Drove my car today with the 200-4R
 

Last night it was decided that I was going to drive my car today to break in the new trans. It had been driven about 10 miles prior to me getting behind the wheel. I was not sure what to expect...but boy was I extremely pleased.

When I started the car and put it into gear it felt like I was holding back a monster. She just wanted to go, kinda like holding a dog on a leash that just wants to take off. As I drove away I was taking it easy, no more than 1/2 pedal is what I was told to do. So OK, I will take it easy, but that is not what the car wanted to do. As I was driving I did notice that the shift was very firm from 1st to 2nd (I found out later that it was actually shifting from 1st to 3rd because I had it in overdrive). But as I increased the speed the shifts were still firm, but not as evident as the 1st gear. A little later we talked to Lon (trans builder) who told us that the shifting will break in and become better after about another 200 miles. I can live with that.

Here are some installation input, about this transmission, from my mechanic/brother Eric:
"All the bolts that thread into the transmission are METRIC. Like the transmission mount bolts, shifter bracket bolts, and the TV cable mounting bolt. I even double checked that the trans line fittings were standard 5/16 double flare instead of metric or 3/8 like some newer cars.
The dipstick that was used is a universal dipstick. The rule of thumb is that "universal fit" means that it universally does not fit very well on any application. I recommend getting one for a 1978-1979 Camaro with a 200-4R."

Now today was also the 1st time that I have driven my car since the hydroboost ( http://www.chevellebrakeparts.com/products.asp?cat=16 ) was installed. In my opinion it is one of the best things that we have done to the car ! In the past, I was always concerned that I wouldn't be able to stop when someone hit the brakes really hard in front of me or if someone cut me off. No more. I could stop my car on a dime now.

I drove about 50 miles today, and loved every minute of it ! Now we still have to do some adjustments, but I should be on the road this weekend. I cannot wait !

Sweet! Glad you are having a good time with HER.

Other than not being able to stomp on the gas pedal and seeing what she would do. This was probably one of the best driving experiences that I have had in my car.

When do I get to drive her ?

Whats the hydo booster for/do?

Sounds pretty cool. I'm glad that you're under way again. I want to hear about how it performs once you're past the break-in period. Subscribed for updates...

I'm glad to hear you like the transmission! It must be nice having that OD. Did you have to do a shifter gate conversion?
Joe- The Hydraboost or Hydro Boost (depending on who offers the system) eliminates the power brake vacuum booster and uses a cylinder that takes fluid from the power steering pump to create a mechanical advantage. A lot of diesel GM trucks use this because it does not require vacuum to operate. You can run a big ol' honkin' camshaft and still be able to stop! The good news is the whole system takes up a lot less room on the firewall making more room for engine clearance. Good for running a big block and not having to worry about valve cover clearance.

Thank you Berg, you explained it a lot better than I could. When we put the car back together we used a vacuum pump, but I did not care for it at all. I was not comfortable with the braking power, or should I say lack of. In researching solutions grumpy concluded that the hydroboost best fit what I was looking for. And he was definately right.

I cannot wait until the break in period is over too. I really want to see what she will do.

And when is it I get to drive it ?

Well I think we will see you at Chevellabration and the Ohio Show. I'm sure we can work something out.

Congrats on getting your car going again. Have fun with it.

just a correction here 78-79 camaros never had a 200 r4 they were however installed in grand nationals and monte ss in the mid to late 80's so a dipstick from one of those should work perfect and just a side note for faster cars they now requier a locking dipstick at the drag strip jegs sells a lokar dipstick for the 200 r4 but its a bit pricey at aprox $80

Thanks for the tip on the dipstick Glenn. I cannot wait to get behind the wheel !

WHAT ? You think you are driving my car ?

I finally have a nice day, and would be able to go to the CARS show, and I felt like crap.

Any updates?

They are going to be registering at chevelleabration first thing in the am!

Took us over 10 hours to get here. We have been hearing cars starting for the past hour, and it is only 6am. Weather is supposed to be 95 and humid. Hopefully it will be nice enough to take some pics. We will past later.