I'm I ready for a Th400?

[waell]

I basically built my entire motor with ported irons, cam, TE45A, FMIC and a lot more. I plan on racing this car mostly and I'm not worried about not having overdrive. Now my 2004r is bone stock with a lot of miles and I'm pretty sure it's not going to hold up long. Basically, I don't want to spend cash for a converter for a tranny that might give me problems. So do you guys think I crazy for wanting to step up now, even with a working tranny? Or should I just bite the bullet, lay out the cash for a built 400 and do it right? Also, can anyone refer me to a good 400 builder in the San Diego area? And what converter or Transbreak I should use with my set up?

 

[J-B Racing]

Since I have done both, I can relate to this.
From what I can see, why would you go with a TH400!
Comparision:
A TH200-4R with a Brake will make you go faster than the TH400 because of the rotating weight in the 400 is bigger and heavier.
Cost:
Will cost less to build the 400. But a Good Converter will cost the same.
If you are not going to exceed 600 HP, I would stay with the 200
A good built 200 will last for a long time. Chech out others who run them.

Also think about the Future Plans. Will the 400 be necessary!

 

[2quiktocare]

Waell, we build both types of units with and without brakes. If you are a solely track person, the 400 is great because of cost only. If you have any street use planned, stay with the 200 4R. The main consideration is that the trans itself is about twice the cost of the 400 with both having a trans brake. See if you can find Jeff Rand here on line and talk with him. He is living large with his 200 and is glad he stayed with it rather than going with a 400. Many others will give you the 400 side. Either way, you will have the strength and the dependability to handle what you throw at it. The #1 reason for a 400 is cost and the 200 is the extra gear and the closer ratio it provides. Mark

 

[waell]

Thanks for the imput guys. I've pretty much made up my mind to go with the 400. But with all the confusion about lock up/non lock Brake/no brake, this converter/ that converter i'm a bit overwelmed. My setup is... TE45A, FMIC, Ported Irons, 206 ft cam, 3.42's, 28x10 slicks. I want a brake but not too sure about the converter with the 400. Leaning towards talking to Yank or perhaps Conntental. Need a point in the right direction...thanks

 

[SPEEDSTAR]

WAEL

Give Bill Anderson at Anderson Performance a call 410-282-9335 He is a dealer for ATI convertors and transmissions , He has them build 8" and 9.5" fuel blown convertors to his specs. Bill has alot of experience with these convertors in turbo buicks using the TH400 Trans. He can match your combo to the right convertor.

Jeff

 

[GNSCOTT]

If you are a solely track person, the 400 is great because of cost only

Are you saying a 200 can handle as much HP as a 400??

I agree with everything else you said about switching.

 

[Slow91z]

You can make a 200 live in the 9's with the right parts and builder...I'm sticking with my 200 as long as possible...200's are more efficient, so you'd go faster with a 200 then a 400 with the same setup.

 

[GNSCOTT]

200's break alot easier than a 400 because a 400 is alot stronger, and when the 400 breaks it cost ALOT less to fix. A stock block can last in the low 10's, but a stage motor is as close to bullet proof as you can get in the low 10's. Yes there is a trade off,(no OD, more rotating weight) but look at the statement I quoted.

 

[Slow91z]

This is true...But I'd rather go with the 200 as long as possible...after I get to the point that a 200 won't do the job for a couple of seasons, then I'll think about a 400

 

[GNSCOTT]

I agree with holding onto the 200 as long as possible, I think the mid 9's is the point when a close to stock weight (say 3500lbs w/ driver) will start breaking $3k to $4k trannys. It really does suck to lose OD if you drive on the street at all.