Jvette73
Senior Member
926 posts [100%]
Severna Park, Maryland
  |  Tranny has arived | 10:27 AM 8/25/2001 | |
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CF called me and my crate is on the dock in Baltimore. 200lb create containing my fresh BTO 200R4, and related components. Heading up there today with the K5 today to get it. I guess ill be on my back for a few days. I wish it would just jump in there itself. Gonna be doing the rear gears and all new solid u-joints for the halfs and driveshaft as well. I hope to have it all togeather and dialed in before the drag racing vette meet at 75/80 Dragstrip in Sept. Anyone know the date of that event?
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John
350(std.bore), ported 64cc cast-iron, Milidon Race Flow 1.94/1.50, CompCams XE268, Magnum rollertip rockers, Trickflow pushrods, factory Cowl Induction w/K&N filter/K&N X-Stream Lid, Holley (list 1850)600cfm vac sec, old style Edelbrock Performer w/crossover blocked, Dynomax ceramic headers, 2 1/4 aluminized pipes w/crossover into Flowmaster 2 chamber. Recurved fact. dist. w/Pertronix Ignitor II/Accel 50k coil. 200R4/3.90 Hyperflex polygraphite mounts and bushings throughout, 460lb coils, 340lb composite rear leaf, Bilstein shocks, BFG 235/60-15 Comp T/A VR4 on factory steel rallys. Best 1/4 E.T. 13.57@102.14 60' 1.98
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pats406nitrovette
Senior Member
1387 posts [100%]
galloway,new jersey
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 1:15 PM 8/25/2001 | |
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let eme know how that transmission works out im thinking of also going to overdrive and not sure of the 200 or the 700.
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1973 2002 electron blue midnight blue interior.msd billet tach drive dist. msd6a,3.70,rpm airgap intake,holley750,2 1/2 exuast flowmasters.(building new short block)
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Hershey
Senior Member
204 posts [100%]
Valdosta, Ga. USA
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 3:05 PM 8/25/2001 | |
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I'll bet you are glad to see it. What all components did you get with it? Don't worry , you'll find it won't be real difficult. Keep us all informed on how it's going. Hershey 
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White 75, 252 cam, 200-R4, 3:36 rear
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Jvette73
Senior Member
926 posts [100%]
Severna Park, Maryland
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 5:39 PM 8/25/2001 | |
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I will keep you posted on the outcome Pat. I expect that this mod will change the car more than all the other mods Ive done so far, combined. Wheel spinning TQ + comfortable highway rpms. With the 3.90 gear Ill be reving under 2200@65mph while locked in 4th. Hershey, I got the whole shebang kit from BTO. 200R set up for 5k full throttle automatic upshift, lockup vertor(2200stall), yoke, shifter conversion, dipstick, inspection cover, TV cable kit, speedo gear kit for 26" tire x 3.90 gear, brake pedal switch, convertor lockout switch and wiring,....hmmm, im sure theres somthin else im forgettin..... Crate is still in the truck. Unopened, ill wait till I get it on the ground before knocking off the lid. Waitin for my bro to get off work tomorrow. He'll help me get it out of the truck. The car is going on stands tomorrow.
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SmokedTires
Senior Member
1632 posts [100%]
Syracuse, NY
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 5:49 PM 8/25/2001 | |
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Sounds like your going to be a busy person for the next few days  , congrats on some great improvements for your C3 !
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 modified 1974 corvette w/following,crane,edelbrock,sportmanII,mallory,msd,holley,VB&P Street&Slalom,centerforce,energy suspension,richmond 3.90:1 reargears,hooker headers/ sidepipes,lakewood,fluidampr,4pt. bar,TT II's 17x8"w/RE730's,Tom's 30 spline posi & side yokes. Things to come this spring, TKO or 2004R O/D, JCL chrome sidepipes . 
