'85 Firebird to Trans Am conversion #3(Drivetrain)

[Corvettecrazy86]

Ok, anybody that's been reading my other threads pretty well knows whats going on so far. Well the engine still hasnt been touched, but I want to gain some more knowledge and opinions.

The tranny I in my car now is a 700R4, and I would like to stay with that model. I understand that the tranny wont switch between a V6 and V8, that the casing is different. Thats correct, right? I also understand, from other sources, that many car guys swap their Th-350s and Th-400s for the 700R4s during restores, so is it safe to assume that it would be a good model to stay with. I have read a lot about the 200-4R, and it sounds nice too, but it is a bit out of my budget for this. This is one of those items I plan on buying new for two reasons: first, the cost of buying a case for my tranny to mount up to the V8 added to the cost of having it rebuilt to handle the extra power, makes it cost almost the same as a new tranny; secondly because a part as important as that, I want it to have a warranty until I can be sure it will work right. So my next question is who/where should I see about getting a newly manufactured tranny. A few places I have looked are Raptor Trans, Monster Trans, and a couple GM Trans sites, are any of these quality.

Lastly, I dont expect the high end of this engine to pass 400 hp/tq, but theoretically, if it were in the 450 hp/tq range, would my stock driveshaft and rear differential (Posi 3.42) be able to handle that power with mild driving habits?

Just being able to go out and cruise by the end of the summer would make me very happy.

[danny]

you might check with some local trans shops for your application. they should offer a warranty and if not keep shopping. i like to use local shops to keep my money local. the trans for the 6 will not bolt to the 8 and you might try to sell it to recover some of the costs of the correct one. just my .02

the drive shaft and diff should handle the change in power.

[Corvettecrazy86]

Thanks, there is a guy that rebuilt a tranny for my pickup. He might know some places to ask, I should have thought about that sooner. And for the driveshaft and rear diff, thanks, I'm thinking they should, but its nice to hear another in agreement.

[dougbfresh]

Still think finding a donor car with all the correct parts is going to save you a ton of time and alot of $$$$$