V6-4.3L and a 200 metric

galangmaid · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 8:30 pm Post subject: V6-4.3L and a 200 metric

I have a 4.3L engine with a Hydromatic Metric. How can I tell if I have a 200 or 200c? Also, if I wanted to go with a automatic w/ OD which one would be the easiest to use/install where there's no modifications/cutting etc. A bolt-on type preferably.
Thank you in advance.

dougs85 · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 9:03 pm Post subject:

As you might know the 200C has a lock-up torque converter. You should be able to feel it when it kicks in. My '85 with a 305 had a 200C, changed it out to a TH350. Since the 200C uses the computer to activate the lock-up converter and also uses a TV cable an overdrive swap is pretty easy. I would recommend you use the 2004R since the drive shaft is the same length as the 200 metric. Do you know what your rear axle ratio is? If it's a 2.41, a TH 350 might be a better choice if you don't change the ratio to a higher number. A 2.41 ratio with overdrive will be somewhat gutless on any sort of hill.

Just for comparison, my '87 came stock with a 2004R with a 3.08 rear axle ratio.

Doug
_________________
85 El Camino 305, TH350, K&N, dual exhausts
87 El Camino 305, 2004R, K&N, dual exhausts
1964-1/2 Mustang conv, 260 V8, dual exhausts
2002 Jaguar XJ8, 2000 Harley Road King
Lakewood, CO

galangmaid · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 8:08 am Post subject:

So if my TBI has a cable going to the tranny then it's a 200C.........right?
I going to assume the rearend is a 2.41 so if i went with a 2004R, will the rpm of the motor be too low once it hit overdrive?
Thanks

dougs85 · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 11:26 am Post subject:

galangmaid · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 5:21 pm Post subject:

When I get back home this week I'll check the rearend.
So what you're really saying about the 2004r is that it's not a good choice. My tranny currently is doing fine. I just miss having overdrive.
Thanks again Doug.

kmcarr · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 5:34 pm Post subject:

i know this is steering you down the wrong road possibly i dont know what your after but if i remember right you stated engine was 4.3, i went with a 700r4 lockup and 3.73 gears, a lil high for travling but performance aspect not to bad but if you keep the foot off its still gets good gas mileage, something else to think about!

dougs85 · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 6:41 pm Post subject:

galangmaid · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 6:44 pm Post subject:

Thanks. Basically loooking for good/better gas mileage since 99 % of my driving is on the interstate. I'm currently getting about 18-20 mpg now.

Al Camino · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 6:58 pm Post subject:

Check your glove box. An 85 should have sticker with your axle code included. You definitely should match your axle & trans ratios.

dougs85 · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 10:41 pm Post subject:

galangmaid · Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 9:42 pm Post subject:

Well my glove box didn't have anything in it however the machanic I usually deal with happened to have a 350c available with a shift kit installed so I had him go ahead and swap my tranny out. BOY what a difference......like night and day. Now have a lot of get up and go and highway speed rpm is just fine.
Thanks everybody.

dougs85 · Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 11:53 pm Post subject:

Glad it worked out for you and that you are happy with it.

Doug
_________________
85 El Camino 305, TH350, K&N, dual exhausts
87 El Camino 305, 2004R, K&N, dual exhausts
1964-1/2 Mustang conv, 260 V8, dual exhausts
2002 Jaguar XJ8, 2000 Harley Road King
Lakewood, CO