included) who have lost engines thanks to good 'ole Uncle Art. The converter baloons and takes out the thrust.... Art claims this problem is nonexistent, however, it's funny that he just came out with a new 9" converter that has a baloon plate..... Ken, Your knock wouldn't be the cam sensor by and chance?? I have heard those things grenade and make a hell of a racket and also make a lot of aluminum in the process.... Car will still start and run for awhile too while the thing's crapping out on you.... Date: Sat, 08 Jul 1995 20:11:37 -0400 From: Kenmosher@aol.com Subject: Tranny Woes Continue ... To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com Well, another weekend, another bunch of experiments ... I put the car up, disassembled the servo and replaced the seals and made sure everything matched what the Trans Go kit said it should. No change, still won't shift WOT ... the car is an animal though! <*Grin*> Next experiment ... pulled the pan, pulled the governor case (all passages looked good), swapped in an '85 governor (which should have lowered shift points about 800 RPM.). No change, none at all. The part throttle shifts were the same (and should be since the primary weight is the same as the '86-87). Still no shift at WOT. This all leads me back to a) pump or b) valve body. Tomorrow I'm going to get me a guage and do some plumbing to check pressures. This should give me some idea of other things to check. Also, I'm going to see if Chuck will loan me the VB out of his $1000 wonder. <*sigh*> And so it goes ... Date: Tue, 18 Jul 1995 14:11:37 -0500 From: sekell@bb1t.monsanto.com (S.Keller-CV Instrumentation Manager BB1F 7-6317) Subject: Re: Which way does this accumulator go in? To: "gnttype@tinman"@tin >I am helping to rebuild the tranny from an 85 T this week and we have one >problem - we can't figure out which way to put in the accumulator that goes >above the separator plate (between the plate and the tranny case). Does anyone >know if the spring goes in first or the piston? This was discussed (at excruciating length, I'm afraid) last fall, I believe. There was no complete concensus. The TRs appear to have the spring and accumulator 'backward' from what all other TH200-4Rs do. However, the B&M kit indicates that it should be reversed (*with_their_kit*) if it is 'backward'. (i.e. put it like all other 200-4Rs) > The pictures in the manual show both ways so one of them must be wrong. Uh...maybe. :-) Date: Sun, 06 Aug 1995 23:23:16 -0400 From: Kenmosher@aol.com Subject: Tranny Woes ... resolved! Kinda ... To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com Well, got the tranny back in the car with the valve body that David Day lent me.... The car SHIFTS now! I put a new accumulator in it (with the feed holes unblocked), stock VB, stock separator plate, stock check balls, etc. Now the car shifts! However .... the 1->2 shift is pretty soft, and the 2->3 tends to allow an overrev before it "catches". I have a guage on it and read it the best I could (with the tires spinning and the car sideways .. <*grin*>). Pressure was like this at1000 RPM: Park/Neutral - 75-80 psi Reverse - 140 psi Drive (D4) - 100 psi Drive (D3) - 105 psi 2nd - 130-140 psi 1st - 130-140 psi When driving it, the pressure goes up to 170 or so in the low gears. At idle with maximum TV (pulling the cable), the pressure doesn't change much from the min. TV pressures! Something seems to be screwy with the pressure regulation/pump. The car shifts 1-2 at about 5200 and the 2-3 occurs about 5000. Problem is, the 1-2 shift is sloppy (kind of a slide shift) and 2-3 hangs, overrevs and then drops into gear. Wierd. I've just about convinced myself to just get the GM BRF remanufactured trans with the 3 yr./50,000 mile warranty, swap the input shaft and hardened stator out of mine, put a simple kit (Fairbanks or B&M) in it and call it good. Or have Ralph's transmissions or Mike Kurtz do the valve body stuff for me. I could be messing around with getting this one sorted out for another 2 months ... and racing season is almost over! I definitely want to get the car out when the weather breaks and cools off. I want my low 11s and 120 mph thru the muffs! Besides ... in about 2 years, I pull the new GM rebuilt and turn it in under warranty and start over again <*grin*> At that time, I'll have somebody go thru it and put all the good stuff in it and keep it. Anyway, I want to quit FIXING the damn car and get back to making it go fast and look good. I've got a dozen little detail things I want to do and I need to work on getting a few squeaks and rattles from my new roll bar worked out. <*sigh*> So, any thoughts? Date: Sat, 12 Aug 1995 17:19:02 -0400 From: JdC3190181@aol.com Subject: Tranny Woes Club To: Kenmosher@aol.com, gnttype@buick.monsanto.com Ken: You mentioned that there was a *visible* difference between the valve body in the GN and a diesel or whatever other 2004R you compared it to. Can you give me any *specific* differences that you noted so that I can do a similar comparison? I just installed my SECOND GM-rebuilt 2004R, code "BRF" and it has a 1-2 shift like a Park Avenue , just like the first one. A complete and total dog. It is TV-adjusted, and full of Delco ATF to no avail. It is a fresher unit than the first one, with the correct 36 month/50,000 mile over the counter warranty paperwork. Built in June 1995. I suspect that the sales rep who told the Parts Manager that there were no replacement parts for the GN trannys available and that they were all built that way may have been right after all. Anyway, I got my original core back and gave them another 2004R. I will probably have to go to Kurtz after all. My fear is that to get GM to make things right here ( ie.refund) I will need to provide hard evidence that they are giving me the wrong parts. If they get ugly about it ,which they haven't yet, I may need to slap down the two valve bodies and spacer plates in front of them. I am really tired of swapping these 212-pound beasts in and out! I went with GM just to avoid these problems! Go figure! And Mike Kurtz is like 2 miles away from me! Date: Sat, 12 Aug 1995 12:47:44 -0500 (EST) From: Gerry Bragg Subject: Re Re: tranny shipping woes To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com, ScottS@clubmet.metrobbs.com Scott: >After having myself tried the Yo-Yo shift kit the B(reak)&M(end) shift >kit and having work done ot the local (good) tranny guy shop, I got >smart and sent my trans to Mike Kurtz 2 1/2 years ago. Today it still >shifts like a champ. My horror stories involve shipping the trans. >..... >Anyone else have similar problems? > >Scott Simpson >ScottS@clubmet.metrobbs.com I just went thru the exact same ordeal. In mid-June my trans blew it's front seal (& lots of metal) in a remote part of northern michigan, far from Mr. UPS. It was more expensive, but convenient to ship it via overland carrier (Roadway, Central Transport, etc..). Trip down took 4 (business) days from Michigan to Mike Kurtz's shop in Houston. The return trip via UPS was something else. Took 12 BUSINESS days to arrive (was supposed to take 4). Torque converter arrived 5 days before the trans (shipped the same day). UPS had no record of a 2nd package being shipped. However, the same day I put a tracer on it the trans showed up. UPS still had no clue where it was. Overland carrier cost about $80 more than UPS from Michigan-Houston. Using a pallet and overland carrier would be best. I boxed the trans and strapped the box to a pallet. I've been told that UPS is very rough with their materials. If you use them insure it for $2500. Out of the box the trans lasted 50 miles. Govenor launched it's check balls and speedometer gear. Found it had an '84-'85 govenor in it. Kurtz re-uses the govenor if it is still good, but it's easy to distinguish the two so this should've been caught (84-85 have a small spring on the large weight. 86-87 have none). Was always wondering why after my 20,000 mile rebuild by a local shop the 1-2 shift was a bit early. After getting the proper TV (this trans is very sensitive to TV changes) setting tuned out the trans works great. Smooth light throttle shifts and progressively firmer. 3-4 seems fairly firm regardless of TV setting. Just wish the damn thing wasn't so expensive but it's light years better than the previous rebuild job. Scott: make sure you blow the cr*p out of the lines and cooler(s) before re-installing. I found that it is very difficult to get all of the junk dislodged from the coolers by just using an air-compressor, carb cleaner, and trans fluid. [may not be as much of a concern if your trans didn't grenade like mine]. If I did it again I'd get a new external cooler ($70) and have the internal cooler in the radiator replaced (was quoted $50 for this). Date: Fri, 18 Aug 1995 18:37:41 -0400 From: JdC3190181@aol.com Subject: Tranny Woes Seem to be Resolved! To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com After trying two of the GM SRTA rebuilds, I finally went to Mike Kurtz with the Transmission from my '87 GN. I grenaded the stator of the stock 12" converter and sent metal schrapnel throughout the unit. The first GM "BRF" shifted like a sissy and was *nothing* like the unit that came in the car when new. I took it to the dealer and his tranny guy checked it out and said it was defective. OK, I'll try another one and since the first had the "old" 12/12 warranty maybe it was just from a bad batch. Transmission #2 arrived 8 days later (called VIP service for some unknown reason!) and it shifted just like the first one, only with a bit of a flare at the 2-3 shift. It had the new Goodwrench 36 month/50,000 mile warranty. Would have been the best deal around for $850 including the converter. They just need to learn to build them right. On the positive side, the dealer held on to my core, and fully refunded my money. I bought the rebuilt converter from him since they were the correct units with high stall. Transmission #3 A Mike Kurtz Rebuild. I got a 6000 mile warranty rather than the usual 6-months because I have several cars and don't put alot of mileage on them. Ahhhh! Now this transmission shifts gears. $985 plus tax and converter. The "normal" TV cable adjustment gives good hard shifts with plenty of tire squeal at the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts. Even the converter lockup has snap! Best to back the TV cable off a couple of notches for daily driving and dates! At WOT it shifts *great*. Just some facts and observations about the rebuild and other information from talking with Mike Use Dexron Fluid, no mention of overfilling He puts sealant on the front of the filter Uses a Transgo shift kit, but makes some modifications to their instructions such as drilling the spacer plate holes a different size than specified, as well as leaving out and/or modifying some of the spring parts. Uses Art Carr Bands (& clutches?) "Art Carr makes some killer parts" He also removes a check ball from the converter lockup hydraulics for a more solid TCC lock up. What I learned to do really well is R&R GN transmissions on my back after doing it (by myself) 3 times in 3 weeks. Picked up the Kurtz rebuild at 4:00 and was driving at 8:00. Practice makes perfect! Anyway, if you are going to do one, cut this out and it will save you some time hunting wrenches since these cars have metric and standard fasteners mixed. ---------------------------------------snip----------------------------------- ------------------------------ 