"AA" code 200-4r... Worth the effort?

[theo]

Hi,

I'm looking for a good starting point for a fairly strong 200-4r build, to put behind my 350 vette. It's unlikely to be running 9s quarters (!) but at the same time I'd like to build something that's fairly bombproof for any future mods I may do. (Presently in the high 200's rwhp thru the stock th350, may improve on that as time and money permits)
Being in the UK has meant that potential cores are few and far between, and something like a GN box is as rare as rocking-horse droppings, so the search has been a long and drawn out one. I've recently been given the option to buy a relatively cheap unit which appears to be an 83 "AA" code, which I have been led to believe is from a Caddy??
Is it worth using such a unit for a decent rebuild? Naturally I'd be hoping to strengthen the internals anyway, but in terms of calibration/valvebody, is this one worth the effort, or a total lost cause?!
By the way, the numbers I've been quoted for this thing, as read from the ID label are:

"A Turbo Hydramatic A"
S/N 256-2183AA1453

Thanks in advance!

Theo

 

[Daniel Jost]

I have a CZ valve body (Monte SS) and Gov. somewhere i my shop in a container would be will to donate, for the cause. Just pay shipping im in DePere,WI, i think it cost me something like $20 to send my BQ VB and gov and some other stuff to Bruce in cali from here.

,Dan

 

[brian]

I have had very good luck with the AA v-b in Chevy combos.
With the right servo, band and proper assembly, you will be satisfied.:smile:

Hope this helps, Brian

 

[bison]

I have had very good luck with the AA v-b in Chevy combos.
With the right servo, band and proper assembly, you will be satisfied.:smile:

Hope this helps, Brian

I have sucessfully used the AA also. Its a good unit.

 

[theo]

Thanks for the replies folks.

Cool, this begins to look do-able then! Do you expect any problems with this being a fairly early (83) unit? I'm sure the later ones had problems designed out at time passed, but is it all stuff that can be done during the rebuild?

I had meant to buy the CK performance rebuild manual some months ago, but other financial pressure didn't allow (ie I was just too poor to afford it!) but I think this is going to be a must-have now.

So, Brian, you say the AA v-b is good to remain without any modifications (to the valving itself) then?

Dan, that's a really cool offer, thanks so much. I'd have to get this shipped to the UK, so this would only be do-able if the AA v-b couldn't be modified to the same calibration as the CZ, otherwise it might be a bit of a waste of time! Anyone know the actual physical differences between the CZ and AA bodies??

Cheers!

Theo

 

[Firechicken]

Daniel, I'd be willing to buy your CZ valve body and governor. How much do you want?

Mike