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Jvette73
Senior Member
926 posts [100%]
Severna Park, Maryland
| | Re: Tranny has arived (mikeo) | 5:55 PM 8/25/2001 | |
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Yes im getting excited just thinkin bout the first new ride. This tranny is pre run prior to shipping. BTO says no break in period. Run it thru the gears easy one time, then have you way with it.
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Rolling Thunder
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
1605 posts [100%]
Paducah, KY
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 5:58 PM 8/25/2001 | |
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Have fun!  I just did the initial start up pressure checks on my BTO 700R4 today. I'm curious to see how you like the 200. Keep us informed.Dave
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71 Coupe (under construction) So far, ZL-1 Flares (front and rear), Functional L-88 hood, ZZ/502, Stahl headers w/69 style (fiberglass) sidepipe covers w/ Moroso Spiral Flows, Bowtie Overdrive 700R4, Griffin Nascar Radiator w/ Spal dual fans. LeMans Flip-top Fuel Cap. TT-D's 15"x10" rear 15"x8.5" front, 325/50/15 BFG Drag Radials. 95 Torch Red Convertible
NCM Member
NCCC Member
Heartland Corvettes of Western Kentucky
My CorvetteForum Home Page
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Jvette73
Senior Member
926 posts [100%]
Severna Park, Maryland
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Rolling Thunder) | 6:06 PM 8/25/2001 | |
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Wiil do Rolling Thunder. Keep us all posted on yur deal as well. What gears are you runnin? BTO says 3.90 or 4.11 are good with the 200. He says 3.70 or higher the 700 is his recomendation.
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Rolling Thunder
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
1605 posts [100%]
Paducah, KY
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 6:19 PM 8/25/2001 | |
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I'm leaving the 3.08's in it for now. Thought I'd play with it for a while then change if needed. With the hp and torque of the 502, it should be fun with any gear set. Dave
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Jvette73
Senior Member
926 posts [100%]
Severna Park, Maryland
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Rolling Thunder) | 6:28 PM 8/25/2001 | |
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Yup the 502 should do it. BTO says he has many of both the 200 and 700 surviving well behind the 502.
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Rolling Thunder
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
1605 posts [100%]
Paducah, KY
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 6:48 PM 8/25/2001 | |
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That's what he (Steve) told me. Guess we'll see. 
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Jvette73
Senior Member
926 posts [100%]
Severna Park, Maryland
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Rolling Thunder) | 1:39 PM 8/26/2001 | |
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The 400 tranny is out. Man that bugger is heavy. Spilled some fluid. No bloody knuckles yet. Smooth so far. Knock on wood. Going back to finish pulling the rear diff now. 
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norvalwilhelm
Senior Member
1239 posts [100%]
Waterloo ontario Canada
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 5:16 AM 8/27/2001 | |
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Rolling Thunder. I would be suprised if the lock up torque convertor will hold the torque of the 502. I have had at least 3 torque convertors in my various 700-R4s and they all slipped if I got on it too hard locked in 4th. I had it set so it wouldn't unlock if pushed too hard so I had to manually unlock it or burn the clutches.
Norval
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Norval
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pats406nitrovette
Senior Member
1387 posts [100%]
galloway,new jersey
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 12:09 PM 9/5/2001 | |
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havent seen any more post from you hope everythings going smooth let us know how your making out.
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1973 2002 electron blue midnight blue interior.msd billet tach drive dist. msd6a,3.70,rpm airgap intake,holley750,2 1/2 exuast flowmasters.(building new short block)
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Jvette73
Senior Member
926 posts [100%]
Severna Park, Maryland
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 1:31 PM 9/5/2001 | |
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The car is still on stands. I am taking my time about getting everything right while jumbling the full time job + married with kids situation. I want this swap to act like it really belongs there. So far the new tranny is in the car but the rear diff is not. It looks like the stock crossmember will work when changing from the 400 to the 200R. The driveshaft looks close as well. I am waiting on a yoke and to pick up the diff with the new 3.90 posi. The shifter conversion kit, TV cable kit, brake pedal switch from BTO are in and functioning well. I ran the power to the lockup convertor thru 2 seperate mini toggles hiddin just under the ashtray lid. One toggle will allow me to over-ride the automatic 4th gear lockup for full throttle upshifts into 4th. They say that locking a convertor under heavy load will damage them. This first toggle when fliped will insure that the convertor will not lock at all. Gear calulators say that my full throttle 3rd to 4th shift will be just under 100mph. The second toggle will allow me to manually lock the convertor in 2nd or 3rd if if reduced cruise speed dictates. The manual toggle, in a round about way, will allow for 7 different cruise ratios. 1, 2, 2L, 3, 3L, 4, 4L. They say that the more you keep the convertor locked the less heat damage you will get. For all out fun, both toggles are turned off for no lockup.