1987 GN 200-R4 Transmission R&R Nuts and Bolts U-Joint 7/16" Shift Linkage Nut 15mm Bell Housing to Block 9/16" (but 14mm even better) Torque is 35 ft-lbs Cross Member to Frame and Tranny (all of 'em) 15mm TV Cable to Trans 10mm Speedo Cable to X-member 10mm Torque Converter Bolts 15mm Torque to 45 ft-lbs (or more imho) Flexplate Cover 10mm Cooler Lines 13mm (1/2" tubing wrenches will work) Cat Converter Heat Shield to Floorpan 9/32" ------------------------------------------snip-------------------------------- ----------------------------- Have fun! Date: Sat, 26 Aug 1995 10:06:31 -0400 From: Kenmosher@aol.com Subject: Tranny Woes resolved (VERY LONG) To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com Garbled Transmission Well, as many of you know, I've been fighting transmission gremlins continuously since last winter. I'm happy (ecstatic actually) to say that they seem to be on the ropes now. I took the car out last night and listened to the poor tortured tires howl through several gears (with only 14 psi of boost!). Here's a chronicle of this misadventure: - This winter I pulled the tranny out to replace the converter. The converter had lost the lockup clutches (wonder why, eh? <*grin>). I decided that as long as I had it out, I might just as well get it freshened up, so I took it to the same guy who had freshened it up a couple years ago successfully. He looked at it and declared the 3rd gear clutches to be toast and had talked to the folks at Trans Go about it. They suggested he use their kit to solve the problem. While he was at it, he machined the backing plate for an extra clutch pack, freshened everything up, installed the kit and we put it in the car. Car shifted great ... until Wide Open Throttle (WOT). No shift ... just bumped the rev limiter. Out came the tranny ... - A call to Trans Go and they recommended their new Stage II kit. My tranny guy was game, so in went this kit. Back in the car it goes ... and now I had a completely manual tranny. I had to shift in and out of gear by hand and it slipped in all gears. Something was amiss! Out came the tranny .... - Turns out that the kit involved drilling holes in the actual valve body making it impossible to back the kit out. A new correct turbo Regal valve body (coded BR) is almost $500! Ouch! My tranny guy got a new valve body, installed the original Trans Go kit, made a couple modifications and the tranny went back in the car. This time, I put a new converter in the car (the replacement for the one that I burned the clutches out in). I put the tranny in and when I started the car <*snap*> the front pump broke! Out came the tranny .... - The converter was examined and it appears the snout was out of round, which broke the pump. My tranny guy put in a new pump and the tranny went back in the car. It shifted fine at part throttle (pretty hard though), but we were back to no upshift at WOT. I pulled the valve body and pressure regulator valve out and carefully examined EVERYTHING. I double checked the kit instructions, check balls, springs, etc. and found the incorrect line bias spring. AH HA! I thought. Reassembled the tranny and ... same results, no WOT. Out came the tranny ... I talked to Mike Kurtz several times and he very kindly spent time on the phone with me trying to figure out what the heck was going on. At his suggestion ... Out came the governor .... I tried an '84-85 governor, which should have lowered the shift points approximately 500-800 RPM. Same thing ... no WOT shift. Out came the valve body ... Tried to back out the Trans Go kit. Shifts got worse ... Out came the valve body ... Tried different configuration for the separator plate. No differences. Out came the valve body .... Went back to the stock governor. No dice ... Out came the valve body ... - David Day (from Illinois, a friend from the Nationals) had been talking me through some of his transmission rebuild experiences. He had rebuilt his tranny by himself and really seems to have a handle on the inner workings of these transmissions. He offered to loan me a brand new stock valve body that he had. I snapped up the opportunity. When it arrived, I pulled the valve body out of my car and set it side by side with the BR valve body that Dave sent me. Hmmmm ... that's different ... and that ... and that! The more I looked, the more I found that the two valve bodies were NOT the same thing! Several small differences were apparent, especially in the Throttle Valve assembly. On the side of the valve body in my tranny you could barely see the OM3 paint. I looked this up and it turns out it is out of a diesel Oldsmobile! I documented all the stock springs color, length and diameter. Then I installed Dave's valve body. Viola! Mushy shifts, but at least it shifted! I decided to put a pressure gauge on the tranny to see what the heck is going on. I bought a welding pressure gauge (reads to 400 psi), a gauge installation kit for an oil pressure gauge, and proceeded to try to remove the plug in the side of the tranny to install the gauge. I used a good quality 6 sided socket and couldn't BUDGE it! To make a long story short, I ended up rounding it, tried to drill it out but couldn't get enough angle on it with the tranny in the car ... so ... Out came the tranny .... - After drilling out the plug (it had been installed with Loc-Tite) and rethreading the hole, I installed a gauge and reinstalled the tranny. The pressures I was getting were on the low side of acceptable and the tranny was sl-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-ding into 3rd gear. This was getting old ... - After a severe bout of soul searching, I decided to order a GM Service Replacement Transmission Assembly (SRTA). The 3 year/50,000 mile warranty was VERY tempting after this saga! The new tranny arrived and ... Out came the old tranny.... I put a shift kit (the old standby B&M Trans Pak set at the "Street" level) in the new tranny and installed the new tranny in the car. Once it was installed, I filled it up with fluid, fired up the car on the jack stands, and the wheels went round and round! Oh happy day! Unfortunately, when putting the tranny in the car, I snagged the shifter cable on the jack and broke it, so I had to wait a couple days before Eric could get one it for me. When it came in, I pulled the console, replaced the cable, reassembled everything, and lowered the car from the jack stands. It looked unnatural, since it had spend almost the entire winter and summer on the jack stands <*Grin*> I fired the car up, put it in reverse and .... nothing. The car wouldn't MOVE! Put it in drive and after a second or two it would move. It seemed t o get better as I rolled down the driveway, so I thought that it might be due to a sticky check ball (installed with Vaseline). I got to the end of the block and jumped on it for a split second. The revs instantly jumped to 6000 grand plus (and the rev limiter cut in), so I backed off. As I backed off I <<<>>> Date: 08-27-95 (04:27) Number: 165038 of 166645 To: DAVE WILLIAMS Refer#: NONE From: KENMOSHER@AOL.COM Read: 08-29-95 (10:55) Subj: Tranny Woes resolved (VER Status: RECEIVER ONLY Conf: EMAIL (7) Read Type: MAIL FOR YOU (+) - I limped back to the garage and pulled the passenger's side valve cover to find a broken rocker arm *shaft*! The far back end had broken about 3/4 of the way through and was loosely holding the rocker arm. It had broke right where the bolt holds it to the head. Wow ... that was weird. It must have happened just when I let off ... the valve must have floated a bit and the transition caught it wrong and broke it. Everything else looked fine, so I fished around in my spare parts bins and assembled another rocker shaft, put it on the car. Problem solved. Now I was just back to tranny problems <*sigh*> Off came the pan .... - I had been thinking about the symptoms all the next day, and had come to the conclusion that the pressure regulator valve must be sticking or incorrectly installed. I called Eric and asked him if he had a new TV valve bushing (part of the regulator assembly) and he told me he didn't have one, but would order one. I figured I'd just pull the old regulator out of the original tranny for now. I got home and found that Eric had stopped by and dropped off a valve assembly in my door! What a pal! I jacked the car up, drained the fluid, and dropped the pan. As I lowered the pan, I heard something metallic rolling around in the bottom. Sure enough, the entire pressure regulator assembly (spring and all) was in the pan! Also, there was half of a snap ring. I looked up in the bore of the tranny case and there was the other half! I got a new snap ring and assembled the pressure regulator with the new parts from Eric and put it back in the tranny. I made doubly sure that the snap ring was seated firmly and correctly before calling it a success. I put the pan back on, filled it with fluid, dropped the car off the stands and VIOLA! The car backed out of the garage fine and I drove off down the road! The shifts were quick and firm, but not jarring. After putzing around and checking up and downshifts, I finally got the courage up and jumped on it from a 30 mph roll. The tires howled, but it was pulling .... in a flash it hit 5200 RPM and shifted ... a nice quick shift and the tires continued to howl ... 2nd gear ... the car is really pulling nicely ... 4800 RPM ... shift ... again quick but not really jarring. I let up.... a HUGE grin on my face! Now THAT's better. I then tried a manual 2->3 upshift under WOT. I held the car in gear until 5300 RPM and then shift. Flawless! All right! So, it looks like I'm back in commission ... finally! Thanks go to David Day, Mike Kurtz, and Ralph of Ralph's Transmissions (a recommendation from the Source) for the time spent on the phone with me. Date: Sun, 27 Aug 1995 21:28:56 -0400 From: mpitts@emi.net (Mike Pitts) Subject: Re: Level 10-The Best!!! To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com >We rebuilt the entire tranny and swapped out my Art Carr 9 inch (the low >stall version) for a high stall 12 inch lockup unit. This tranny really >shifts. I had no idea a 200 could hit third so hard, even at part throttle >when the boost is building quick. Although I lost a little bottem end with >the 12 inch, the midrange and top-end are improved. I also am getting 40% >better gas milage. This tranny should last a bit longer since it is >shifting so well and has a lockup to keep the heat down. What's a "low stall" version 9"? I had a 16930. I never measured the stall, but on another list member's car it's getting 4000RPM stall. Flash stall I would guess. What did your "low stall" version get? How much you sellin' for? I saw the same difference in milage between the non-lockup vs. the lockup converter. But, you do give up *alot* of nice low-end, turbo-lagless performance by going back to the lockup type. My trans temp went from 205-215F to 150F by going back to a lockup as well, which in turn, took some heat off the motor. The other day on a 4 hr. long hual to Tampa I hit a rainstorm and the trans temp dipped all the way down to 135F! Cool! Literally! :) And yes, I ran a big trans cooler with the 9". Date: Tue, 05 Sep 1995 00:06:13 -0400 From: Kenmosher@aol.com Subject: Re: More on TCC To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com [...The TCC solenoid really does not have any moving parts so I don't think it will stick. (There is a check ball