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700R4

The TH700R4 transmission was designed to replace the TH350 transmission.  It is
a GM automatic transmission designed for rear wheel drive vehicles.

GM was feeling the pressure to produce more fuel efficient cars from both the
government and consumers, the latter were just starting to discover the
reliability and fuel savings that Japanese auto makers were offering.

The 2004R and 700R4 allowed the heavier Detroit iron to not look embarrassingly
inefficient next to their new rivals.  It made it’s debut in the 1982 model
year.  If you want to learn more about the differences is the 2004R vs 700R4,
just check that article out.

While it is not computer controlled, it does use a TV Cable, which acts like a
throttle position sensor to control when and how hard it shifts. Most people
concede that the first 5 or so years the transmission was pretty weak.

It was much improved by the 1988 model year.  If going to look for one in the
salvage yard, try and look for an example newer than 88′.  The C4 Corvette uses
a special shorter version, so be aware of that when going to seek one out.  Also
keep in mind that the case is larger than a TH350, so if room is at a premium
look to the 2004R.

700R4


It is often still a favorite choice of many car enthusiasts due to its
reliability, relative inexpensiveness, and the fuel savings afforded by the
overdrive gear.   In 1990 it was re-branded 4L60 and remained in common use
through 1992.

Although similar to today’s modern 4L60E they cannot be easily exchanged for one
another.   The reason for this is because it works with the engines computer in
tandem with the engine to provide consistent shifting that is well suited to any
speed and throttle load situation.



The 700R4, on the other hand is told when to shift by the aforementioned “TV
cable”.  This cable hooks directly to the carburetor or throttle body.  The ECM
is a tremendous improvement over the TV Cable, which itself is a tremendous
improvement over the kick down and vacuum modulator found on a TH350.


700R4 GEAR RATIOS

Reverse First Gear Ratio Second Gear Ratio Third Gear Ratio Fourth
Gear/Overdrive 2.30 3.06 1.63 1.00 0.70


FLUID CAPACITY

The thing with fluid capacity is that it is not constant for every application.
 But as a rule the 700r4 holds about 11 Quarts.  If it is a high capacity
version it could hold up to 12 quarts, and if it has a transmission cooler
attached that’s good for at least another quart.




TV CABLE ADJUSTMENT

Adjusting the TV cable is a relatively easy process that allows you to change
the shift points of your vehicle.  It will fix a 700R4 that has really firm
shifts, or shifts that feel to sluggish. It is important to make sure that this
cable is in adjustment.  A transmission that is not shifting properly will wear
out faster than you’d like.  dThe TV cable is a very easy thing to adjust.
 There is a little semi-circle looking button that you press in.  You’ll than be
able to adjust it from there.  It’s a pretty straight forward process.  I think
this write up is a phenomenal resource on adjusting a TV cable.


TH350 TO 700R4 CONVERSION

The swap is relatively straightforward. You will need to do just a few things.
The 700R4 is 24” from bell housing to tail shaft with a 6” tail shaft. The TH350
is 22 1/4 “ from the bell housing to the tail shaft, with 3” 6” and 9” tail
shafts available.

Most of the time you’ll have to have the driveshaft shortened. The transmission
mount location on the 700R4 is also a few inches further back (21.25” vs 19.5”
with the TH350) so a new crossmember or some fabrication will be required. The
TH350 uses a kick down cable.



It is not the same as the The next order of business will be to adjust install
and adjust the TV Cable, which is no way the same as a kick down cable. The
TH700R4 uses a switch attached to the brake pedal to disengage the locking
torque converter.

You’ll need to wire it up. Most people utilize a switch attached to the brake
pedal like the stock cars that the 700R4 came with. It’s a pretty simple
process. After that, just fill it with fluid and you’re golden.

 * You will need to shorten the driveshaft regardless of whether or not you have
   the Corvette version or the standard length 700R4.
 * They both us the same output shaft so you do not need to get a new one.
 * You must get a NEW torque converter for the swap.  The 700R4 uses a locking
   converter which is not interchangeable.  By locking the torque converter
   it makes a direct connection between the engine and transmission much in the
   same way that a manual transmission would going down the highway.
 * You can look forward to roughly 30% better fuel economy.
 * You will need to hook up the converter lock wiring.



If you are using this on an LS swap you should note:

 * There is a bolt hole that is on Gen I and II small block Chevys that is not
   on generations III and IV.  This does not cause any issues.
 * You will need to have the ECU re flashed in order to remove the shift
   tables.  You will also have extra wiring on your harness.
 * You will need to fabricate or order a specific bracket to make the TV cable
   compatible with the engine.  Most people either hook it to the gas pedal, or
   if it’s drive by cable, they will hook it to the throttle arm on the throttle
   body.
 * You may need to modify or create the locking converter wiring.


HOW TO BUY A 700R4

Salvage yard:  (good for budget and lower horsepower applications)

 * The advantages:  It is easier to get an idea of the kind of life that the
   transmission may have had before coming into your life.  You can evaluate the
   vehicle that it was in and glean important information such as mileage of the
   vehicle before it met its end.  Although a good 700R4 is getting harder to
   find in the salvage yard it is still possible to find one.  A good rule of
   thumb is to look for a vehicle that came in due to a non-driveline related
   death.  I.E.  It may have been sideswiped or incurred some form of mild
   damage that rendered the vehicle structurally sound, yet unusable by the
   owner.


 * The Disadvantages:  The 700R4 has been out of production for quite a long
   time.  So, it’s going to be a lot more difficult to find than a 4L60E.  Even
   though you are going to know vehicle that it came from, that vehicle is still
   going to be at least 20 years old.  Be careful, and make sure that the
   salvage yard guarantees it to work.  At the minimum they should have
   guarantee that if the transmission does not work that you can bring it back
   and swap it out for another unit free of charge.  Keep in mind that these
   guys are not going to pay you for your labor in

Craigslist:  The great crapshoot.

 * The advantages:  Everyone is familiar with the online classified site.  You
   can often find a deal that is better than better than what the local speed
   shop or even the internet can offer for a freshened up unit.  Many people
   have rebuilt units that they never got into putting in their car.  Also, many
   people are doing the LS motor/4L60E swap you can find so many people are
   unloading perfectly good units.


 * The disadvantages:  It’s Craigslist.  Be careful whenever you go to meet
   somebody.  Use common sense.  Make sure that you are in public when you do
   the transaction whenever possible.  There is a McDonalds close to virtually
   anywhere.  They have a pretty good guide
   at http://www.craigslist.org/about/safety.  It is important to note that it
   can be more difficult getting your money back or a new transmission if you
   buy from an individual.

Online:  Easy, safe and getting more cost effective.

 * Advantages:  There are many reputable shops selling online.  A great place to
   look is EBay. You should reasonably expect to find a rebuilt 700R4 with the
   TV cable, a torque converter, and rebuilt insides for right around $600.  You
   can find one that can handle at least 500 horsepower for right around the
   $1000 price point.  Amazon is another great place to look.  They have them at
   similar prices, and if you happen to be a member of their fantastic prime
   service you can save a ton of money in shipping

 * Disadvantages:  Be wary of some sellers on eBay that charge you a core fee. 
   There is absolutely no reason to do this.  It is just a way to make the
   pricing look more appealing.  Often, people don’t notice this and get a bad
   deal.   It’s more expensive, but if you can it’s great to have a transmission
   that you know is going to stand the test of time.



No matter where you decide to get a 700R4 Transmission from, the more research
you do the more money you will save.

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