Metric 200

[MNracer61]

I have recently turned on the metric 200 being used as a drag transmission. I am running circle track and the fast guys have always used powerglides but this year they are against the rules.

Anybody have experience with building the metric 200 and is it durable enough to run 200 to 250 laps in first gear? Would like to find a guy locally (minnesota) to build one but don't want to be towed off due to unreliability.

Thanks for any info.

Mark

[ijames]

My understanding is that the 200 4R overdrive trans is a 200 with the overdrive stuck on the back, and there are several nationally known 200 4R builders in the turbocharged Buick Grand National world that can build them to handle 800-1000 hp on the dragstrip. None near you, of course . I'd start with Lonnie Diers at Extreme Automatics in Cincinnati, OH, or Jimmy's Transmissions in Mundelein, IL (by Chicago). Actually, I'd go to www.turbobuick.com and browse the transmissions forum and post there.

[Greezer]

Have a Nice Day

[MNracer61]

It is actually the TH-200 metric trans. It was in 77 to 79 chevy cars. Impala caprice etc.

They have very light internals but I have never tried using one. It is my understanding that the rotating mass weighs less than the rotating mass of a powerglide.

I am not talking about the 2004r

[Masher Manufacturing]

The 200 3 speed and 200 R4 4 speed share the front and rear planets, clutches.

The front pump, output shaft ( and OD planets )valve body are different.

As for stamped planets , how many powerglides are running 6 cyl planets? They are stamped.

The 200 had a problem with the 2nd gear band overlaping shift timing with the direct clutches. Being it is a oval track app, they only need to make a couple of shifts from 1st to 2nd per nite so the 2 to 3 shift isn't a problem.

[MNracer61]

Just wanted to update. I found someone locally to build me a Metric 200 (not the 2004r) for my circle track car. it turns out the rotating mass in second gear is almost 14 lbs lighter thant he power glide rotating mass.

I used it all season and ran 30 some events 2 features a night and ran 6 Enduro events of at least 150 laps a race. THe tranmsission held up awesome and really woke up the car.

6 had 6 feature wins and won a 2 lap Enduro posting my fastest lap times ever.

Just wanted to pass it on.

[77cruiser]

Wouldn't it be better to gear accordingly & run the trans. in hi gear 1-1?

[ZIGGY]

Sure, if rules and/or gear availability permit.

[MNracer61]

Sure, if rules and/or gear availability permit.

That is correct. It would make sense but I have to run a stock rear end and I would have to find a 6.75 or something close to get the final drive I have currently. Have not found any gear that low for a GM 10 bolt

[77cruiser]

OK gotcha

[MWMx03]

Does anyone know what can be done to a M200 or a PowerGlide, to get the best performance out of it for Dirt Circle Track? Can things be lightened, etc.....

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or knowledge.

[ZIGGY]

MW - for CT PG's there are some light weight pieces available (e.g.clutch drum) and there are are some components which can be lightened(e.g.reverse ring gear). IME you will rarely see such a max effort (and costly)trans. Common mods are mostly concerned with eliminating the torque converter, legally or illegally. A few CT builders might add an extra friction, go full roller bearing, etc. PG's just aren't used that much anymore except in "stock" or other classes where an automatic or oem manual trans are required. There are at least two mod books available. Check Jegs or Amazon. As for metric 200's, they're still relatively new in my part of the CT world. I've been associated with a couple and so far, so good. Don't have anything else to say on them at this moment. P.S. - check the thread below in this section titled "who needs torque converter..."

[falcongeorge]

Not to hijack, but I have heard the Metric 200 has a much larger servo than the 200R4, and it can be swapped into the 200R4. Anyone else heard/done this?

[MNracer61]

Not to many people building these. I can not answer your question but will do some research and see what I find out.

[falcongeorge]

I am a dumbass, should have checked my own notes on the servo, the answer was there the whole time. Seems the older I get. the more stuff I forget!