new guy 2004r

[hoffman7476]

I rebuilt my first TH350 last year and it's still working great. Next I want to tackle a 2004r and I have a few questions. It's going behind a mild Pontiac 455 in a 3800# car.
1: What core would be best? I have access to a mystery trans in an Olds. it's supposed to be an 84 model.
2: What ID marks should I look for? I would rather not be looking for a GN/SS trans because I don't want to drop that kind of $$.
3: I have heard that there were significant hard parts upgrades made past 86 but my local trans parts shop says there is no difference other than valve body. Who's right?
My local shop says go with a 7-10 vane pump, billet servo, shift kit, good rebuild kit and let it fly. I expect 400 or so hp out of this motor and the long stroke makes gobs of torque. Mostly a cruiser, but hey...you gotta get on it sometime. Torque converter will be a 2500 built by a local shop with a good rep.
Thanks Jon

 

[HOTTOGO]

Here's what ya need to know!

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=31365

These are stock hard parts to look for are hardened sun gear shell and stator support, "blind spline" inpushaft, "690" pump body and one of these trannies is a must due to higher performance VB's
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. The reason the 90 models are good is because of technical upgrades, including the best GM input shaft and the 690 front pump.

And here's where to get what you need including best tech support around.

http://www.2004rperformancecenter.com/

 

[hoffman7476]

Thanks Mark
Where are the codes located at on the case?

 

[HOTTOGO]

Passanger side...

tail shaft should have a tag if it's still there.