I have 81 camaro it has 383 stroker pushing just over 400hp, posi 411 rear with th350 trans. now i want overdrive cause these gears just take away too much top end. i was thinkin of something like a 700r4 but not too sure what is a strong trans or who makes the best ones. any info would be helpfull.

 

I would go with a 200R4

 

Not to be difficult, but i would go with a 700R4 just because they can be made more bulletproof than a 2004R

 

I spent the last week debating and researching the same question. I have a TH350 and was deciding between the 700-R4 and 200-4R.

I ended up deciding on the 200-4R for a few reasons:

1 - 700-R4 is typically considered to be a truck transmission
2 - 700-R4 first gear is 3.06 and second gear jumps to 1.62 (hurts acceleration)
3- 200-4R first gear is 2.74 and second gear is 1.62 (much smoother transition)
4 - Although the 700-R4 is stronger stock, once both transmissions are rebuilt they can both be built nearly as strong as each other
5 - 200-4R's were used in cars like the Buick Grand National, Monte Carlo
6 - 700-R4 is Chevy only pattern; 200-4R has a Chevy, Olds, Buick, Pontiac pattern
7 - 200-4R is the same length as my TH350/Powerglide; no cutting the driveshaft (just need a TH400 crossmember)
8 - The 200-4R is lighter than the 700-R4

I hope this helps some. Good luck in your search!

 

depends on how much money u have. stock 200 4r is not going to handle your power, patc makes a 2004r (up to 600hp) 700r4 with a close ratio 1 2 shift(up to 700hp). the 4l80 is stronger (to 1200hp) than any and has close ratio 1 2 shift as well. check out the patc site, they also have adapters for fitting.
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/highperflist.htm
performabuilt is another good place.
http://www.performabuilt.com/About2008.html

 

Consider my responses a discussion, not an argument. I've been up in the air between the two myself, but leaning towards the 700 for my own reasons.
1 - the 700 isn't considered a truck transmission, it was also used in the Corvette, Camaro, Firebird, Impala, etc. The point is that the 2004R wasn't used in trucks because it's weaker and can't take it.
2 & 3 - Not so much an issue at all with a torquey stroker engine or a big block.
4 - True, unless you really need to go with a wild engine, then that "nearly" can be an issue and a gap opener between the two.
5 - Those weren't high torque engines, also see #1 above.
6 - Since it's for a Chevy engine, cross-fitment isn't an issue unless he wants to swap it and share it with different cars. Not so practical.
7 - Yep, and that's one of the best features of the 2004R when swapping out a T350, it's easier.
8 - How much of a weight difference are we talking?
Another point is that the aftermarket is flooded with 700R4 goodies because it was used in so many different vehicles. And, finding one to rebuild is a dime a dozen.
Another reason why I'm leaning towards the 700 is because I happen to have a couple of them sitting around.
But yes, the 200 can be built to handle a lot of h.p. I see it as more of a personal preference based on availability, cost, need, and performance requirements.
Those factors can mean different things between two different cars.

 

Way to play devil's advocate! This was one of the only decisions I have made which was not clear cut. It definitely has a lot to do with personal preference.

My next dilemma I am currently conquering is the issue with HEI vs MSD with a box...

 

There is a guy over on nastyz28.com named jakeshoe (IIRC) that builds and recommends the TH200R4 over the TH700R4. I think I might buy one from him next year or when cash become available. As mentioned, a TH350 to TH200R4 swap is easier then a TH350 to TH700R4 swap.

 

get a tail shaft over drive, I think the company is called gear drive, but it acts as a doubler for every gear. they are good for over a thousand horses.

 

The name of the overdrive company is Gear Vendors. But, the unit costs (cough) $2,600 new.