BTO has been good to respond to my questions in a timely manner both on email, and over the phone.
All in all, things are going well. I did not have to remove the distributor for clearence reasons for when the engine tilts back. The engine will fire in tune as it was left when im ready for initial startup. This will be one less thing to worry about . Ill keep you posted as things move along. Im glad to hear your still interested Pat. 
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pats406nitrovette
Senior Member
1387 posts [100%]
galloway,new jersey
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 1:37 PM 9/5/2001 | |
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thanks for responding back glad things are going well its one of my next things on my list,so ll keep checking to see how your doing.
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1973 2002 electron blue midnight blue interior.msd billet tach drive dist. msd6a,3.70,rpm airgap intake,holley750,2 1/2 exuast flowmasters.(building new short block)
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Jvette73
Senior Member
926 posts [100%]
Severna Park, Maryland
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 12:09 PM 9/6/2001 | |
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UPDATE: My original flexplate is drilled for dual bolt pattern so the convertor bolts up. Plastic convertor cover from kit wont fit. To small. It looks like my steel cover from the 400 might work. Gotta see if I can wedge it up between the header collectors. The dipstick for the 400 wont work so I got the one from BTO. It was too long on top so I cut it down and remarked the stick. Its down out of the way now and looks good. I drew power for the convertor from the brake light circut which is a no no, since its always hot. I need to change that connection to a keyed on source.
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Jvette73
Senior Member
926 posts [100%]
Severna Park, Maryland
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 6:43 PM 9/6/2001 | |
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Nother update:
I switched the feed for the convertor wiring to the gas pedal downshift switch circut. The gas pedal downshift switch is not needed for the 200R, and the lead is a keyed on only source, in close proximity to the new brake switch.
The stock 400 inspection cover will work after drilling new mounting holes in it.The shifter conversion kit from shiftworks did not contain a bracket for the park lock cable. This is the mechinism the prevents the shifter from being pulled out of park unless the key is turned on. Ill just delete that function for for now. Ill be carefull not to let any kids play around in the car, especially when parked on a hill.
 I noticed a few metal filings when cleaning the pan before putting it back on. Ill call BTO on that. I had the pan off to set the new marks for the dipstick. Im sure its normal for a few filings on break in and throughout life. This is a brand new rebuild tranny. BTO says all thier trannys are pre run before shipping. I suppose these filings are from thier initial start up.
Peace
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pats406nitrovette
Senior Member
1387 posts [100%]
galloway,new jersey
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 7:08 PM 9/6/2001 | |
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im writing everything down and saveing it.thanks.
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1973 2002 electron blue midnight blue interior.msd billet tach drive dist. msd6a,3.70,rpm airgap intake,holley750,2 1/2 exuast flowmasters.(building new short block)
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Jvette73
Senior Member
926 posts [100%]
Severna Park, Maryland
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 11:39 AM 9/8/2001 | |
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Everything is here and im gonna go out and get down and dirty with it in few. The only thing that I may heve trouble is the driveshaft. The stock 400 trans has a yoke with u bolt straps. The new yoke is closed in ends. The main porpose of the yoke with u-straps is so you can drop the shaft out of the car from the front. You know that other frame crossmember just in front of the rear driveshaft yoke? It wont allow you to pull the shaft down from the rear. If there is enough room around the pinion yoke I may be able to slide it back beside the pinion enough to get the front closed end slipyoke in. I had ordered another yoke with straps but the cross section for the u joint caps is too small. Well see how it goes. I may need to get one of those offset sized u joints so I can use the other yoke on my driveshaft. Or, order yet another youk and see if its correct. Believe me, if theres a way..Ill do it.
