CK Performance 200r4 Shift Kit Install Help

[R0ng]

I ordered a Monte Carlo SS Valve Body with a shift kit, Hi Perf Servo, Govenor and TV Boost Valve. This is for my 2nd Gen Camaro Drag Car retrofittes with a 200r4

Included in the parts was a large spring (1 7/8" diameter and 2 1/8" long uncompressed).

I initially tried to fit it in the Servo, but it was too big. I called Chris at CKPerformance, and he told me it fit in either the 1-2 Accumulator or the 3-4 Accumulator. I can't remember (not enough coffee this morning). The spring doesn't seem to fit right in either piston and requires quite a bit of compression to fit. I want to make sure to get it right before buttoning up the bottom end.

I did get a ATSG 200 4r TechTran Manual, but this doesn't give me enough info to know where this spring fits.

All the other parts fit perfectly, except this spring.

I'd like to get the car back on the road this weekend, but not enough to trial and error the spring in one or the other. I'd rather not have to drain the fluid if I guess wrong.

Has anyone else experienced this, or installed this spring? Thanks for any help!

-Ron

 

[R0ng]

Got your reply is less than 90 minutes Chris!

I'll get it put in tomorrow and test it out!

Thanx again!

 

[chris718]

what was i doing up at 2 am?

 

[R0ng]

It Works GREAT!

Don't know why you were up so late, but really appreciated the quick reply! Thank you again!

I finished the install tonight, and added my driveshaft loop as well. It had been raining all day (imagine that is Seattle), but had started to dry up by the time I did my test drive. Not enough for dry roads, but at least no standing water.

The trans shifts MUCH more sharply and very decisively. No more delays while it thinks about what gear it needs to go to next. Returned to the garage and checked the fluid. Needed another quart.

On the drive home from the garage to the house (15 miles) it performed flawlessly. Seemed to shift even harder after the additional quart was added. Tomorrow the weather should be more cooperative and I can get a better test in. The one launch I gave it, the 1-2 shift occurred at 5500 or so. Much better than the 4000 before.

The install was very simple with the Manual, except for that d*** 1-2 Accummulator Spring.

The Servo was easy once the trans dropped enough to get to it, in the small 2nd Gen Camaro trans tunnel.

The Power Valve went in easily after the fight with the snap ring.

I changed the OD switch from my old VB so I could ensure my lockup wiring would work. Not sure if it was the same one as was included.

The info on which way to install the 3-4 Accumulator Piston was helpful as the manual shows it the other way for the SS Monte setup.

I didn't use the 1-2 Accumulator Spring as it didn't fit into the piston. I tried it every which way, but it would need to be compressed over an inch and would be cocked in there. I found an old set of B&M 200r4 shift kit instructions a friend gave me a year ago and it showed installing a 3/4" spacer under the piston and using the original spring. I made a 3/4" spacer and installed it as B&M recommends. It seems to be working, but I am concerned if there is any long-term problems with this.

The 1-2 Piston has 3 nubs on it and the spring would not fit into them, much less down into the piston as the original. The spring would sit on top of 2 nubs and this put it at an angle. I seriously feel this was the wrong spring, but can't verify this.

I also cut a piece of sheet metal (aluminum) to fit around the back area around the park pawl. Took about 30 minutes to get it right, but successfully covered the entire area and mounted it under the park pawl guide bolts. It isn't tight enough to hold out all fuild, but should keep enough fluid out to reduce problems with areation, fluid racing up the back on acceleration and allow it to drain back to the pan at steady speeds. The front edge went up towards the rod that engages/disengages the park pawl, to within 1/4" of the rod. Hopefully that'll be enough.

Finally, I need to get the speedo right again. Perhaps someone has the right formula to determine this and help me out. I have a green drive gear (10 tooth), 3.73 rear gears and 25" tires.

All in all this install has made all the difference in the world. It turned a slushy yet strong retrofit trans into a snappy & stable street/strip trans that will get me down the Quarter much faster. I'm sure it'll run much cooler without all that slipping too.

Thanks CKPerformance! Did I see where you sell the Driven Speedo Gears too!

-Ron

 

[chris718]

hey ron .glad you are happy with the vbody ,and give us a buzz for the speedo gear calibration,ill tell you what you need and you can pick it up locally.www.ckperformance.com.