a question on the 200-R4

[BluEyes]

okay, I've got a lead on a 200-R4 out of a '82 Caddy. The guy is only wanting $30 because he can't get the linkage to work in his car, and wants the trans out of his garage (hey, I know how to make the linkage work in my car, but I'm not telling ) For this price, I figure the trans is worth it, no-matter what...

I'm asking this here, because I figure you Buick guys are the ones who know this trans inside and out, so here goes.
The tranny will be going into a '77 Camaro, 3.42 gears, healthy 350 Chevy motor.
what should I know about an '82 200-R4? The only ID I could find on it was a big '401' on the back of the bellhousing. Any points that need immediate attention below 400hp?

Also, it is coming with what I'm assuming is a stock converter. Is the lockup internally done in '82, or electronic? (there are a few cut-off wires coming out the drivers side of the trans) If it is electronic, can I just leave it unlocked, and watch my trans temp gauge?
It also looks like the speedo drive is on the back drivers side, right, or is that a reference for cruise controll? I checked, and whatever it is does turn along with the output shaft.
Any suggestions? Also, can anyone reccomend a good manual or book to read up on these trannies?
TIA

 

[HOTTOGO]

FYI, here's a list of the 200 4Rs that have the best valve bodies, governors and servos--otherwise all the internals are basically the same. The numbers 94 & 92 is the last number on the servo cover and the code is on the trannie tag near the rear. The "good" valve bodies actually have smaller valves
that the run of the mill stuff.

Code Model
BRF 86-87 Grand National Servo casting # = 94 Lipseal servo w/
strongest spring
TAF* 89 Anniversary T/A Servo casting # = 94 Lipseal servo w/
strongest spring
CZF/CRF 86-87 Monte Carlo SS Servo casting # = 92 Lipseal servo w/ 2nd
strongest spg
OZF/KZF 85-7 442 , 83-4 Hurst Olds Servo casting # = 92 Lipseal servo w/
2nd strongest spg

Only buy transmissions produced after 1/84 The most common "good" ones are the ones in Monte Carlo SSs.

Here's what you need to make bullet proof:
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=31365

 

[MeanBuicks]

It's best to make the lock-up functional. One way to have the lock-up work automatically would be to utilize a TCI universal lock-up kit.

And yes, the speedometer drive is on the back of the transmission.

 

[BluEyes]

Originally posted by HOTTOGO
Only buy transmissions produced after 1/84 The most common "good" ones are the ones in Monte Carlo SSs.

why after 1/84? what would I need to change on an '82 to bring it up to those specs?
I know the factory shift points on anything but a GN/Monte trans will be pretty low, but I'll have a ratchet shifter, so that doesn't concern me right now - might even keep me out of some trouble (yeah, right!)

I was considering buying a new pump here - either 10 or 13 vane before even running it. http://www.bulkparts.com/MM007.ASP?pageno=598
Assuming the pan looks clean (don't want to fry a new pump with crap from a bad trans), would that help?

How does the TransGo shift kit/reprogramming kit rate on these trannies? I've had then highly reccomended for th350/400's, but I notice most of you guys are usng Art Carr stuff...

 

[HOTTOGO]

If you read the "stenghtening 2004r" post then you know what is need to make one last. '84 and up just have some technical upgrades like lockup valve train removed, lip type servo.... According to Bruce at PTS Trans Go highly not recommened for 2004r's, fine for others Art Carr, TCI and PTS are among the best kits. For any performance parts you'll be hard pressed to beat PTS for quality and service http://www.2004rperformancecenter.com/
Try doing a search on here of past post via "keywords" and your likely to find most of the answers to your ?'s have already been well documented.