I am building a 454 that will put out around 500 ft lbs torque and i am thinking of putting a th400 or a th200 r4 behind it. I can get either one for about $200 and i plan on rebuilding it to withstand the the torque and shift harder. I think i prefer the th200 4r because of the lower first gear and the overdrive but i am thinking that a th400 will be cheaper for me. Either way i go, what am i looking at buying for kits to do this myself?

Will this kit make it withstand 500 ft lbs?http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=TCI-386800&N=700+115&autoview=sku or http://www.cpttransmission.com/2004R_rebuild_kit.htm

(http://www.cpttransmission.com/2004R_rebuild_kit.htm)

http://www.bulkpart.com/

thanks for the link but that doesn't tell me how much power or torque it can take

Unless the 2004R is built to handle a big block, it's not worth it.

Unless the 2004R is built to handle a big block, it's not worth it.
I realize that and im asking what is needed to do so

I realize that and im asking what is needed to do so

About a $1200-$1500 rebuild from everything I have read on them...by a place that specializes in performance transmissions.

I'm talking about doing it myself, annd would like to know what kit and what components are needed in it for it to withstand my engine

I would stick with the 400 but, to answer your question of what parts do you need to make the 200R4 stronger, I would use the red eagle clutches and steels a kit will run around $500.00. Jumbo servo $235.00. TCI offers a constant pressure valve body for these transmissions $215.00. If you want the OD the 4L80E would be your better choice.
www.tciauto.com
lowell@tciauto.com
888-776-9824

I prefer the 400 all the way around myself. I had a 700 and the 1st gear was too low to be useful at all. I completely went through a 400 with all upgraded parts and also bought a 3000 converter from Redneck for right at a grand for everything. I love the setup.

I am building a 454 that will put out around 500 ft lbs torque and i am thinking of putting a th400 or a th200 r4 behind it. I can get either one for about $200 and i plan on rebuilding it to withstand the the torque and shift harder. I think i prefer the th200 4r because of the lower first gear and the overdrive but i am thinking that a th400 will be cheaper for me. Either way i go, what am i looking at buying for kits to do this myself?

Will this kit make it withstand 500 ft lbs?http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=TCI-386800&N=700+115&autoview=sku or http://www.cpttransmission.com/2004R_rebuild_kit.htm

(http://www.cpttransmission.com/2004R_rebuild_kit.htm)


The basic rebuild kit doesn't need much fancy to make the 200-4R live at 500 lb/ft. The issue is the forward drum.
I would usually suggest you not attempt to build the 200-4R yourself for performance use. However if you do so, I would do your research on TurboBuicks.com

I build them and also sell kits and I can definitely beat the prices above (by about 100%) and give you real tech advice on what needs to be done to a 200-4R.

I had a 700 and the 1st gear was too low to be useful at all. .



The 2004r doesn't have as low a first gear as the 700.

It would be hard to pass up something with overdrive. IF I ever go to an auto it would probaby be a 2004r with one of those non-locking 9.5 converters like what they sell at california performance transmissions, Art Carr.

See if you can find someone to rebuild the 2004r. That overdrive would really be nice! And you would save on gas with the overdrive, so which one is cheaper in the long run is debatable.

What gears do you have right now?