1976 455 & 200R4 set up???

Hi guys, I'm usually on the small block forum, looking for ways to build the 300 that came in my 65 skylark.
I have access to a '76 455, I know parts are available for a swap, and I know the '76 is no power house in stock form.
What I'm curious about is what kind of set up guys with 455's with a 200R4 have. I'm curious about what kind of power a 200R4 will withstand, (I have an 88 model out of a Monte SS, CZ code I think), what gears would be best, what kind of quarter mile times guys are pulling off, how big of a rad, and fuel mileage.
If I go with the 455 I plan on just putting it in, then maybe after I get the rest of the bugs worked out (full frame off) then I'll put some effort into a rebuild with some real buick grunt!!!
I was looking to rebuild my 300, but parts for 455's are so much more available, ebay, swap meets etc....:TU:

 

Even if you decide not to use it, definately grab the '76. That's the best 455 core made. I know that a few guys on here use the 2004R, but I don't think they're putting mega grunt to it. If it's more street than strip you should be fine. If I'm not mistaken, they come with good gear sets(ratio wise), just not too strong in the sprag dept and have smaller shafts.

 

The 200r4 is pretty popular these days, and there are plenty of places to do a heavy rebuild if you need more capacity. Last week, I met a guy with an LS6 Chevelle with the 200, running 4.11 gears at the track. (Even a CHEVY makes enough torque with 4.11's to tax a tranny!!) He made a dozen passes before going home, so the trans can definitely take it. Of course, the turbo guys are putting down mega-power with this trans, but it's a gentler hit than the big blocks.

Art Carr, Level 10, and others can make it work if you need big horsepower, otherwise, just try it as is!

I have a nice article from a Pontiac magazine on this swap. I'll attempt to put it into Adobe file format, and email it to you. Won't be for a couple hours, though, gotta do some work right now...

Dave

 

How much with the 455 will the 65 weight? You can get a basic street strip rebuild for as little as about $900 with a lock up D5 converter that will live a full life behind a stout big block. An unmodified D5 would stall around 2500 rpms behind a healthy street big block. I am told a steet strip can live up to about 600TQ in a 3500LB car less in a heavier car. TurboBuick.com tranny sections is a good place for info. You should be able to find a refferal for a good tranny guy in your area there. Ideal gears probably in the 3.42 to 3.73 range depending on cam and tire height mostly. Q-jet over Holley and 2004R lockup over TH400 probably worth 3 to 6 mpg so it will if you are putting miles on it pay for itself. Plus less rpms on the highway will help the motor live longer.

 

C.Habel

Just wanted you to know, that it's been 1 year to the day today my 2004R has lived behind my 455, backed by 3:42's in my 82 Regal.

I just got back from the Midwest Buick Challange about 168 miles I used just over a half a tank of gas , thats just about 18 MPG, at hiway speeds none the less, around 2300 rpm's(70-74 mph).

Stock "71" 455 with Edlebrock intake and a q-jet, with HEI, and headers.

At 2300 rpm's that seemed to be it's "sweet" spot for cruising.

As for abusing it, the trans was orginaly in my 86 GN, and I abused it religously.

I've only hit the track once since the 2004R has been behind the 455, and due to lack of traction issues, I've never made a good solid pass.

Mild upgrades done to the trans when I had it rebuilt 3 years ago, nothing outrageous, more like the recipe rebuild.
Blue Plate clutches
wider bands
10 vane pump
harden stator
"Red Stripe" revamp D5 converter 2800 stall I beleive

No need to shy away from the trans, several of the TR guys are running them ragged ( built of course) into the 9's,and they still hold together.

Hope this helps
later