I plan to swap a 200-4R trans (code: CZF from an '87 Monte SS) in place of the TH350 I'm currently using. I need that 4th gear with these 3.42 gears badly. I know I can unlock the converter simply grounding the TCC signal with the brake switch. I've done that in the past for a 4L65e I had in another car. I'm trying to understand when this 200-4R knows to actually lock the converter. Does it automatically lock at a certain RPM, load, etc? Or do I have to command it with a switch also? I see so much data out there...it gets confusing. I know there's kits all over the place for this, but I can build my own for pennies on the dollar that they're charging. I'm just wondering if the converter locks itself in an '87 200-4R or if I'm going to need to lock it manually. Thanks!
I think it depends on how you have it setup. Mine is setup so that it takes 12V into the trans and then grounds to lock up the converter. Mine only locks in 4th gear and unlocks when I touch the brakes. I also run mine through a vacuum switch so that it unlocks if vacuum drops like when passing.
Another question about the swap... Am I using the flex plate on the 200-4R or the TH350 flex plate? Does the 200-4R flex plate bolt right up? Thanks
I think you mean converter. The flex plate should be for the engine and not the transmission. I had to drill my 455 flex plate for the small bolt pattern as it only had the large pattern. So, if it worked with a 350 Turbo converter, it should work with the 200-4R converter.
No, I mean that the 200-4r I have already has it's original flex plate and convertor. Does it bolt right up to my 350 engine, or will I have to use the TH350 flex plate and bolt that to the 200-4r convertor? I'm wondering if I have to use one or the other for the starter to engage properly. Are the two flex plates the same between the th350 and the 200-4r?
I don't understand. What are you putting this behind? Why would you want to use the flex plate with the transmission instead of the one that is on your engine. Especially, if it is a Monte Carlo/Chevy flex plate and you are putting it in a Buick. I seriously doubt that is possible. The flex plate that is/was on your engine should work with the starter or we don't have enough information to answer your question.
That's my question!!!! I guess I should have said it's from an '87 Monte Carlo. I'm asking which flex plate I NEED to use. Will the Buick 350 one bolt up to the 200-4r torque converter just fine, or can I keep the Chevy flex plate that's already on the trans and bolt that right up to the engine.
No, you absolutely cannot use the non-Buick flex plate. I would expect the 200-4R converter to bolt to a Buick 350 flex plate but check the holes for the converter to the Buick flex plate. If they don't line up, drill new or take both flex plates to a machine shop and tell them to put holes in the Buick flex plate where the Chevy has them.
The flex plate belongs to the engine line, NOT the transmission. You cannot use a Chevy engine flex plate on a Buick engine. Most GM torque converters use two flex plate bolt patterns. Most flex plates are drilled for both.
Make sure you read up on the TV cable installation. If you are running a Q-jet, there are mods you can make to the throttle shaft to accept the TV cable: https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?t...200-4r-700r4-overdrive-throttle-valve.314609/ If you got the TV cable with the trans make sure the ratchet is not worn out.
Right. That's the plan. I was just making sure. If I'm lucky it'll be drilled for both. I do have everything with the trans, and it's going on an Edelbrock. But I bought a universal adjustable cable and some brackets in case the original doesn't line up.
