200R4 to TH400 Conversion

[MSA231V6]

Hi All,

I suppose this question has been tossed around a bunch before, but I did not see any threads that seemed to have the answers I am looking for. So..., here goes.

Can someone please highilght the basics as to what is involved when switching from a 200R4 to a TH400? I am planning this conversion in the near future and would like to find out as many details as possible before I start. Basic questions include:

-- Price for most 400's - either cores or new units from Buick vendors
-- Suggested converters - car should be mid to low 10s, near 125-130 MPH. My current converter in use with the 200R4 is a non-lock Art Carr 9"
-- Driveshaft recommendations
-- Any major mods needed to the crossmember, etc?

Also, one more question while I am at it... I will be selling my 200R4 to help finance this operation. What is a reasonable price? It is rebuilt with all of the heavy-duty parts - never raced since the last "freshing up." I will either sell it by itself or with the converter if it cannot be reused.

Thanks for the time and your advice.

Michael

 

[VictoryTrans]

Ok, here it goes. I cant' really give an exact price on a 400 but I'm sure you can get a good core anywhere pretty cheap. You do have to modify the stock crossmember and mount a little bit but I think that somone sells a mount for a 400 conversion. As for the driveshaft, my dad cut his a little bit, but I dont think its necessary. An Art Carr converter will work great as will a Precision Industries converter. We have a PI converter here if your interested in going that route. Hope this helps.

 

[MSA231V6]

Will the Art Carr converter fit on the 400 as is? In other words, the spline sizes are the same, etc.? I may stay with what I have if that is the case.

Also, any chance you can list the gear ratios for the 400 (1 to 3) and the 200R4 (1 to 4)? I would appreciate it very much.

Thanks for your help.

Michael

 

[EightSecV6]

Mike,
The Ac convertor will not work, totally different, the mountis all that has to be modified.
I would make a new driveshaft using a 1350 yoke in the front and rear, and use a 3" tube. You will probably find it is about 1/2" shorter. Buy a new shifter and that should do it. Total job including everything will probably run about $2k give or take alittle. That is figured on using the BEST convertor
ill

 

[WE4]

Here, use this to compare

We sell them all out, core and all for 1500.00
that includes a full roller unit, big bearing& big bushing to support case, blue plate high and second gear, 4 clutch int, 34 element sprag, red devil forwards, Hipster T-Brake, teflon servon ringed, and aluminum pan, Tested in a car and driven, all outright. I also stock sheilds.

So use that to compare.

 

[MSA231V6]

Hi Bruce,

What convertor do you recommend for a car using a 400 with 28.5 inch tires. Running close to 130 in the 1/4 hopefully.

If you need more info let me know.

Thanks!

Michael

 

[WE4]

Depends on intended usage. And yes, alot more info would be needed.

 

[MSA231V6]

Usage would be almost entirely race. Tell me what else you need to know and I will try to accomodate.

I appreciate your help.

Michael

 

[WE4]

Go here and submit....

http://63.200.89.2:82/specsheet/Transmissionconvert.htm



BT