that is held by the coil's magnet but it does not move very much) It is more likely that the converter clutch apply valve in the pump will stick and cause the converter to stay locked ....] Picky, picky .. <*Grin*> But it's much easier to say that the solenoid "sticks", since it is the guilty part. I've seen 3 or 4 go bad around here (not all in TRs either). [... If the converter remains locked, the car will stall out just as if you dumped the clutch in a manual tranny as you come to a stop....] True, but most of the time the failure is intermittent. Sometimes it'll cause a stall, but more often it locks early and bogs the car. [...I'm still confused as to why the converter lock up would affect how/when the tranny shifts??? I don't think it has anything to do with it. ...] Well, a locked converter definitely affects the shift points. It normally will lower them a couple hundred RPM, since the converter is no longer "slipping". And if you've ever manually locked a converter and driven it, you know that the car shifts with a jerk from gear to gear and will really drop the RPMs on the shift especially at part throttle (again, no torque multiplication). [...The original problem described does seem to be heat related but I don't see the converter being the problem....] <*shrug*> Whatever...I'd lay my money on the TCC solenoid. Date: Thu, 07 Sep 1995 22:46:19 -0400 From: Kenmosher@aol.com Subject: Re: Re: More on TCC To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com [... The converter apply valve can/should also be checked at the same time. It is located above the solenoid and is held in by a disk with a hold in it and a snap ring. ...] Yep ... familiar with that procedure. I'm more of a tranny expert now than I EVER wanted to be .... the new SRTA unit seems to work great with the Tran Pack installed. BTW, I wasn't having the problem ... but your procedure should help whoever was ALOT! If you want, you could reformat this and send it to me via email and I'll get it in the tech directory. [...How does it "know" when the car is in 2nd gear?...] It probably just locks the converter ... a correctly operating TCC won't lock in first gear no matter what. Then the converter will lock right after the shift. That's how a manual switch works too..... you can lock it up at the line, the car launches normally, shifts, then the converter locks. Kind of hard on converter clutches though. I've found with the TA62 that you need to let the converter work until 3rd gear and then let the chip lock it (Red's chip does it at about 75 mph). That keeps the RPMs up a bit and the boost up. [...Do not say from the 2nd gear switch in the valve body as there is no such animal. ...] Nope ... only a 3rd gear switch (back of VB) and a fourth gear switch (bottom of the VB). Again, I think that it is simply sending a lock up signal to the TCC when the car is moving and TPS is > x%. ... or if it is more sophisticated, it looks at MPH vs RPM vs. TPS to guess where 2nd gear is. Date: Sun, 10 Sep 1995 20:19:36 +0100 From: Richard May Subject: A cool tranny part... To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com Well I finally got around to installing the 3-speed 200 single piece servo unit into my 200-4R. WOW! These shifts are nice! I had the same Gil Younger kit as Ken. Like Ken's, mine was coming out since it didn't do very much for me. Most of the problems that the documentation says that the 2004R's have appears to have been mostly corrected by 1988 [donning flameproof suit]. I think this is why the kit didn't have much effect in my particular application. One problem that the kit *caused* was a 2-3 overlap (bindup). I think the earlier 2004R's had a problem with flaring on the 2-3... in my application the kit overcompensated and 3rd was applying before the 2nd gear band was out of the way. I tried to correct by removing the shims from the factory servo unit in order to increase 2nd band clearance. This helped a little but softened the 1-2 as a side effect (not good). This cool new one piece jobbie was a direct drop in. I simply installed it and the cover (without the factory return spring...there is no recess for it). The 1-2 is instant at light throttle and fairly quick at WOT. The 2-3 is fairly abrupt, too (still a tiny bit of overlap). Overall, I am happy enough not to tear the valve body apart again. After studying the new one piece apply unit, I believe that it could be improved somewhat by pulling the e-clip off the top, a placing a shim under the accum. spring and re-assembling it. Unlike the factory part, shimming the spring has *no effect* on the overall length of the assembly and thus no effect on 2nd band clearance. I think adding a shim would reduce the accumulation action of the piston for a better 1-2 and it also would help a 2-3 bindup since the piston can more effectively force fluid back out of the cavity. Maybe somebody with real guts might try a piece of pipe under the piston in place of the spring... Next comes the type F fluid ... I noticed the lack of transmission info. in the archives. Anybody think maybe we could add something along these lines??? Date: Thu, 14 Sep 1995 08:48:00 -0700 (PDT) From: "RGS::FREDRICKS" Subject: 200-4R problem and solution To: gnttype So far it looks like you folks have solved my tranny's problem. Before getting into the problem and solution, I'll thank those who helped. My thanks go to Jeff Thornton, Ken Mosher, Chris Fasulo, JTesta1966@aol.com (who goes only by Jim), and David Cooley. On September 1 I posted this problem: > For the first 15-20 minutes of normal driving, my 200-4R shifts > just fine. After that period, it up shifts too early, it also > down shifts too late. If I put the hammer down, it will down shift, > but makes an extremely hard shift. Jeff, Ken, Chris and Jim all agreed that the Torque Converter Clutch solenoid was the best place to start. I ordered part number 8639900 and was charged $47.40 for the part. Yesterday, I got the solenoid, a filter kit, 6 quarts of Dexron III ATF and a large pan. In about 3 hours, I replaced the solenoid and so far my tranny is working just fine. Jeff suggested that I attempt to "blow thru" the solenoid. I found that I could blow thru the new solenoid, but not thru my old one. Chris suggested that I check the converter apply value located above the solenoid for sticking. He also suggested that I remove and clean the value and also add a drain plug to the pan. I don't own the tool needed to remove the snap ring that holds the value in place, but I carefully checked the value and chose not remove and clean it. Adding a drain plug is a good idea, but I also lack the fabrication tools for this job. I just suffer the mess on the floor and in my hair. Ken mentioned that the replacement procedure was straight forward: > This is a simple fix that involves dropping the pan, pulling the solenoid > (two bolts .. it's at the front of the case), splicing in the new one, > bolting it in, replace pan, fill with fluid, and viola! It was even easier. There was no need to splice in the new one, the replacement part included the wiring to the connector and 3rd and 4th gear sensors. The job could be done in an hour, it actually took me three. I took extra care in cleaning the pan, magnet, bolts and the sealing surface on the transmission. Those who are pulling their pans for the first time may want to clean the pan gasket sealant from the transmission. That will take more time. Since I'd cleaned it off a few months ago, I saved a bit of time. I had a small problem with the old filter, the seal stayed behind in the tranny. It was preventing the filter from seating properly. I used a dentist's pick to remove it. Without the old seal, the filter fit properly. I drove the car for an hour after replacing the solenoid, it worked just fine. I also took it to work this morning without any problem. So far so good. Once again, thanks for your help. Date: Sun, 17 Sep 1995 00:35:29 -0500 From: David Cooley Subject: Re: Torque Convertor not locking To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com At 12:22 AM 9/17/95 -0400, you wrote: >Coincidence? Last weekend I drove back to Level 10 and Pat installed a 9 >inch 3400 lockup (NO CHARGE!). The car is a monster on the bottom now but >the part throttle shifts are not tire screeching. The convertor is not >locking again! > >The following is what I have checked: > >1) Scanner shows correct computer TCC activation. >2)Grounding ALDL has no effect. >3)Voltmeter shows 12v and a good ground at the tranny connector. I checked >the bottom left pin of the connector with the ALDL grounded and I had a >ground. >4)TCC not locking with the tranny connector manually grounded full time. >5)Changed TCC solenoid today to a new one that Pat sent. >6)checked valve under solenoid by pushing up into it. It snapped back so I >assume it is not stuck. > >Since it is a 2 hour ride to Level 10 I was hoping to diagnose this myself. > Pat is very professional and will do whatever is neccessary to fix the >non-lockup situation I am just wondering what it could be. I would have >thought that it was a defective convertor but the first one did not lock for >a few days and then started locking. I watched the installation of the 9 >inch and nothing was disturbed so I am baffled why it is not locking again. > If anyone has any ideas please let me know. > >Thanks. Scott, When he did the rebuild etc, did he remove the checkball in the end of the input shaft? If not, it could have gotten a piece of crud in it and be plugged.. That would keep it from locking.. Also, there are a couple o-ring type seals on the input shaft to keep fluid in the proper locations in the converter.. If one of these o-rings tore when the converter went on, that would keep it from locking as well. Date: Tue, 19 Sep 1995 08:16 -0400 (EDT) From: FBS3@OAS.PSU.EDU (SZYMKOWSKI.FRANK) Subject: Darrell Young TV To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com I got some info on a throttle valve for the 200-4r that is sopossed to help firm up the shifts like a shift kit but can be installed in 30 minutes. Is this the same thing Kirban is selling? If so, has anyone used one? Is it nothing more then another way of adjusting the tv cable without actually adjusting it? It is available in 2 sizes. .500 to firm up the shifts and .521 for heavy duty firming of the shifts. Any comments? Date: Sat, 28 Oct 1995 20:08:25 -0400 From: Kenmosher@aol.com Subject: Re: convertor question? To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com [....It has ">40" stamped on it on both sides of it (front and rear..I guess the stator pitch for both halves) can anyone tell me what this stands for and if you can..is this a stock convertor? I'm kind of pissed because I think it is a stock lockup worth around $125.00 when I paid for and should have a $700.00 9" lockup. ...] A stock lockup will have "5" stamped all around the outer part of the shell. And it will measure 11" (or 12" depending on where you measure from) ... which you already have indicated is likely. You really can't tell very easily from just looking how it will stall. However, anything more than about 2800 stall is very tough to do with the 12". Date: Wed, 08 Nov 1995 22:55:22 -0500 From: Kenmosher@aol.com Subject: Re: trans To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com [...Well, If I remember correclt..Ken??...the 2-3 shift is a band...but 3-4 is band on the front drum and clutches on overrunning drum??....] Well, lessee .... Far from being an expert (but experienced with Type F shampoos <*Grin*>) lemme take a shot here after looking the manual ... 