The Camaro Club (UK)

Hi folks - at last I have had my first run in my 1970 RS/SS Camaro
Whilst being very enjoyable I have a bit of a snagging list - one of which is the gearing. For a powerful car she revs so high - at 70 it must be around 3000 revs.
I am therefore thinking of upgrading the Turbo 350 to an overdrive auto trans or an overdrive unit.
I understand a TH200R4 trans will pretty well bolt straight in. The 700R4 will go in with mods to propshaft etc or there is the Gear Vendors overdrive unit.
I am only going to use the car for road use - mainly touring.
The 200R4 seems the way to go but how to source a transmission - they are available from the USA but a few people have put me off as if the transmission arrives with any faults you have no effective come back on the supplier.
The Gear Vendors overdrive seems a good solution but is pretty expensive.
Has anyone done any such upgrades and can advise on pros / cons of any particular conversion?
Can anyone advise of any company in the South East that undertakes such conversions?
Cheers and Happy New Year all!

I may be able to source a 700r4 but it sounds like changing the axle ratio would be cheaper and easier to achieve your goal

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1997 30th Anniversary SS SLP
1993 GMC Typhoon

Alders Automatics are specialist US gearbox people based in Sussex. They didn't do a brilliant job of my manual conversion, but it was a bit of a trial thing for them. i reckon they've done loads of these kind of swaps, or at least could supply a refurb'd 200R4 box.

As Twisted says above though, if you're happy with 3 speed, and the current TH350 works just change the rear diff ratio..

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“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

This guy...

http://www.americanautomatics.co.uk/

I had a very in depth conversation with this chap and although I haven't used the chap for work he does come across as sincere, genuine and has a love for Americana. Plus I think his prices are pretty darn good too!

I'm in a similar situation as yourself. 3.90 is my final drive coupled with an unmodified TH350. It's pretty much useless for regular road driving. Buzzing away at 4000 rpm in third at 70 isn't for me! The acceleration is great and for the 1/4 mile (which the previous owners used the car for) is great. I'd say a 700 R4 is the best idea compared to likes of a three speed. Better acceleration and MPG for road usage.

Potentially I'm planning on supercharging my ZZ4 at some point and I spoke to Jon at American Automatics with reference to building a strengthened 700 R4. If you're not planning on creating more horse power a standard 700 R4 should work just fine. I wouldn't bother with Gear Vendours, it's a nice idea but do really need such an expensive piece of kit? As mentioned earlier it might be an idea to change your final drive, or maybe the application of 700 R4 on it's own will get you where you want to be.

Some info on ratios...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbo-Hydramatic

Thanks folks - very useful.
I spoke to Alders who were very helpful and have given a detailed quote for doing the whole transmission swap.
I spoke to Jon at American auto's who will get back to me but basically he can only supply the gearbox and advise on parts required which I would then have to source and arrange for another garage to carry out the trans swap.
I must admit I favour the "one stop shop" service offered by Alders but the price of their basic gearbox seems high compared to what Jon has on his American Auto's web site - although that might be out of date so will wait for his e-mail.
I can see you would only do the swap for cruising comfort as you would need to burn a lot of fuel before you recoup the expense!! but I think for any type of touring comfort it's going to have to be done.

whereabouts in the country are you Bazza?

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1997 30th Anniversary SS SLP
1993 GMC Typhoon

Indeed you will have to do some mileage to recoup the cash. However what really annoys me about my car is the high rpm at 70-90 mph, it's annoying to say the least although it might be different if I lived in Podington

When I spoke to Jon he said it "could" be possible to change the transmission but his space is really limited. Also he gave me a good price on a 700 R4 and that was less than a year back.