New guy needs help..th350 or Th700r4

[6D9]

Hi guys, I am new to the board and am in debate on what tranny to use. I currently have a project 69 Camaro and have two tranny sitting in my garage and need to decide what one to use. First I have the stock TH350 that came in the car. Second I have a TPI performance TH700r4. For a motor I am building a nice little roller 406 that should put out aprrox 500 hp or so. For a solid street strip set up that has good street manners ..what would you choose to run. Can this 700r4 live behind a 500 hp 406?? I plan to call Bruce tomarrow to get more info on what would be the best set up for my appilcation. I would love to keep the overdrive if possible but dont want to dump a bunch of money into something thats gonna croak every 6 months. Thanks guys!

 

[MeanBuicks]

Coming here, you had to figure we'd have another option.

While a 700-R4 can be built to be reliable, consider selling it and obtaining a good 200-4R. There's no doubt that a 200-4R, with the right parts and construction, can handle your application. Secondly, since it's the same overall length as the stock TH-350, your driveshaft can be used as is. Also, you'll wind up with a slightly deeper overdrive ratio with the 200-4R.

 

[Morkai]

200-4r

Yeah, what he said.
Also the gear ratio is close to the th350, w/o the steep 1st that the 700 has. I have a 200-4r in my 79 z28, and love it, I think you would too. About the only mod I had to do was move the crossmember, and install a 4-spd megashifter and carb adapter for TV.

I have a stock(I think) BRF with a shift kit living behind my 450hp 388 stroker right now, but I'm about to build it a little stronger. I would suggest you do that. Bruce can set ya up...

 

[6D9]

Thanks guys, I will give him a call!

 

[6D9]

Ok guys I called them and I was very impressed. Cool guys and very helpful. Here is the prooblem... Looks like I would need to spend about 4k to do it right. Needless to say right now I am in know way able to spend that kind of cash on a new tranny(new house and baby). So with that in mind do I run the 700r4 or sell it and build a cheap stong th350?? If I sell them both and get a regular 200r4 then I am no better of than having the TPI performance 700r4 right.....I hate this stuff........

 

[2quiktocare]

6D9, just relax and use your 350 now, sell and save the money from the 700. When you get your ducks in a row, you can move in the right direction. Sounds like your plate is pretty full and you just need to adjust your time table to make sure you get it all done right the first time. Have fun, don't get stressed over it. It's a project, enjoy. Mark

 

[6D9]

Thanks Mark, I think I am going to go that route. When its time to do the 2004r, I will without a doubt use you guys! Thanks for the response. Ron