1st - uses clutches (lo roller, forward and overdrive roller) 2nd - applies the intermediate band and releases the lo roller 3rd - engages direct clutch and releases the band 4th - applies the 4th gear clutches, releases the overdrive roller, keeps the direct clutch engaged and the forward clutch. the band to the 3rd gear clutches and the the 3->4 is engaging more clutches. This matches what I've always heard and assumed. The timing of the release of the drum/band and the engagement of the clutches could be screwed up with a leaky valve body or shot 3rd gear clutches. Also, low pressure, bad servo, etc. could affect these things. Kinda sounds like the clutches are shot (and maybe the band is slipping in between 2->3 too?). Date: Sat, 11 Nov 1995 19:22:35 -0500 From: Kenmosher@aol.com Subject: Re: trans To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com >1->2 shift uses the drumm/band >2->3 goes from band to clutches >3->4 engages more clutches [...I think you may be wrong here Ken, I wont insist but the 2-3 shift is a band....] Well, maybe this is a miscommunication ... A broken band may cause all sorts of wierd things. Here's a little table that might help show where my conclusions are coming from: =========================================================================== Rnge|Gear|4th |OvrDrive|Overrun|Direct|Intrmed|Forward|Loroller|Loreverse | |clutch| roller |clutch |clutch| Band | Clutch| Clutch| Clutch --------------------------------------------------------------------------- P-N | | | Holding| | | | | | =========================================================================== | 1st| | Holding| | | |Applied| Holding| |---------------------------------------------------------------------- | 2nd| | Holding| | |Applied|Applied| | |---------------------------------------------------------------------- OD | 3rd| | Holding| |Appl'd| |Applied| | |---------------------------------------------------------------------- | 4th|Appl'd| | |Appl'd| |Applied| | =========================================================================== | 1st| | |Applied| | |Applied| Holding| |---------------------------------------------------------------------- D | 2nd| | |Applied| |Applied|Applied| | |---------------------------------------------------------------------- | 3rd| | |Applied|Appl'd| |Applied| | =========================================================================== | 1st| | |Applied| | |Applied| Holding| 2 |---------------------------------------------------------------------- | 2nd| | |Applied| |Applied|Applied| | =========================================================================== 1 | 1st| | |Applied| | |Applied| |Applied =========================================================================== R | Rev| |Holding || |Appl'd| | | |Applied =========================================================================== Notice that the intermediate band is only applied in 2nd gear in all cases. Then the 3rd gear clutchs engage and the band disengages. The direct clutch is inside the drum assembly. Did I miss something here? Wouldn't be the first time! <*Grin*> So, from the above, I get... 1->2 clutches release and band engages 2->3 band disengages and 3rd gear clutches (direct clutch) engage 3->4 4th gear clutches engage (direct clutch remains engages) I admit that I have the advantage of looking at the diagrams in the manual to see how all these parts fit together and it's tough to explain all this without the pictures. Again, I might be misinterpreting something, so can anyone confirm or clarify this? Date: Wed, 15 Nov 1995 08:50:29 -0500 From: Kenmosher@aol.com Subject: Re: Huh? To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com [...Either my trans is diffrent than yours or mine is just screwed(not impossible.) ....] It might be different, since your's is an '83, but I'd wonder about it. At least the '84-87s all shift from 3rd to 4th at a little over 100 mph (about 105, in my experience). Back when the car was a pure Recipe car, I could tell if it was going to be a good run by how far before the traps it shifted into 4th. Way before the traps meant 108-109 mph .... just before meant 106-107. [...that the 200's in the other perf. G bodies will not make this shift....] Well, maybe.... since the TRs had unique valve bodies (BR code). However, the only ones I've heard that have to be modified are the 700R4s for WOT 3->4 shifts. I'll do some digging on the '83 car ... it's not inconceivable they changed things in '84. Date: Sat, 16 Dec 1995 18:03:22 +0000 From: dequickt@execpc.com Subject: Re: trans questions (200-4R) To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com, gnttype@buick.monsanto.com > Reply-to: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com > Date: Sun, 10 Dec 1995 23:15:01 -0500 > From: rmason@felix.vcu.edu (Robert Mason) > To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com > Subject: trans questions (200-4R) > > List members: > > I have a question that concerns the difference(s) between the '85 and > the 86/87 200-4R transmissions. I found an '85 that was freshly rebuilt > out of a Grand National that was wrecked. I was told that it is a > fresh rebuild, etc., etc. > > My problem and questions are, I have been told that the '85 trans was > NOT as strong as the 86/87. And, if I want to use the '85, I will > have to upgrade to 86/87 specs. Is there anyone that can tell me what > the upgrades may consist of and or if it is required? I believe the *main* differences were the 10 vane pump and the accumalator piston size. The 10 vane pump is available from most of the TR vendors and any compotent transmission shop should be able to do the accumaltor piston modification. Date: Sat, 16 Dec 1995 19:50:28 -0600 From: David Cooley Subject: Re: trans questions (200-4R) To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com At 06:03 PM 12/16/95 +0000, you wrote: > >I believe the *main* differences were the 10 vane pump and the >accumalator piston size. The 10 vane pump is available from most of >the TR vendors and any compotent transmission shop should be able to >do the accumaltor piston modification. Well, The 10 vane pump wasn't factory until late in the 87 model year... 84-most of 87 had a 7 vane P.O.S. front pump. The biggest difference between the 84/5 and 86-87 transmissions was the governor... WOT shift points are different between them. Date: Sat, 16 Dec 1995 22:08:53 -0500 From: Kenmosher@aol.com Subject: Re: trans questions (200-4R) To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com [...I believe the *main* differences were the 10 vane pump and the accumalator piston size....] Not really ... the 7 vane pump was in almost all of the 200-4Rs until very late in '87. My tranny had a 7 vane and so have all the others that I've seen. The valve body is different and calibrated for a different governor (which affects the WOT shifts). As far as hard parts, they are probably upgradable, just like the '86-87s. Date: Sat, 16 Dec 1995 22:38:01 -0500 From: Jay Carter Subject: Re: trans questions (200-4R) To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com At 07:50 PM 12/16/95 -0600, you wrote: >At 06:03 PM 12/16/95 +0000, you wrote: > >> >>I believe the *main* differences were the 10 vane pump and the >>accumalator piston size. The 10 vane pump is available from most of >>the TR vendors and any compotent transmission shop should be able to >>do the accumaltor piston modification. > >Well, >The 10 vane pump wasn't factory until late in the 87 model year... 84-most >of 87 had a 7 vane P.O.S. front pump. The biggest difference between the >84/5 and 86-87 transmissions was the governor... WOT shift points are >different between them. >Later, >Dave The 1-2 servo is different as well. Date: Sun, 17 Dec 1995 00:12:48 -0500 From: richardm@pig.net (Richard) Subject: Re: trans questions (200-4R) To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com, daveleck@atlcom.net (David Leck) >At 07:50 PM 12/16/95 -0600, you wrote: >The 1-2 servo is different as well. I pulled out that damn newfangled 2nd apply servo and replaced it with a single piece unit from a 3 speed 200. Almost completely fixed my 2-3 bindup/overlap and solidified my 1-2 drastically. Has anyone else done this??? Date: Mon, 18 Dec 1995 02:41:06 -0500 From: Jay Carter Subject: Re: trans questions (200-4R) To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com At 12:12 AM 12/17/95 -0500, you wrote: >>At 07:50 PM 12/16/95 -0600, you wrote: > >>The 1-2 servo is different as well. > >I pulled out that damn newfangled 2nd apply servo and replaced it with a >single piece unit from a 3 speed 200. Almost completely fixed my 2-3 >bindup/overlap and solidified my 1-2 drastically. Has anyone else done this??? > > > I have this in my tranmission as well. The only problem with this modification is that the servo is VERY hard to find and it makes your first 1-2 shift when you start the car pretty sloppy (servo bleeds down after sitting). The last three numbers for this servo as they appear on the cover are 112. The inner piston's last three numbers are 334 if I remember correctly. Also, check band clearance with this servo. Sometimes you have to add metal to the pin to get the clearance correct depending upon the length of the pin in the old trans. Date: Mon, 18 Dec 1995 03:29:33 -0500 From: buickrcr@gate.net (Dave Schmucker) Subject: Re: trans questions (200-4R) To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com >>At 07:50 PM 12/16/95 -0600, you wrote: > >>The 1-2 servo is different as well. > >I pulled out that damn newfangled 2nd apply servo and replaced it with a >single piece unit from a 3 speed 200. Almost completely fixed my 2-3 >bindup/overlap and solidified my 1-2 drastically. Has anyone else done this??? > > >Yes I have. I have tryed them all and the TH200 works the best/ It has the largest apply area. #: 484752 S13/For Techs Only 18-Nov-95 01:49:47 Sb: #483877-After-mkt Trans Computer Fm: Richard Hicks 74643,2102 To: robert l duncanson 76141,1627 (X) Bob and Mike - I caught this thread a little late, but I have some information that might help you out... << Not aware of aftermarket trans computer.>> There are several companies that make aftermarket computers and wiring harnesses to retrofit late model GM and Ford computer controlled transmissions into older vehicles. Here are a few... ATG (Autotrans Group) (403)453-3767 Premier Performance (714)630-3235 ...I believe Hurst / Mr.Gasket is making them as well, but I'm not positive. Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 13:19:33 -0500 (EST) From: John's Performance <75464.2367@compuserve.com> Subject: TT/A trans pump To: "INTERNET:gnttype@buick.monsanto.com" Dave C. writes; >A friend of mine who owns a TT/A already had a 10 vane pump in his bone stock car.< Dave, all I can tell you is when I rebuilt mine and 2 customers TT/A's, all three had the 7 vanes. Also if you look at page 200-4R-37 in the TT/A service manual supplement, it clearly shows only the 7 vanes. Your friend was lucky eh? Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 03:15:38 -0500 From: Scott231@aol.com Subject: PMAC Trans Rebuild To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com Several people have asked what Mike Kurtz does to a 200-4R. So here goes. Mike Kurtz build up for 200-4R (per my 5/5/93 invoice): Trans Overhaul Kit Band, 200-4R Kevlar HP Res. Reg. Valve HD 10 vane pump kit Shift Kit, 200-4R (Combination of Art Carr & Trans-GO) HP 3rd Clutch Kit HP 4th Clutch Kit Filter, 200-4R Sprag, Low/Reverse Sprag, O.D. Bushing, Pump, 700/200 Pump Stator Assembly HP 1-2 Servo Assembly ----------->$985.00 Plus $63 shipping from Houston via Amtrack Note that Mike will occasionally interchange some parts due to availability. This transmission still shifts like no other! The trans was raced pretty hard for two years and is now utilized in my daily driver. Caution, this trans will hit 4th gear harder than a rock if the torque converter is locked up (I installed a TCC defeat switch). Date: Sun, 28 Jan 1996 20:15:03 -0500 From: Richard Subject: 200-4R 2nd Servo Experiment To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com, monte-list@darklair.com Last weekend, I decided to pull my single piston (from a 3-speed 200) servo out of my 200-4R for a few measurments and mods. ;-) First, I placed about .025" of shim under the E-clip of this thing. My intention here was to shorten the overall static (non-applied) length of the assembly to increase 2nd band clearance. I did this to try to eliminate a slight trace of a 2-3 bindup that I continue to experience. Second, I placed about .065" of shim under the spring in order to effectively increase the spring rate and reduce accumulation. My goal here was to make up for the lost 1-2 firmness caused by the aforementioned increase in 2nd band clearance. I was hoping that the 2-3 bindup would be additionally reduced by these shims due to their limiting of the overall piston travel. If the piston does not have to force as much fluid out of the cylinder upon release of the 2nd band apply pressure, the band will ultimately release quicker, right? It turns out the I was wrong on most counts. My 1-2 is now about the same at WOT but softer at light throttle, the 2-3 appears not to bind quite as much but does not feel as firm, either. The only thing I firmed up was my reverse apply (!) and the everpresent downshift clunk at zero throttle in Drive at 4mph while braking to a stop. I was thinking of pulling the e-clip shim thereby returning the unit back to it's original length, but adding a lot more shim under the spring. Any ideas? Anyone for replacing the damn spring with a piece of PIPE?!? Am I off base on how this thing even works??? Date: Sun, 28 Jan 1996 20:37:36 -0500 From: Jay Carter Subject: Re: 200-4R 2nd Servo Experiment To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com At 08:15 PM 1/28/96 -0500, you wrote: > Last weekend, I decided to pull my single piston (from a 3-speed >200) servo out of my 200-4R for a few measurments and mods. ;-) > > First, I placed about .025" of shim under the E-clip of this thing. >My intention here was to shorten the overall static (non-applied) length of >the assembly to increase 2nd band clearance. I did this to try to eliminate >a slight trace of a 2-3 bindup that I continue to experience. > > Second, I placed about .065" of shim under the spring in order to >effectively increase the spring rate and reduce accumulation. My goal here >was to make up for the lost 1-2 firmness caused by the aforementioned >increase in 2nd band clearance. > > I was hoping that the 2-3 bindup would be additionally reduced by >these shims due to their limiting of the overall piston travel. If the >piston does not have to force as much fluid out of the cylinder upon release >of the 2nd band apply pressure, the band will ultimately release quicker, right? > > It turns out the I was wrong on most counts. My 1-2 is now about >the same at WOT but softer at light throttle, the 2-3 appears not to bind >quite as much but does not feel as firm, either. The only thing I firmed up >was my reverse apply (!) and the everpresent downshift clunk at zero >throttle in Drive at 4mph while braking to a stop. > > I was thinking of pulling the e-clip shim thereby returning the unit >back to it's original length, but adding a lot more shim under the spring. >Any ideas? > > Anyone for replacing the damn spring with a piece of PIPE?!? > > Am I off base on how this thing even works??? I know the problem that you are having well. I went through it with the first 4 or 5 trannys my guy built for me. The fix is to block off the 1-2 accumulator with a cup plug in the housing. Somehow shim the accumulator beneath the 1-2. I have always used washers or an old spring to do this. Then, remove the line-bias valve from the valve body, take the spring off of it, and shim the valve all the way shut. Next, take the spring that you took from the line bias valve and use it on the 1-2upshift valve in the valve body. This is what I did in the last tranny that's in the car now and it will bark 3rd at 60 MPH. Not really a good thing because of input shaft weakness but it should be able to be toned down somewhat. Date: Sun, 28 Jan 1996 23:08:11 -0500 From: Richard Subject: Re: 200-4R 2nd Servo Experiment To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com At 08:37 PM 1/28/96 -0500, you wrote: >I know the problem that you are having well. I went through it with the >first 4 or 5 trannys my guy built for me. The fix is to block off the 1-2 >accumulator with a cup plug in the housing. You are referring to the externally accessable servo piston on the passenger side of the tranny, right? I believe there may be an additional 2nd accumulator inside as well... >Somehow shim the accumulator >beneath the 1-2. I have always used washers or an old spring to do this. I don't quite understand. >Then, remove the line-bias valve from the valve body, take the spring off of >it, and shim the valve all the way shut. Next, take the spring that you took >from the line bias valve and use it on the 1-2upshift valve in the valve >body. This is what I did in the last tranny that's in the car now and it >will bark 3rd at 60 MPH. Not really a good thing because of input shaft >weakness but it should be able to be toned down somewhat. This sounds interesting except I am very time limited and cannot take the valve body apart again just yet... When I do, I'll be enlarging some holes, too! ;-) Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 00:26:30 -0500 From: Jay Carter Subject: Re: 200-4R 2nd Servo Experiment To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com At 11:08 PM 1/28/96 -0500, you wrote: >At 08:37 PM 1/28/96 -0500, you wrote: > >>I know the problem that you are having well. I went through it with the >>first 4 or 5 trannys my guy built for me. The fix is to block off the 1-2 >>accumulator with a cup plug in the housing. > >You are referring to the externally accessable servo piston on the passenger >side of the tranny, right? Internal accumulator >I believe there may be an additional 2nd accumulator inside as well... > >>Somehow shim the accumulator >>beneath the 1-2. I have always used washers or an old spring to do this. > > >>Then, remove the line-bias valve from the valve body, take the spring off of >>it, and shim the valve all the way shut. Next, take the spring that you took >>from the line bias valve and use it on the 1-2upshift valve in the valve >>body. This is what I did in the last tranny that's in the car now and it >>will bark 3rd at 60 MPH. Not really a good thing because of input shaft >>weakness but it should be able to be toned down somewhat. > >This sounds interesting except I am very time limited and cannot take the >valve body apart again just yet... When I do, I'll be enlarging some holes, >too! ;-) > Well, trying to fix your problem with a servo is pointless. The larger servos from the older 200s do nothing but make a 3rd gear problem WORSE! You need to have an excellent 3rd gear before you install a larger servo. BTW, there is only ONE servo from a 200 that is larger.. The last 3 numbers on the servo cover is 112 and the last three numbers on the piston is 334. Jay Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 14:02:06 +0000 From: Richard Subject: Re: 200-4R 2nd Servo Experiment To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com On Mon, 29 Jan 1996, Jay Carter wrote: > >You are referring to the externally accessable servo piston on the passenger > >side of the tranny, right? > > Internal accumulator Ahhh, the Mike Kurtz mod sheet mentions what to do with this thing... > Well, trying to fix your problem with a servo is pointless. The servo does have an accumulative effect due to its spring compressing during apply, does it not? > The larger > servos from the older 200s do nothing but make a 3rd gear problem WORSE! You The addition of the older 200 servo helped both my 1-2 and my 2-3 a LOT. I can only guess that perhaps the source of my bindup was different than most... > need to have an excellent 3rd gear before you install a larger servo. BTW, > there is only ONE servo from a 200 that is larger.. The last 3 numbers on > the servo cover is 112 and the last three numbers on the piston is 334. I'll check the numbers tonight.... Date: Sat, 17 Feb 1996 00:42:36 -0500 From: Jay Carter Subject: Re: GN in Car Craft To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com >Another thing concering tourque converters. I am referring to the non-lock >up style. I know the converter has multiplication on the starting line and >the converter attemps to lock up on the top end, but what happens to the >converter multiplication as it goes down the track?? > >Later, > >Chris Hill >Street car- 87 GN and getting faster :) >Race car- C/SA 71 'cuda @ 10.81 best > > The torque multiplication on an Art Carr 9 inch is somewhere around 1.65 or so I have been told. Art Carr converters slip like a bitch. They work but they do slip big time. That's why Art Carr converters don't MPH. Look at the lockup stuff... guys running 11.70s at 117 and me run 11.30s at 120... Hmmmm... anyway, I have a new non lockup converter being manufactered for me by another company that I am getting ready to do to. We had an Art Carr cut open and rebuilt to these specifications a couple of years ago and Nelson's car gained about 1.5 MPH with this converter. Price on it is going to be somewhere around $550.00, I think. It has the good torrington bearings and anti-balooning plate and all that stuff installed and I expect it to slip less than an Art Carr. The guy who is building them for me has cut open many Art Carr's and said two things. #1 None of them are the same. They all have different parts in them and #2 They're all made with inferior quality products. I have seen the parts side my side when I went over to this guys shop and he is right.... Date: Mon, 04 Mar 1996 23:11:14 -0600 From: David Cooley Subject: Re: Tranny parts question To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com At 07:35 PM 3/4/96, you wrote: >Well, I finally decided to go with an Art carr kit last week as I just >couldn'y pass up Bob Kyle's price in the Turbo Trader(Thanks again). After >going through the shift kit components, I noticed the pressure regulator >valve that I wanted(comes with the kit now I guess). Any how, the ART CARR >valve body diagram doesn't show a "pressure regulator valve". Is this the >throtle valve on the diagram? I haven't taken any valves out to the VB to Carlos, The Pressure regulator valve goes in the front pump body. There is also a TCC valve that is supposed to be modified in the Art Carr kit that goes there as well. The lack of proper and complete instructions is the beginning