The decision is made
I called him this wk to ask some question regarding what actual hp levels it will hold up to... i've talked to a few reputable shops and they said for me not to bother with it b/c it won't hold up.. I'm looking at around 750 hp.
What are you doing for cross member?
It is a bolt in unit. And the transmission is rated to 700hp. It is a very strong tranny, so I don't know how those shops can say that. They are in many, many GM's and quite a few Mopars. I found this GM article:
2004R GM Automatic Transmissions
Contrary to popular belief, the GM 200-4R can be one tough transmission. In its stock form, it stood up to the power of the Buick Grand National. Many aftermarket transmission rebuilders have built the 200-4R even stronger to stand up to even more torque. the GM 200-4R was introduced in 1980 as an overdrive version of the 3 speed THM200. The GM 200-4R was vastly improved for strength and durability over the THM200. Because the 200-4R is similar in size to the THM 400, the 200-4R is a great replacement for the THM 400 that was used in older vehicles. The THM200-4R could be found in GM vehicles up until just after 1990.
2004R Facts
The GM 2004r transmission was introduced in 1982
2004R Transmission Specifications - Stock configuration
Number of Quarts of transmission fluid: 6 quarts
Overall length 27 11/16 inches
Bellhousing Height 19 1/8 inches
integral tailhousing
2004R does not require a computer to control it. The 2004R will require a 12 volt feed to control the torque converter clutch solenoid. Shifting of gears is done hydraulically.
2004R Gear Ratios
1st = 2.74
2nd = 1.57
3rd = 1.0
4th = .67
Reverse = 2.07