Just want to get some opinions about changing my 400 turbo to a 700r4. I have contacted Bowties Overdrive and they seem like good people to work with. They sent me a quote for all parts i would need which totals just over $2500. This is what they call there level 2 transmission which includes a 2200 rpm torgue convertor. What I am looking for is a transmission that has very good snap and quickness when shifting. I am not really all that concerned with gas mileage, however if i understand the gearing ratio i will pick up lower end with the 700r4 compared to the 400 turbo. Will this help eliminate the need to change the rear to a lower set of gears or will I still need to do that in the future? Again i dont plan on racing it but I like the lower ratio for quickness and snap. With the 700r it would help if I ever took it out on the road. I may drive it to OC Maryland in the fall for their corvette weekend. That trip would be about 180 miles. Is it that important to have a company like bowties do the transmission compared to a local trans shop around here. I dont know of any performance trans shops locally but I do have 2 trans shops that I could buy the trans from but what about the setup then? Just looking for your opinions!
Thanks for your help.
Rodney

I had a local guy do mine, I did buy cross over and some other parts from bowtie. You will like the 700R4, mine will chirp the tires just going from 1st to 2nd. I have the stock gears and will leave them for the fuel mileage.

You might want to look into the 200 r4.  It has almost identical gear ratios, and is the same length as your 400, which simplifies the install.  Bowties OD also sells them.

You will love the drive-ability with either of them.

Larry

Just finished my 700R4 conversion and also went with the BTO crossmember. Ya gotta love 1900 RPM at 65MPH!!

Hey Rodney,

I had a 700R4 installed in my '79 earlier this year. I went with a local guy who has a very good reputation and I'm very happy with the job he did.

After many calls to Bowties and reading about transmissions here and on the web I think I am ready to order my transmission. I am going to go with the level 2 2004R as Larry recommended because I can still use my original cross member. Now a few questions about the trans before I order it, they put a 10 vane pump rotor in all there trans they build but offer a 13 vane pump at no extra charge if you want. Is this something that I should ask for or is just over kill and maybe to much? Also should I consider a deep Alum pan which holds 2 extra qt and is a $210 upgrade? Will it make a ground clearance issue? I was going to get the 2200 rpm converter. The TV cable can be a standard black cable or a nicer chrome braided cable but there is a $30 difference. They also said the standard cable is easier to adjust.  Not sure yet if I will have to change the front Yoke on the drive shaft but it sounds like its a good possibility. Last question for now is what kind of fluid is everyone using when they upgrade. I havent asked that question to the Bowties people yet but will this week. Hope to place my order by Wednesday for a mid August delivery.
I received my 3:55 gears on Thursday so will be changing them when I do the tranny as well.
I will still be changing the exhaust when everything is complete to a 2 1/2" system. I changed the mufflers to flowmaster 40 series 2 weeks ago and really like the sound.  I have a local guy that is not real expensive and it should make a cleaner job then I can do myself.
You guys here are great and I appreciate your thoughts and ideas.
Thanks
Rodney

You will have to change the yoke on the trans....the 400 yoke will not work on a 2004R.

I finally placed my order for a Bowties Overdrive 2004R. They were really great to get information from. Thanks to everyone that helped here as well. It is to be built the first week of August and will be delivered sometime the week of the 9th - 13th. Hope it comes before Friday the 13th!! I asked about the 13 vane pump rotor and the tech told me he doesnt recommend it because the pump walls have to be made thinner and it doesnt make any difference in performance. I went with their level 2 trans and a 2200 rpm converter. Ordered a standard pan, new yoke, u-joint, and flex plate.
Not looking forward to doing the change over but I cant wait to drive it once its finished. Oh thats right a vette is never finished!! Again thanks for everyones help and input. I will keep you up to date as I move forward.
Rodney

Can someone send a link where I can get some information on the 200 r4, it sound like a good alternative.

Bow Tie Overdrives