of the Art Carr nightmare... It will get worse. Should have gone with Mike Kurtz's kit... Date: Tue, 05 Mar 1996 08:19:29 -0500 From: sowle@ctron.com (Brian Sowle) Subject: Re: Tranny parts question To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com Hi Carlos, I just got done putting in a shift kit in my GN and I had the same problem. I couldn't find the "pressure regulator valve". I finally called Level 10 and they told me where it was. There are two recessed snap rings towards the torque convertor side of the tranny. (front) The one on the passenger side is the right one. Be careful when you take the pressure off the snap ring since there is a spring that will rocket the valve into your face. (If the tranny is out of car you might have to flip the tranny over to allow the spring and valve to drop out.) When you go to put the valve back in take a little vasoline or wheel bearing grease and smear it on the new valve and slide it back in. It should stay up in the valve bore. Date: Thu, 14 Mar 1996 19:06:44 -0500 From: JdC3190181@aol.com Subject: Re: trans filter To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com In a message dated 96-03-14 09:55:46 EST, you write: >Does anyone know whats better to fix the leaky filter with? >RTV or JBweld? > >I am not sure about the best fix for the leaky trans filter, I'm leaning >toward the JB weld fix for my tranny. > > I noticed that Mike Kurtz uses RTV, I think the high temp oil-resistant copper-colored stuff. JB Weld is great stuff, but having improperly used it once in a marine environment I noticed that it has *metallic* particles in it that rust (read steel). Not sure you may want to have any of that stuff spalling off in the tranny. I'd go with RTV. Date: Fri, 15 Mar 1996 13:41:50 -0500 From: ijames@codon.nih.gov (Carl F. Ijames) Subject: Re: re:Shifter problems To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com >I can't speak for Chris, but in my car, you have to leave it in third gear >or it will hit O/D at about 80. I try not to run the revs too high in >third (this is my daily driver), so at about 90 or so, I move it to O/D. Well, as Tom van Wormer (at least twice) and I (only once; knock on wood) can attest, occasionally that full throttle shift into O/D will blow the springs out of the governor. Then it will only upshift at the full governor rpm set by the TV cable, no matter how slowly or quickly you accelerate. Pretty scary the first time you pull away from a stop after running someone topend and it seems like it will never shift into 2nd. Another reason most people run the 1/4 in Drive. Date: Sat, 16 Mar 1996 23:29:27 -0500 (EST) From: cbrow695@cris.com Subject: Re: Grand National/T-Type/GNX Digest of 03/15/96 (#665) To: GN TTYPE Mailing List <----I noticed the car was not wanting to shift out of first. It finally shifted into second at about the time it hit the rev limter. I managed to get the car home. It does not appear to make any difference how slow or fast I accelerate. The story is the same. ----> Brett; Sounds like the tranny governor lost its springs. If you drop the pan & pull the governor cover, ( right at the back near output shaft) you'll find that it drops right out with a little tug. If there are no springs holding the flyweights, this is your problem. They are probably in the pan, and it is just a matter of replacing them to get things right again. Date: Sun, 17 Mar 1996 12:25:02 +0000 (UT) From: "Melvin D. Hatcher" Subject: RE: Grand National/T-Type/GNX Digest of 03/15/96 (#665) To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com To: GN TTYPE Mailing List Subject: Re: Grand National/T-Type/GNX Digest of 03/15/96 (#665) ><----I noticed the car was not wanting to shift out of first. It >finally shifted into second at about the time it hit the rev limter. I managed to get >the car home. It does not appear to make any difference how slow or fast I >accelerate. The story is the same. ----> I had a similar problem. The only thing I done to correct my problem, was to disconnect the TV cable at the throttle valve. Start the engine, and just tug the TV cable several times, then gave it a few quick pops, shut off the engine reconnected the TV cable, and went for a ride. Been fine every since. Date: Sun, 17 Mar 1996 08:38:38 -0500 From: David Schmucker Subject: No Shift To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com >Brett; Sounds like the tranny governor lost its springs. If you drop >the pan & pull the governor cover, ( right at the back near output >shaft) you'll find that it drops right out with a little tug. If there >are no springs holding the flyweights, this is your problem. They are >probably in the pan, and it is just a matter of replacing them to get >things right again. T/R's only use one spring. I have lost the spring before and had a VERY high shift but I dont think this is your problem. Date: Tue, 19 Mar 1996 08:16:33 -0500 From: JTesta1966@aol.com Subject: Re: TV CABLE ADJUSTMENT To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com In a message dated 96-03-17 16:22:18 EST, you write: >my question: Is there a set procedure on adjusting the tv cable or do you >just "play" around with it? You pull it all the way out (tightened) then open the throttle wide open You will hear and feel it click a few times. This is basically set. You can change shift point/firmness a little by moving a notch or two each way, but this seting is usually pretty close. Date: Fri, 22 Mar 1996 01:17:15 -0500 From: mpitts@emi.net (Mike Pitts) Subject: Re: Trans Filter To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com >1. Does this little modification only reduce passage of unfiltered fluid >or is there an actual performance improvement???? Nope, keeps *air* from getting in the fluid. Definite performance gain. >2. Should I use synthetic or is that a waste of money? Waste of money IMO. Type-F is great. >3. Should I install a trans drain plug while doing all this? If so, can >it be bought at, say, Pep Boys --- or where? Your choice, can be found the "help" section of most parts stores. Seal it good! Date: Mon, 25 Mar 1996 10:09:05 -0500 (EST) From: RJR5@infoctr.chrysler.com Subject: Trans Filters To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com Lately there has been a lot of filter talk. I heard Sealed Power makes a ZERO leak filter for the 200. This filter is supposed to have max filtering and max flow. The part number is 8634223, but look for a small SP symbol to make sure it is a Sealed Power part. I have not personlly seen this filter, but for some reason if it still needs to be JB-welded (or RTV) please the myself and the list know. Date: Sun, 07 Apr 1996 12:20:50 -0400 From: Jay Carter Subject: Re: launching psi To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com At 11:51 AM 4/7/96 -0400, you wrote: >In a message dated 96-04-06 10:41:48 EST, you write: > >>At eight lb. of boost the front seal on my 2004R went first. So I vote for >>the front tranny seal as being the weakest link in the TR's drive train. >> >> > >One visible thing I noticed on the "umpteen improvements over the original >OEM unit" is that on GM Goodwrench rebuilds they now put some sort of >reinforcement/keeper fitting on the front seal. >I asked Mike Kurtz about this and he says he enlarges a fluid passage to keep >the front seal from blowing. FWIW. > This sounds like the same modification that we make to the front pump. To date, we have made probably over 100 passes at low-mid 10s on a 200 4/R and had no failures (Car has a TH400 now, though). Best was 10.18 @ 135.00. This tranny probably saw a total of over 200 runs from low 11s on down. The converter used was a 9.5 non lockup built by a company here local. This converter was good for about 2 MPH over the Art Carr unit (Which we did break but that's a different story). I still think with a proper transmission, the rear end is the weak link in the car. Date: Tue, 09 Apr 1996 20:47:30 -0500 From: Ken Mosher Subject: Re: no 2-3 shift To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com Tom Van Wormer wrote: > > Regarding no 2-3 shift at WOT; > > I had precisely the same problem last year with my unit. > After extensive testing of all GN systems it was traced to > a combination of both bad MAF sensor and bad ECM. Yep. I remember this one... you traced to the fact the car wasn't revving up to the shift point. > The > failure mode discovered was that the MAF was improperly > reporting and the ECM was improperly receiving. The result > was that the ECM mis-commanded transmission operations. Well, just to clarify, the tranmission wasn't shifting, due to the ENGINE being down on power and revs for the TV pressure being demanded by the TV cable. The transmission is not electronically controled (the TV valve is the only thing altering shift behaviour on the 200-4R). There are two switches in the valve body (one in the back end for 3rd gear and one on the bottom for 4th gear) that are activated when the car hits the appropriate gear. This is sensed by the ECM for TCC lockup. The ECM doesn't have any direct control over the operation of the transmission. I know that Tom knows this, just wanted to make sure it was clear... Date: Wed, 17 Apr 1996 14:59:21 -0500 (CDT) From: Scott J Moody Subject: 200r4 trans clutch question To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com During a hasty rebuild of my 200R4 I noticed (recalling from memory) that the dirct (3rd gear) clutch drum had 2 snap ring grooves to retain the clutches/ plates. It appeared that if you had 1 extra clutch and steel, you could add these and and use the outermost snap ring groove. The direct clutches were the most discolored (near black) of all so it would make sense to increase the capacity if possible, in my case. Q: Is there enough room to add the extra clutch/steel and still have the forward (1st) drum sit where it is supposed to, or will the direct clutch pack then be too thick? Also, it seems idiotic for a so called engineer to design a clutch pack where there are two steels back to back with no cllutch plate in between (asin 4th or overdrive). Next rebuild (if ever) I plan on milling off half the thickness of a clutch plate from each steel and insert a plate between the two steels. This would give me 3 clutches in overdrive instead of two, since these were the next discolored (very dark brown). Is this wacky or reasonable? Date: Wed, 17 Apr 1996 16:39:22 -0500 (CDT) From: Ken Mosher Subject: Re: 200r4 trans clutch question To: gnttype@buick.monsanto.com [....Next rebuild (if ever) I plan on milling off half the thickness of a clutch plate from each steel and insert a plate between the two steels. This would give me 3 clutches in overdrive instead of two, since these were the next discolored (very dark brown). Is this wacky or reasonable?....] Very reasonable. Mike Kurtz (and probably others, such as Art Carr) sell a set of clutches that do what you describe. In my recent tranny trauma, I had these installed in mine. Date: Wed, 22 May 1996 07:59:30 +0000 From: Ken Mosher Subject: Re: D5/D6 converter difference To: gnttype@tinman.monsanto.com Bobby Mason wrote: > > Greetings: > > Can anyone explain what the difference is between what our cars came > with (D5 converter) and a D6 or D7? What are the differences? I have > a buddy who has a D6 in his TR (AAMCO rebuild - he didn't know). His > car is slow starting off, and really don't start cooking until around > the top of 1st, going into 2nd. The