I am finally in the beginning stages of building a 408 stroker motor to replace my junk yard Magnum with modified factory EFI and 727 in my 68 Barracuda. It looks like a lot of the parts will get here while I'm down at Spring Fling in LA, so the project will begin in mid-April.
After stumbling on the Extreme Automatics web sit (
http://www.extremeautomatics.net/), I learned that you can order a modified 200R4 with an adaptor ring that allows you to bolt up a Reid Racings bellhousing. Its the same bellhousing that fits the Powerglides and TH400 GM transmissions. It's just over $600 to mill off the cast bellhousing, fit the adaptor ring and cover the cost of the SFI rated bellhousing, which is smaller than the factory 200R4 cast bellhousing.
This eliminates having to use the Willcap version of the adapter kit, which makes it a lot easier to bolt everything up and then concern yourself with the minor cross member and transmission mount modifications. Once everything arrives, I'll post some pictures of the transmission with the new bellhousing, adaptor ring and torque converter all fitted together.
This development makes the project a lot more friendly for us Mopar engine people. By the way, they also have bellhousings available for Big Blocks and the Gen 3 Hemi's.
Remember, this transmission is a one wire hook-up to get a lock-up torque converter, 2.76 to one 1st gear transmission with a .67 overdrive that can be ordered to handle up to 1000 hp in the stage 3 configuration.
All that's left for an install is some minor trimming and fabrication of a new transmission cross member and modifying a few other connections such as cooler lines, shifter and Throttle valve.
As far as the torque converter goes, you can get a cheaper $200 to $400 custom lock-up torque converters that will bolt up, but I ordered a heavier duty race style 3000 stall, 3 disc lock-up converter from Precision Torque Converters. It has a 3 clutch lock-up, billet engine side plate, anti-ballon plates and fully furnace brazed inards. It's got the Mopar bolt pattern to attach to my Magnum tone ring flexplate, the pilot is Mopar sized and it has the Mopar sized ring gear for the starter. The transmission side is GM. This little gem cost me $800. From what I've learned on the forums, money spent on a good torque converter is money well spent.
I bought the stage 2 200R4 from Lonny at Extreme Automatics. Its rated at 750 hp, but I'm only building my 408 for 500hp/ 500 trq.
I will post pic of the install and any modifications to the rear cross member and the peripheral hook-ups when the job begins.
