[gzn9hh]

I have a 64 Chevy11, currently 6cyl. I have purchased a 400small block and want to lose tjhe powerglide. I am looking for a recomendation for 700r4 vs 200r4. rearend is most likely a 3.08. Also I have a new 2500 converter that is not a lock up. I it worht the ezpense to get a locking converter ?

[joshp83]

what is the converter for a 700 or 200 r4 the 200r4 converter will work in a early pre 84 700 id go with a 700 r4 in your combo

[gzn9hh]

Thanx for the advise. the converter is 25 year old "new" converter for a turbo400 if I remember right.

[joshp83]

were are u located

[gzn9hh]

youngstown,ohio

[JeffB]

If you have a 3.08 rear you won't have much use for an overdrive the engine will lug when it's in overdrive.The overdrive would be better with 3.55 gears or more,with 4.10's and a 700R4 I was turning around 2400 at 70 MPH.In your Nova the 200R4 would be a better fit,here is a converter Oregon Performance Transmission - Rebuild Parts for 700R4 4L60E 4L80E E4OD 4R100 47RE 48RE & More GM 200-4R EARLY 27 SPLINE 700R4 HEAVY DUTY HIGH STALL 2000-2600 RPM better to have the lock up with overdrive.In either case your donor overdrive should be from 1987-92 these were non-computer and had the newer upgrades.

[gzn9hh]

Why would the 200r be the better choice?ratio gear to gear? Or 1 gear ratio or od.

[JeffB]

It is almost the same length as the Powerglide and has a smaller case making it a better fit.

[gzn9hh]

I did see that overall length was very close to pg. How about cross member position
, is it close also? Not having to modify drive shaft has merit.

[JeffB]

Trans-Dapt makes a universal crossmember: Trans Dapt 4559 Trans Dapt Performance Crossmembers

[vinniekq2]

I would love to have another chevyII. I would use a 283 and a 6 speed TCI.
The 400 can use any gear ratio you want to use.

[gzn9hh]

Looking forward to this project with my grandson. I have sat on this car since the mid 80's. On the hunt for a 200r. I have the sb400 and am planning a Heidts front end.

[vinniekq2]

I hope you post pictures as the project comes along.If its for the grandson then the project will be twice as much fun. I hope the boy doesnt fight about the power out put and keeps it conservative.The upgraded front end is a great idea,even if its just the safety aspect.

[gzn9hh]

I think he believes me that the 400 on the lazy side will out last the smaller wound up power plant. He sees the difference in out dirt bikes, my lazy 4 stroke vs the screaming 2 stroke he rides. I remember how the old chevy 11 handled. Brakes were terrible. When you made a hard stop. the body would pitch forward and the rr wheels locked up. Of course it was meant to be an around town commuter giving 16 mpg.

[dwwl]

I used a 200 4r for my nova. Its just about the same as the gp for length. I didn't have to shorten the drive shaft. I just move the cross member back to the next holes and redrilled a couple of new ones. My nova is a 1977 which is different than yours. I rebuilt mine myself and added extra clutches. I rebuilt and upgraded it to a ten vane pump and relieved it. I also put in large boost valves. I love it. But i agree, if your going to keep 3.08 gears, there is no sense for an overdrive. Mine is 350 hp 355 ci with 3.73 10 bolt poss. Now i have my low gears for street and highway gear for traveling.