converters look to be the same > size, but there is an obvious difference inside. I know we MUST have > a D5, but what makes a D5 special? The D5 converters have "5"s stamped all around the outer shell and have a hgiher stall than the 6 or 7s. That's why your buddy's car is sluggish off the line. Date: Thu, 30 May 1996 19:20:25 -0400 (EDT) From: Carl Ijames Subject: RE: 84/85 Info+ To: gnttype@tinman.monsanto.com > The only real difference was the governor. The 86/87 had a shift point > about 100-200 RPM higher than the 84/85. All else was the same. According to an early ATR newsletter the 86 shift points were higher than the 87's, and the governors have different part numbers. I put an 87 gov in my 86 t-type and the shift points went down a couple of hundred rpm. Don't know where the 84/85's shifted. Date: Sun, 02 Jun 1996 16:47:12 -0400 From: Alan Kroeper Subject: 4L80E To: gnttype@tinman.monsanto.com About using the 4L80E, current Summit catalog has Accel #75100 transmission controller. Lists for $545.99 (OUCH!). Page B3 (new products section) Date: Sun, 02 Jun 1996 22:16:02 +0000 From: Ken Mosher Subject: Re: Late 1-2,3-4 shift To: gnttype@tinman.monsanto.com William Nelson Bracey wrote: > > I own a 87 GN and am having a problem with the car shifting at very high > RPM's under WOT. The car shifts great at 3/4 throttle. I only have a > problem at WOT. I tried the adjust the TV Cable but it only resets itself > back to the original position. Anyone got a solution? WOT is controlled primarily by the governor. You may have to check to see if the spring has fallen out of the governor. This involves dropping the pan and undoing the governor cover bolts. If that isn't it, it might be in the line pressure (Throttle Valve controlled or the line bias valve). Date: Sat, 08 Jun 1996 08:25:06 -0700 From: gnmaniac@ix.netcom.com (Carlos Jr. Villalon) Subject: Re: GN Valve Body To: gnttype@tinman.monsanto.com >Hmmmmmm.... it should be BRF (the F can look like a "3" in that pink >paint) The tranny should be BRF too, if it came out of an '87 TR. > >I see listed CRF and a CYF....but no BY13. According to the book, the >tranny models should all be 3 letter combinations (at least for '87). > That's pretty strange. Our '86's original GN tranny has a BR2 valve body. Looks exactly like our 87's valve body with a BR3 stamping which is about 2 months old from Zak. I do know the tag on the '86 does say BRF. I don't know if this contributed to answering your question Jay, but it looks like there were different stampings on these things. May be its a valve body for an earlier GN? Anybody with an '84 - '85 that can confirm this or deny this? Date: Sun, 09 Jun 1996 08:37:15 -0400 From: cfasulo@fmis02.nsc.com (BEEPER #603) Subject: '87 Transmission Color Codes and Letter Codes To: GNTTYPE@tinman.monsanto.com > the valve body I have has BY13 painted on the side of >it. I was told that this was a GN valve body although all the GN valve >bodies I have ever seen had BR3 painted on the side. Can anyone confirm or >deny this? The tag on the side of the tranny was pink with BY printed on it? >Anyone else's original transmission have this same tag? The tag is on the >passenger side rear of the trans. I would appreciate any feedback given on >his. Thanks! >Jay Carter >JCarter@gte.net I can only speak for the markings on my '87 tranny. (which is currently out of the car awaiting a rebuild) The tail shaft tag is BRF and is YELLOW. The valve body has PINK paint on it and BR3 in white stencil paint on it. I believe these are the correct markings for an '87 tranny & valve body and seem to remember a blurb in the GSXtra on this--don't remember which issue. I know Ken mentioned that the valve body should have BRF on it, but mine and a friend of mine's both have BR3 on the valve body. I think another list member posted that they had BR3 too. Perhaps the '3' on Ken's valve body in the pink paint looks like an 'F'???? I'll have to double check mine when I get home. Date: Sun, 09 Jun 1996 09:17:08 +0000 From: Ken Mosher Subject: Re: '87 Transmission Color Codes and Letter Codes To: gnttype@tinman.monsanto.com Chris Fasulo wrote: > I know Ken mentioned that the valve body should have BRF on it, but mine and a > friend of mine's both have BR3 on the valve body. I think another list member > posted that they had BR3 too. Perhaps the '3' on Ken's valve body in the pink > paint looks like an 'F'???? I'll have to double check mine when I get home. > Yep, you're right...sorry for the confusion. I dug out my old (ruined) valve body (*Grrrrr*) and looked. The pink paint was smeared and what I took for an "F" is actually a "3". I also changed the fluid in the tranny in the car and checked the marking...sure enough it was "BR3". That one is a SRTA from GM. The tag on the side of the tranny is green but says BRF on it. My orignal tranny had a Yellow tag with BRF on it. Again, sorry for the confusion.... Date: 3 Mar 1993 13:32:00 U From: KEN MOSHER Subject: Re: Tranny problem To: gnttype@srvsn2.monsanto.com Reply to: RE>Tranny problem [Any ideas? I am not sure what it would take to replace the TCC solenoid, or if I am even chasing the right solution. ...] If I remember right , the '83 Riv has the TH200-4R coupled to a front differential.... this was before they put the TH125 in all the front drive cars. Could be I'm hallucinating, though The TCC switch is inside the case and is up next to the valve body (I think) ... a good place to check is the service manuals in the local library. If you look in a National Service Data for '83-'84 you should find a trouble shooting logic tree (and I seem to remember seeing the symptoms you describe in one of them ... I was looking for something else for my '84 Century wagon) and complete service and test procedures. This sounds like it could be a pretty simple fix. [Is the TCC solenoid a mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic item? I serviced the tranny hoping it was just old fluid, but it didn't help.] Technically, it's electrical, although it controls a valve in the transmission that allows the fluid to drain out of the converter and to cause the lockup clutch (band) to engage. Date: 4 Mar 1993 12:05:42 U From: Mellum Ron Subject: RE: Tranny problem To: gnttype@srvsn2.monsanto.com >So, does this hurt anything? Gas mileage will suffer. There will also be more heat built up due to the slippage. Instead of just unplugging it, figure out which wire is used for the TCC and either put a switch on it or cut it and cover the ends. The other wires in the connector may be used by the ECM. I know that on the GN's, it's a four wire connector, one is TCC lockup, one is 3rd gear switch, one is 4th gear switch, and I think the other is ground (?). >Would the fluid coupling create more heat that could >eventually cause the tranny to fail? I don't think you will build up that much heat. A lot of other trans don't use lock-up converters. Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech,rec.autos Subject: Re: TurboHydromatic 200 tranny problem From: jws@billy.mlb.semi.harris.com (James W. Swonger) Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1992 14:23:28 GMT Every automatic will have a deposit of metallic sludge on the bottom of the pan after a while. This is the accumulation of wear particles from the clutch packs. It is normal although automatic transmission places will certainly be pleased to fix your $40 problem for $300 using their trained experts... Things which are not normal include chunks, shavings and fluid you can smell or which is not a nice reddish pink. A large accumulation of sludge in the pan indicates a large amount of clutch facing and friction plate material which is no longer in its original location. The clutch packs will eventually need replacing on any transmission. From the temperature dependence of your symptoms it sounds more like ahydraulic problem to me - like loss of pressure at the clutch actuators. This could be due to wear, or to a badly obstructed filter. If a filter and fluid change does not improve things then it's wear and you need some new com Date: Thu, 1 Apr 93 12:26 EST From: hotrod@dixie.com (The Hotrod List) Subject: Re: TH700-R4 and TH200-4R To: hotrod@dixie.com Newsgroups: alt.hotrod,wiz.hotrod -> forth at high revs, at least on SBCs. If you have access to Research -> Corp. datasheets it seems to me that they have a good one on this -> problem of pump lug engagement. Eh? Who is Research Corp, and what else do they have data sheets on? ---------- Posted by: emory!chaos.lrk.ar.us!dave.williams (Dave Williams) Date: Sun, 4 Apr 93 13:54 EDT From: hotrod@dixie.com (The Hotrod List) Subject: Re: TH700-R4 and TH200-4R >-> forth at high revs, at least on SBCs. If you have access to Research >-> Corp. datasheets it seems to me that they have a good one on this >-> problem of pump lug engagement. > Eh? Who is Research Corp, and what else do they have data sheets on? Research does research (what else) on automatic transmission related problems. Has a hotline for trans mechanics to call when stumped on obscure problems. Owned by Gil Younger, of TransGo shift kits. Very professional. ---------- Posted by: emory!sfu.ca!jimd (Jim Davies) Date: Wed, 7 Apr 93 10:28 EDT From: hotrod@dixie.com (The Hotrod List) Subject: Re: TH700-R4 and TH200-4R >-> Research does research (what else) on automatic transmission related >-> problems. Has a hotline for trans mechanics to call when stumped on >-> obscure problems. Owned by Gil Younger, of TransGo shift kits. Very >-> professional. > Sounds great. How do we get hold of them? Easiest way is to ask at any trans shop that has been around for awhile. Almost everyone uses Gils kits. Better than free sex (to a trans mechanic) ---------- Posted by: emory!sfu.ca!jimd (Jim Davies) rec.autos.tech Subject: Re: help w/ GM trans... TH200 -> TH350 SWAP sorlin@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Steven J Orlin) 10 Oct 1993 23:25:43 GMT In article <93281.171411H62BC@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU> writes: >i have a 86 cutlass with a 307 olds engine and a 200 metric tranny >the tranny died finaly-now i want to put a th350 but some mechanics say >that it will mess up the computer or eat more gas >others say its great.. >everyone agrees that itll fit though > >anybody have an opinion? should i do it? or stick to the original one? Well, first of all, there are two types of TH200 metric trannys. A TH200C (lockup converter) and a TH200 (non lockup) I am assuming that you have a lockup, considering the year of your car. So, I will go from there... I would strongly recommend replacing the TH200C with a TH350C or TH250C (if you really had to..) The TH200 was built as a cheap alternative to the other transmissions being produced at the time. It is lighter (not much) , and most of the internals are pressed out of plastic and aluminum wherever possible to save bucks for GM. It is also less durable, and much harder to rebuild to be as durable as a TH250 or TH350. What you will need, unless you want to say goodbye to your computer, is a lockup TH350C or TH250C, a length of steel vacuum line for the modulator; (TH200's use a cable to sense throttle position), a TH350/250 detent cable; (if you look hard enough, you may be able to find an adapter for your TH200 cable to work on the TH350. The mounting on the transmission is sized different. It would probably be much easier to just look for a used TH350 detent in a junk yard), some