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Jvette73
Senior Member
926 posts [100%]
Severna Park, Maryland
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 3:36 PM 9/8/2001 | |
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I need another yoke. Or maybe an offset u joint. All the #'s on Autozone suggest that the driveshaft U-joints on all C3's are the same. So I need a vette yoke for a 350 tranny. That will work with my 200R. i have a closed yoke that fits the driveshaft but theres now way to shove the driveshaft back far enough into the diff to slide the front yoke in. Thats why I need a Corvette TH350 trans slipyoke with u-bolt straps. or should i try and get a offset U-joint that fits both the larger driveshaft and smaller yoke i already have? I think I should wait out for the correct yoke, if there is one. I could have slid the shaft in before I installed the diff. But that would mean that to pull the driveshaft I would first have to pull the diff. I know there is a correct part out there. I just dont have it now. Im not sure I wanna put in a week link U-joint to make up the difference for the incorrect part.
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xfactor974
Senior Member
270 posts [100%]
hamilton square NJ
| | Re: Tranny has arived (pats406nitrovette) | 8:59 PM 9/8/2001 | |
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Overall the 700 is a more capable transmission for handling torque. 200's were used in weaker cars. And the 700's have been stock in vette's for about 10 years.
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Hooker SuperComps,Edelbrok performer manifold,Xtreme 268H cam, 23 degree Trick FLow heads,Demon 600,Autometer Phantoms all around. 700R4, BeCool Radaitor, PermaCool Trans cooler. Next project is new gears or new heads. Check out my web site http://corvetteforum.cardomain.com/id/xfactor974
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Jvette73
Senior Member
926 posts [100%]
Severna Park, Maryland
| | Re: Tranny has arived (xfactor974) | 3:02 AM 9/9/2001 | |
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The 200R is very capable of handling big tq. The turbo buicks run the 200R and those guys say they are good into the 10's. my bro has a GN that ran consistant low 12's with 200R that had over 100k miles on it. That trans is still good. He just sold it as a core for $650!!! The important thing with either the 200R or the 700R, is to properly set them up. Especially the TV system and the convertor lockup controll. Early failure of both these trannys is usually caused by improper setup. Anyhow,well see. The 200R is what ive switched to. Just gotta round up the correct yoke.
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Jvette73
Senior Member
926 posts [100%]
Severna Park, Maryland
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 4:53 AM 9/9/2001 | |
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Im gonna try the closed end yoke again. I figured out that if i loosen the rear crossmember bolts and pull down on the front pinoin bracket, this will allow the driveshaft to slide back far enough to get the front slipyoke into the tranny. Gotta wait till people wake up around here before I begin banging the old ujoints out.
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pats406nitrovette
Senior Member
1387 posts [100%]
galloway,new jersey
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 4:57 PM 9/9/2001 | |
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my cable modems been down since friday so i just got back on...thanks for the post
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1973 2002 electron blue midnight blue interior.msd billet tach drive dist. msd6a,3.70,rpm airgap intake,holley750,2 1/2 exuast flowmasters.(building new short block)
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Chris81
Senior Member
368 posts [100%]
Garner NC
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 5:59 PM 9/13/2001 | |
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BTO is shipping my 200R4 next Monday!! I was torn between the 700R4 and the 200, but after reading some articles and comparisons, decided that a built 200 will do a great job. The gearing on the 700 was my biggest concern (1st-2nd shift), not that it's that bad a thing but I felt the 3.06 was a bit steep. Probably more fun than a barrel of monkeys if you like smoking your tires though. I'm running a 3.54 rear and Th350 (2.52 1st). With the 200's 2.74 1st, that should be just about right. The way I looked at it was I'd be getting something with a tad better gearing than the th350, plus gain the overdrive (which will turn less rpms than the 700). So how'd I do? Is my thinking right? 
