200r4 For 462ci Pontiac?

[sdcritter]

I've joined your forums in hope that you guys can provide an education to an old school Pontiac guy. I have a 1974 Trans Am (Yes, it's a Super Duty for those who know about such things) that is modified because I want it that way.

I want an OD transmission for it. The car has a 462ci motor with no power adder. It's making a bit over 450 HP and over 500 ft. lb. of torque. For those who don't know traditional Pontiacs, they are a big bore, long stroke motor. This means massive torque hits on the transmission when you launch at the drag strip.

My real concern is that huge torque hit off the line on good tires. Will it take the shock of a heavy car and tons of torque on a launch. Us old school, heavy iron guys keep hearing the horror stories of the 200r4 taking a dive after 3 passes in our cars.

I know you guys make more horsepower but is that translating to big torque on the bottom end? I simply want to find a transmission that will bolt up with a minimum of fuss (200r4 has the BOP bolt pattern) but will take a beating from a big torque motor.

I spoke to a Bowler transmission rep while on Hot Rod Power Tour. He was quoting over $4K for one. Should I expect to pay that much for a solid, 200r4 with a good converter?

 

[chris718]

the 2004r is an excellent choice for your car,and properly set up should provide a long service life.we use them behind many long stroke big cubic inch engines with sucess.although the gear ratio is not optimum for long strokes there arent many other choices.using a 3.23 or 3.42 rear end gear will get it all working together and assist the car in gaining traction off the line.a complete stage 2 transmission with our in house cnc machined billet parts and custom converter would come in at around 3200.00 including filler tube,dipstick tv cable and bracketry.whether you choose to build it yourself or buy a complete unit we can assist you.we also offer a 200 page book on the trans that may be of use to you.here is a link to our 2004r pages / catalog www.CKPerformance.com

 

[sdcritter]

Your reputation precedes you, sir. Your name has been mentioned to me a few times in some of the Pontiac forums I frequent. I do appreciate the information. I do most of the work on my car myself but a man should know his limitations. I'm not a transmission builder so if I do this, I'll be buying one outright. Thanks for your feedback.

 

[chris718]

thanks,if you need additional info call in.

 

[sdcritter]

I'll be sure to do so.

Anyone else out there have any real world experience or want to offer any ideas on what I should look for?

 

[Firechicken]

I too have a 462 Pontiac, but I am putting a bit more through my 2004r than what you are looking to do. I used CK's manual and built it myself. It was my first tranny build.

It has been a couple of years and it still work perfectly and takes all I throw at it.

 

[brian]

I'll be sure to do so.

Anyone else out there have any real world experience or want to offer any ideas on what I should look for?

The 2004R will be a great choice. And will definatly take the power.

I responded to your reply in the thread in the parts for sale forum.

Thanks, Brian

 

[sdcritter]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm beginning to get a little more comfortable with the idea of using one of these transmissions.

Brian, I'm going to wait a bit. I need to get through the summer and a couple of other projects first. POCI Nationals are in a couple weeks so I'm trying to get there before doing anything. I'll be here asking questions and doing research so I'm sure one of you guys will hear from me when the time comes.

 

[sdcritter]

Me again.

I'm trying to understand why anyone would not run a lockup converter. Is there some compelling reason that I'm missing?