rubber vacuum line, and a connector to tap into your manifold vacuum, a TH350/250 dipstick tube ---you can reuse your TH200 dipstick, a TH350 type converter, AND a TH350 converter inspection cover. With all these things, it shouldn't take more than a few hours to get everything hooked up. Some places make a kit to do the job, but all you really need is the above. You may also want to replace the mount while you have it out. The speedometer will hook right up, and the TCC should... (not very sure about that--- you may need to splice in another connector..) But the computer won't know the difference, one solenoid is just as good as another:-) As far as your gas milege goes, I'm not sure what the difference in gear ratios are between the two transmissions, if there IS any. The added weight of the TH350 may cost you an extra penny a day, but the life of the transmission will be longer---if it is in good shape when you transplant. In 86, your car could have come with a TH200C or TH200R4. I'm pretty sure those were the only transmissions in production for YOUR car. I don't think the TH700R4 was an option for the Cutlass. But anyways, in the early 80's, the TH250/350C's and the TH200C's were used pretty much interchangeably. It was called a manufacturing option, which basically meant, you have no clue which one you will get.... 22 Mar 93 13:52 EST hotrod@dixie.com (The Hotrod List) Subject: 200-4R Well, here's my experience with the 200-4R in my Buick GN. The car is a low twelve (hopefully high 11 sec. car this year) that is completely streetable. It has shown 365 hp at the rear wheels on the chassis dyno (but the tires were slipping, so I estimate maybe 375+ hp). The car has in excess of 300 runs on it (closer to 400) and 35000 miles of street driving. The tranny was recently sent to a local rebuilder (a moonlighting GM technician) to be freshened up, since I noticed some slippage at the track on the top end. The MPH had fallen off about 2 mph and the E.T. had risen about .2 seconds. The tranny felt fine on the street, but this is what we found. My tranny guy showed me the post mortem ... we looked at the following: 1. The drum ... he sanded it and it looks ok, but I had him put in a new one anyway. This is a steel unit, so it can't be turned on a lathe, so I was concerned about roundness. He said it was badly discolored before he sanded it ... it indicated hot spots from a slipping 1-2 band. 2. 1-2 band was pretty shot ... lots of wear and scoring. Evidence it was burned. Replaced it with a heavy duty unit that came in the Raybestos rebuild kit. 3. Input shaft splines were the shocker. The splines were about half worn away. There was galled metal between the splines ... indicates some pretty hefty torque was pounding on the shaft. We replaced it with a hardened shaft. 4. Original 7 vane pump looked brand new ... casing was in excellent shape. Replaced it with the 10 vane pump for added volume and pressure stability. 5. 2-3 clutches and steels showed evidence of hot spots and slippage. Not terrible, but the new steels and clutches were installed. The new clutches are semimetallic and should provide more "grip" than the stock ones. Added extra clutches to firm up this shift a little. 6. 3-4 clutches (only 2 of these!) looked pretty good. Kind of surprising, given that for about 3 years the car was allowed to shift into 4th @ 105 mph in the 1/4. I would have thought they might really show wear, given the load ... but they looked pretty good! 7. Examined the converter splines and they also showed a little nicking to match in the input shaft splines ... not bad, but basically makes the old converter worthless since a new one from GM is only $135. I'm putting a new one in and sending the old one back as a core. Overall, my guy said he liked the condition of the tranny, given the fact that 400 runs were made on it. Nothing was fried or showed excessive heat damage. Everything was very clean and tight and all he had to do is put in the performance parts. He said that's the time to get a tranny gone through, not after it's starting to show real problems... he was impressed that I hadn't noticed anything on the street, but only at the track under higher boost levels. Very impressed with the way the tranny has held up ... he attributed part of the longevity to the fact that a good tranny oil cooler (I use the B & M super cooler) in series with the in-radiator tranny oil cooler has been used since the car was a year old. Anyway, so first hand experience with the 200-4R found behind the Turbo Regals ... seem to be pretty reliable units. ---------- Posted by: "KEN MOSHER" 04 Feb 1994 08:11:37 +0000 (U) KEN MOSHER Subject: Re: THM200-4Rs gnttype@srvsn2.monsanto.com [...Ken Mosher had his rebuilt, but as I recall it wasn't -> really in that bad a shape, and (be honest, Ken) Ken flogs his GN -> pretty hard....] Yeah, I'm pretty hard on it. You have to call 1.5 sixty foot times a little brutal,huh? <*Grin*> Anyway, my tranny had ~35K miles on it ... and about 5 years of drag racing on it too. I was religious about changing fluid at 4000-6000 mile intervals (and it became every Spring, regardless of mileage). I decided to freshen it based on the horror stories. Largely unfounded from my experience. The most evident casualty of the abuse was the input shaft. It wasn't really bad, but it did have visible galling of the splines. The band was worn and there was some evidence of heat on the drum, but there were lots of miles left on it. The steels and clutches looked very good. Being the type that doesn't car to yank the tranny every year, I decided to do an upgrade while we had it apart. My tranny guy was a moonlighting GM tranny service guy who specialized in the 200/700s ... he said that resurfacing the drum would work fine, but I was paranoid about roundness so I bought a new one from GM. I had a hardened input shaft installed, new steels and clutches, a new band and the 10 vane pump. The steels, clutches, gaskets, springs, band, etc. all came in a nice kit from ATR that used Raybestos parts. The tranny guy said it was a very high quality kit. Cost was about $450 for the whole thing: $80 for labor $120 for kit $100 drum $80 10 vane pump $70 input shaft Most of the cost was the upgrade parts. The tranny guy said that the GN 200-4R had a very different valve body than the 200Cs and had a what looked like a heavier casing. I do know that the tranny tag for the turbo cars is unique .. should have a BR code on the tag. 02 Mar 1994 17:39:28 -0500 Bob Valentine Subject: Re: 200-4R ratios? gnttype@srvsn2.monsanto.com > I asked much the same question a few weeks ago. The T200s do indeed >hold up well behind the GNs, but in other cars they seem to be marginal >even behind 305 Chevy and 307 Olds powerplants. While I don't know much about them, I do know: 1. They are essentially a TH-200 with a OD added. 2. A common failure point is the OD clutch drum -- plastic thrust washers are used, which don't hold up under stress. 3. Front pump failures. A HD pump is available, but I don't know from where. >I'd recommend schmoozing around your local tranny >rebuilders' and getting their comments, and maybe calling some of the >racing trans builders and talking to them. Tried that route. All the local tranny shops want to retrofit a TH700-4R, which is too expensive for me, and requires too may mods. Haven't tried any mail-order sources. Got any starts? 03 Mar 1994 09:04:30 +0000 (U) KEN MOSHER Subject: Re: 200-4R ratios? gnttype@srvsn2.monsanto.com [...Thanks all! Does anyone have any tips on doing a rebuild on one? It's not going behind a V6, but if they've held up under GNX motors there must be something right about them. (FYI, it's going behind a Olds 350) --> Bob Valentine <-- --> ravalent@mailbox.syr.edu <-- ...] Well, here's what I did with mine .... 1. Install heavy duty clutch/steel rebuild kit. Mine cost about $100 and came with extra clutches for the weak 3/4 shift. It also had a heavy duty band, all the seals, springs, filter, etc. Very complete. 2. Install hardened input shaft. That's one of the weak parts that can get really bunged up on a hear launching car. 3. Install 10 vane pump to replace stock 7 vane pump. Pretty cheap and good for smoothness and noise reduction. Helps stabilize pressures too. 4. Be very paranoid about the drum. Any signs of wear or heat, replace it. It's worth the $100 IMHO. You can resurface it, but these drums are very tough to get perfectly round again when you do this. 5. While you are in there, put a shift kit in. B&M TransPack is my recommendation. It has very nice shifts (not neck jerkers like Art Carr's) under part throttle, but really firms the shifts up under WOT. 6. After the car is put back together, run a tranny cooler in addition to the in radiator unit. B&M super coolers seem to look/fit/work great. That's about it... your Olds won't have the GN valve body, so it might be a little lighter duty, and the TRs came with a different case stamping. That's my $0.02 ..... 04 Mar 1994 13:33:10 -0600 (CST) nbrotz@palm.cray.com (Norb Brotz) Subject: Re: 200-4R ratios? gnttype@srvsn2.monsanto.com ravalent@mailbox.syr.edu > > Thanks all! Does anyone have any tips on doing a rebuild on > one? It's not going behind a V6, but if they've held up under GNX > motors there must be something right about them. (FYI, it's going > behind a Olds 350) > I paged through a parts book yesterday and can report that the casing is the same. ;-) One item that is unique to the 86-87 TR is the pump. The governor assemblies are also TR specific. (I forgot to look at the valve bodies, but I suspect they are also unique.) Also note that there are kits available to further upgrade the TR pump. (The kit that ATR markets claims to fit '84-'87 TRs, even though the parts book says that the 86-87 pump is different. Huh?) I have a TR and non-TR 200-4R awaiting disection. (as soon as I get around to it ...) But don't hold your breath waiting for a summary. 04 Mar 1994 13:38:00 +0000 dave.williams@chaos.lrk.ar.us (Dave Williams) Subject: T200 transmissions gnttype@srvsn2.monsanto.com I just got off the phone with TCI in Mississippi. While I had them on the line I asked them about the T200's failure modes. They said the input shaft and planetary hub are weak points, as is the splined hub in the convertor. They sell heavy duty parts, or a complete replacement (no core needed) calibrated for the GN for $1200. 24 Mar 1994 11:59:43 +0000 (U) KEN MOSHER Subject: Re: trans (200-4R) problem gnttype@srvsn2.monsanto.com [...This seems like an opportune time to beef up and possibly rebuild the trans, any suggestions here on kits/parts?..] Raybestos makes a very nice rebuild kit. ATR sells it and I have it in my car. While you are getting it reconditioned, it's a good idea to replace the input shaft with a hardened one and to really consider replacing the drum. It's very tough to get these round by polishing them and it'll eat the band. Also, put the B&M Transpak shift kit in it while it's apart. It won't really affect part throttle shifts, but it makes the WOT shifts much crisper. Also, you might consider replacing the converter ... GM has them for $130 exchange. The above recommendations result in a nice fresh tranny that retains all the good features of the 100% stock setup (mpg and streetability) and beefs it up for increased performance and reliability. 28 Apr 1994 11:33:44 -0400 (EDT) davidc9186@aol.com Subject: B&M TransPak gnttype@buick.monsanto.com