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 .  ZZ4, 700r4, 3.54s Carolina C3 Corvettes
My CorvetteForum Page
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pats406nitrovette
Senior Member
1387 posts [100%]
galloway,new jersey
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Chris81) | 6:39 PM 9/13/2001 | |
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i plan on the same thing ..(pacin california)put the 700 in his i was talking to him tonught and he said it worked out well for him..he has 355 gears.
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1973 2002 electron blue midnight blue interior.msd billet tach drive dist. msd6a,3.70,rpm airgap intake,holley750,2 1/2 exuast flowmasters.(building new short block)
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Jvette73
Senior Member
926 posts [100%]
Severna Park, Maryland
| | Re: Tranny has arived (pats406nitrovette) | 2:47 PM 9/14/2001 | |
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[Modified by Jvette73, 4:48 PM 9/14/2001]
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Jvette73
Senior Member
926 posts [100%]
Severna Park, Maryland
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 5:22 PM 9/14/2001 | |
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Its been a while since an update cause alot has been on my mind. Anyhow I got the closed end yoke I first got to work. I did it by loosening the rear crossmember bolts and removing the front pinion bolt. This allowed me to pull down on the front of the diff giving me enough room between the pinion and floorboard/undercarrige to slide the driveshaft far enough back to give room in the front to slide the yoke in. The driveshaft on this TH400 to 200R conversion did not need to be modified once the new yoke was installed on it. Also in this swap, the crossmember and exaust did fit perfectly without modification. I got the car fired up and the pressure test checked out good. Unfortunatly, I noticed a slight vibration, most noticably between 12 and 1500rpm. not a severe vibe but enough to be concerned with. I am using the original flexplate as it is drilled for both patterns. When I unbolt the convertor and push it back, I can start the the engine and the vibe goes away. I think I have an unbalanced convertor. I guess Ill have to take it back apart again and have the vertor checked for balance. Its my luck. Somehow I dont seem that pissed about it all. Such a small problem in this crazy world of ours. Chris81, did you also get a crossmember from BTO to go with your tranny swap? There will be a length difference when going from 350 to 200R. The driveshaft will need to be remeasured and modified as well I think. For those that might switch from the 400 trans, the 200R is more direct in that the driveshaft and crossmember will work unmodified. When changing from the 350 trans, length will be different. Your Idea on gear ratio with the 200 makes sense to me. It was one of the reasons I too, decided to go with the 200R. I will be running 3.90 gear. Good luck with your swap.
This is what I have to say about recent events:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=151232
[Modified by Jvette73, 7:23 PM 9/14/2001]
[Modified by Jvette73, 7:24 PM 9/14/2001]
[Modified by Jvette73, 7:26 PM 9/14/2001]
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Chris81
Senior Member
368 posts [100%]
Garner NC
| | Re: Tranny has arived (Jvette73) | 7:02 PM 9/14/2001 | |
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Jvette73, yes, I got the crossmember as well. I told Steve to sell me everything I needed.  It's supposed to ship Monday. No telling how long it will take to get to NC from CA. He also said that the driveshaft will work as is w/o mods, but while it's out I'll at least have it balanced. Makes me nervous when you speak of things such as an unbalanced TC. I'll be following your posts closely to see what's up with that. Another vibration is what we don't need!  The guy installing it said I should have gone with the 700R4, but I think he's comparing stock units. It appears as if BTO builds theirs up pretty well. We'll see. Did you ever look at the "reptoid" or the "raptor" trannies (from the Transmission Center)? They tout a bunch of good things but I've never talked to anyone that's installed one of their tranny's. I was sold on BTO because Steve was very helpful and enthusiastic when discussing his products. Hmm... Then again so was my stock broker. 
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