Why does it cost more(2004R)???

[Turbo Envy]

I have a question.I am aware that indivduals that are involved in the profession concerning transmissions, and in no way do I mean to insult anyone.My question is, why does a 2004R cost so much more to have rebuilt than say a Turbo 350?I looked up the price for master rebuild kits and the prices were almost identical for both trannys.I have asked this question at several tranny shops in my area and no one would really give me a good answer, at least not one that explained it to me(the most common response is "the 350 is easier").The average price to get the 2004R rebuilt is 5X that of a Turbo 350.So, any answers?I am trying to learn more and educate myself in the process.Thanks.

 

[GNeric]

Really pretty simple. The TH350 is a very forgiving tranny. Make sure the clearances are good, set up endplay and out the door. I have even checked some that were built by someone else that have way too much endplay and too much clutch clearance and they live for a while, even drag racing them. The 200-4R is more complex. More parts. Band clearance is of utmost importance. Direct drum surfaces have to be parallel to each other and smoothe(no waves). Very small sprag in low/reverse clutches. More people know the 350 compared to the 200-4R in terms on how to do them right. EX: Did a TH350 yesterday and from teardown to pickup, it took about 2.5 hours. When I do a 200-4R I take the whole day making sure everything is abstatively close to specs as possible. When I did mine for my GN, I took about a week to do it. It's been in there since '97 and still shifting like a maddog and going strong.

 

[Turbo Envy]

Thanks Eric.I have a T350 and can get it rebuilt for $200.No one will touch the 2004R for less than $1000.My car is not a daily driver( 87 SS )But with the 3:73 rear-end, I am cranking over 3 grand @60 mph when in third(1:1) and assume it would be the same with a T350.Anyway, thanks for the answer.