[Howard]

This is a link to Howard's thread (which I locked) that started this project. I would suggest reading it for reference before diving into this thread.
Thanks, Paul

https://turboford.org/thread-trans-swap-...ght=200-4R

Per Paul's suggestion, I am opening this thread as we proceed with this modification.

This thread was inspired by my need to install a 200-4R in my 1986 SVO due to having both my knees replaced, which caused me to lose my affection to shifting gears! In my thread where I asked for help deciding which automatic to use, I linked to Bendtsen's site.
   
It costs about $800. It includes the plate, GM flex,crank adapter,starter, and bolts.

TurboRay commented that the OMC boat adapter might work, and might be a cheaper way to go. This intrigued me, so I bought one!

[Howard]

I'm having problems inserting my pictures from my TF photo album into my comments. The Album also doesn't show them as thumbnails. Can someone help?

[Howard]

Here is the OMC adapter attached to the 2.3
   

And the 200-4R...with the BOP bell pattern.
   
No I wont be using this trans as it won't bolt up to the OMC.

Trans with 12" TC
   

Closeup to TC nub...
   

[Howard]

The 2.3 crank is flush with the OMC adapter's trans surface.
   

A4LD flexplate is about 11-1/4" dia.
   

Side view of the hump TurboRay mentioned.
   

The A4LD flex sits 5/8" proud of the OMC
   
I don't see any way this flexplate will work.

Here is the measurement from the A4LD flex to the nearest adapter bolt head. I'm not sure this will give us enough room to use the 12.4" GM flexplate used with the GM61HD TC
   

[Howard]

Now for the GOOD stuff!
Side view of the 200-4R attached via the OMC adapter
   
And from the back...
   

The GM TC bolt pads are about 5/8" from the OMC flange in the bottomed out position
   

And the TC nub is 3/16"( I used a drill bit) from the raised ring of the crank in the bottomed out position.
   

[Howard]

Let me know if anyone needs a different view or measurement. I think this will work with the GM61HD torque converter that msm found, as long as we can make it fit a FLAT Ford flexplate. There is enough room to move the bolt pads forward the 1/4-3/8" we need to not load the Trans pump, and with the GM61HD's smaller center hub, it should slide into the 2.3 crank...?

OOPS! I forgot to mention that the OMC adapter plate is 1" thick.

[Howard]

My next step is to go to a junkyard and find a 2.8l Camaro with a 200-4R in it to get a trans core, GM61HD TC, and Flexplate. I can't find anyone with a core TC for my mock-up.

For measurement purposes, the A4LD flexplate's hump is exactly 1" from the crank face to the TC bolt surface. Since it is 5/8" proud of the OMC adapter face and the TC bolt pads are also 5/8", there is no room to unload the trans pump. We need to flatten the flexplate by about 1/2"?

[TurboRay]

Originally posted by Howard:


I'm not sure (there will be) enough room to use the 12.4" GM flexplate.....with the GM61HD T/C.

I'M sure that there WON'T, Howard!

Besides, using the GM F/P would defeat one of the OMC adapter's main advantages: Namely, being able to use a stock 2.3 Ford starter. The stock/unmodified GM61HD's smaller 9-7/8 bolt circle WILL fit the Ford 135T 2.3 F/P, as I said in the other thread.

The ID of the 135T Ford ring gear is 10-5/16. Soooo.....the 3 holes for the GM T/C would need to be drilled very close - if not thru - the F/P flange onto which the r/gear is mounted. Three half-round "standoffs" can be welded to the F/P at the hole locations and the bolt heads can then seat against the standoffs AND the inside edge of the welded ring gear. Easy peasy! :dunno:

[Howard]

Will do! I will unbolt everything, and post the info. Just so you know, I won't be able to put the flexplate down all the way, because the TC pilot nub is bigger than the A4LD center hole. Looking at the pic you posted of the smaller GM TC, I believe the TC hump is a different shape and a smaller dia.

[Howard]

It is a "no-go" Ray. The hump in the flexplate is 7-1/2"ID to 10-1/4"OD. The hump on the TC goes from 5" ID to 9-3/4" OD.

This tells me there is no way the smaller TC has the same hump, given the 9-7/8"bolt circle and the way the pads are welded to the TC.