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200-4r: Rebuild or Replace? HELP!

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dave200amp

New Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2010
Messages
3
I've read many threads on many different forums and gathered tons of valuable information. BUT I still need some advice.

I have a 85 Monte Carlo SS 305 200-4r

I recently blew the radiator. Had just bought it, was an electric fan wired to a switch and it melted and the fan stopped :mad:

I replaced all that and did a basic tune up along with an Eldelbrok 600 carb and timing chain, MSD coil, rotor and cap, 200 amp alt and a bunch of little things.

But that is all I've done as far as performance.

Less than a week later the tranny starts slipping and wont get out of 1st gear.

The money isn't really the issue, but as you can see my MC doesn't have more than 200 HP, so I don't want anything that'll be overkill.

It'll be a long time before I do any big engine modifications. I own a car audio shop in Nashville and still need to do the audio (about $3000 dealer cost), interior, suspension, rims/tires, and paint. After I'm happy with all of that, then I'll make it faster.
I just want this car to be fun to drive and able to take some abuse, but most importantly be reliable.

I want something better than factory, a noticeable improvement in performance, with decent room for more power but again, no overkill.

I've got a mechanic who builds drag cars to do the swap for $250. Hes a family friend and highly trusted.


If you have any advice, I'd love to hear it. I've only ever built Hondas :cool: so I'm new to the whole GM thing! Thanks for reading!
 
Take a look at the vendor section. There are several that can get a 2004R into the 9's so for a stock rebuild it shouldn't be an issue. I'm very partial to Chris at CKPerformance myself for parts and I have a local (this is Texas after all) that will do the work for me. Jake (Jakeshoeperformance.com) has an 11 second tranny for around $1300 shipped without convertor If I remember right and he's a member.
 
Thanks charlief1 for the quick reply!
I'm kind of leaning to getting a brand new transmission, since I don't know if I can find anyone trustworthy of rebuilding my 200-4R around here. Even so, I would only save maybe a 200-300 bucks? correct me if I'm wrong.
I can handle 1300 shipped. It looks pretty sweet. But it still seems like it maybe a little too much for what I'm doing?

Now would a new 200-4R be a much better option than a new TH350? The TH350 on jakesperformance.com is only like $950 shipped.

Pros and Cons? I'm a real newbie at this. Just want some experienced advice before I dive into this thing head first!
Thanks again!
 
I'm guessing the Monte has 3:73s in the rear? If you ever drive it on the highway, you'll probably miss that overdrive a lot.
 
Gonna agree with Adam on this. If you get rid of the overdrive gas mileage will suffer and you'll hate hearing the engine run at 3+K on the highway. If you tell us where you're located it will help us so you know who's near you.
 
Yes. I am also trying not to completely kill my gas milage.
I'm in Nashville TN.

I was also looking at the Monster 200-4R for $1100 shipped.
racetransmissions.com/store/product_info.php/cPath/1_25_104_119/products_id/208
Would it be worth paying the extra $200 to get the Jakes Performance tranny?
 
Yes. I am also trying not to completely kill my gas milage.
I'm in Nashville TN.

I was also looking at the Monster 200-4R for $1100 shipped.
racetransmissions.com/store/product_info.php/cPath/1_25_104_119/products_id/208
Would it be worth paying the extra $200 to get the Jakes Performance tranny?
Give Lonnie at Extreme Automatics a call..513-898-0553. And yes it's worth it.
 
Give Lonnie at Extreme Automatics a call..513-898-0553. And yes it's worth it.

super good advice ^. lonnie @extremeautomatics can ship to your door. also chris at ckperformance has killer deals right now
 
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