Why is it so much to have a GN trans rebuilt

[1984 t-type]

Just curious why so much. I had a turbo 400 built for my big block camaro for around 700 bucks and for a turbo Buick rebuild I'm hearing it's almost twice that, what's so different about a GN transmission ? Could I just use a built up turbo 400 or 700r4 ?

 

[KevinB]

It doesn't take many tricks and fancy parts to make a 400 stand up to horsepower like a 200 does.

 

[gusszgs]

I hear what your say'n, but it's one thing to build a th400 that will hang in there........to build a 200r that will stand up requires a little more unique understanding of what componets are required. There is a limited amount of builders out there that have countless hrs of work studying these trans and building them for TR's
I tip my hat to these fellas and think they deserve evey penny they charge. It can be frustrating and costly but knowledge is money.

 

[SIXBANGR]

if you can live without the od, a 400 will work just fine.

 

[RIFF RAFF]

Because anything worth having costs money .. Ive got a stage 1 and a stage 2 .. Wouldnt run anything else ..

 

[1984 t-type]

What's a stage 1 and 2 ? I do way to much cruising to go without od. Anybody running 700r4's those handle more power right ?

 

[bison]

A more complex answer besides the obvious is that hydraulically it's way more complex than a 400. The 2-3 shift requires releasing a band and applying a clutch at the correct time. The hydraulics need much more attention in the 200-4r. Also the clutch capacity in direct is less than a 400. The shafts and other hard parts are typically of weaker materials and smaller diameter than a 400. The governor and vb are much more sensitive in calibration than the 400's calibration. There are probably less than 100 people who can properly build a 200-4r for high hp in the country. There are probably 20x as many that can build a 400 that will withstand equal or more power. Don't be fooled though a 1500hp 400 will cost 3-4x as much as what you think is a lot. The converters the fastest run are around $1k or sometimes more too. There is a lot more error with a 200-4r also.

 

[1984 t-type]

What happens when you run a cheap converter ? I know for a fact mines is a cheap one the previous owner told me he got it off eBay. I'm only asking because when I drive normal it shifts fine but when I get on it hard it slips into gear and feels like it slips in and out of gear. Was figuring I better start looking for a good builder and saving up some cash.

 

[bison]

What's a stage 1 and 2 ? I do way to much cruising to go without od. Anybody running 700r4's those handle more power right ?

700's have been used in turbo regals and they aren't even close to a 200-4r that is properly built for a high torque turbo application