thought about it, but I heard 1st gear isn't as torquey as a 700r which would be a plus lugging this tank around. plus I heard they are not as bulletproof, it's not as easy to rebuild and parts are not as readily available as a 700r.
I just shoved in a 700R4 into my 59 Impala coupe. Changed out the rear gear to 3.70 and I got lucky because a previous owner shoved in a long tail T350. So I didn't have to cut down the driveshaft. Hope to be driving it in a couple of months. With the 700 you do not have to cut the tunnel. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
When I put a 700r4 transmission in my model a roadster it sat lower in the chassis than the turbo 400. I believe the same is true for the T350. So check out the dimensions and linear stance and be ready to alter the rear trans mount height. Posted using Full box of Crayons on the Kitchen Walls App!
This might help make a more educated decision. http://webrodder.com/article/700r4-vs-200r4-which-is-best
Early 2004R transmissions had some strength issues...all well known...and corrected. The very same is true of the early 700R4 trannies. The first gear ratio of the 2004R is 2.74........the 700R4 is 3.06. Not a huge difference. General opinion seems to be that the 2004R has a better overall spread between ratios. GM, quite successfully, used the 2004R behind the very potent Buick Grand National turbocharged engines. Any transmission shop worth it's salt can properly build either trans with readily available parts. The very fact that this debate, 200 vs 700, is ongoing is evidence that both transmissions are worthwhile. If the 2004R is still problematic it would not have so many supporters. The 200 uses less horsepower to operate than does the 700 which is also the situation when comparing 350 vs 400, Ford C4 vs C6....... Obviously your call to make....best wishes with your project.
No need to mess with the trans tunnel with either a 200R or 700R. With a 700R you'll have to shorten the front drive shaft 3".
Did a 61' bubbletop and put on over 35,000 miles with the 700r4. Had no problems what so ever. I have a 62' Belair wagon in my shop with a 427 and 700r4 in it. If you'd like pictures of how I did the trans crossmember let me know. It pretty much looks like it's a stock set-up.
Made my own X-member, and used the factory frame mounts. This keeps the pan about 1/4" above the bottom of the frame. used 1/8" plate to get the job done. The cross member itself is about 1/4" shorter than the factory mount and helps add some clearance all the way around.
As many have said, the 700R4 fits without trans tunnel mods. Just need to make new mount since it is farther back then T350. Being low, you should consider to have the driveshaft modified for rear slip yoke, when you also shorten the front shaft for the longer 700R4. I had this on my 59 El Camino with 350/700R4 and it completely eliminated the problems with the carrier bearing. I see you are considering the 200R4, that is also a good choice. Not sure what mods required with that, maybe just the mount. Still think about the rear driveshaft mods if you do not already have that.
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