1987 R10: TH400 to 200-4R swap (mostly wiring??)

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

RaysnCayne

Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2020
Posts
47
Reaction score
17
Location
Richmond
First Name
Zach
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
R10 Custom Deluxe
Engine Size
305
While the OG 305 TBI/TH400/3.08 10 bolt in my 87 R10 does okay buzzing down the highway between 71-74mph at 2800rpm, I'm just not enjoying that kind of a buzz for hours on end when I drive long distances. So I'd like to put in an OD trans. I have a decent, used 200-4R I'd like to put behind the 305. My main question is about wiring.
1. I have 100% factory harness that has one wire going down to the side of the 400 case. Can someone tell me what that wire's doing?
2. The 200-4R has a three-hole socket in its case. I'm wondering if I can simply get a different electrical connection with a single blade and just plug the factory wire into that? Or do I need to do some more wiring or hacking the harness for more inputs/signals to properly control the OD trans?
3. I have a 200-4R in my Biscayne that only has one wire to it to allow me to manually control lock-up in 4th. I simply flip a switch on the dash to lock it up or unlock it. So I'm fine doing this to control lock-up in 4th on my R10. But will that take care of all my electrical needs to make the transmission function properly overall in my truck? Or (as I mostly just stated in question 2) will I need some more wiring to make it all work properly?
Thanks
 
Last edited:

NickTransmissions

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2023
Posts
497
Reaction score
1,047
Location
Las Vegas
First Name
Nick
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
R10
Engine Size
350
While the OG 305 TBI/TH400/3.08 10 bolt in my 87 R10 does okay buzzing down the highway between 71-74mph at 2800rpm, I'm just not enjoying that kind of a buzz for hours on end when I drive long distances. So I'd like to put in an OD trans. I have a decent, used 200-4R I'd like to put behind the 305. My main question is about wiring.
1. I have 100% factory harness that has one wire going down to the side of the 400 case. Can someone tell me what that wire's doing?
2. The 200-4R has a three-hole socket in its case. I'm wondering if I can simply get a different electrical connection with a single blade and just plug the factory wire into that? Or do I need to do some more wiring or hacking the harness for more inputs/signals to properly control the OD trans?
3. I have a 200-4R in my Biscayne that only has one wire to it to allow me to manually control lock-up in 4th. I simply flip a switch on the dash to lock it up or unlock it. So I'm fine doing this to control lock-up in 4th on my R10. But will that take care of all my electrical needs to make it function properly in my truck? Or (as I mostly just stated in question 2) will I need some more wiring to make it all work properly?
Thanks
The wiring going to your TH400 is for the detent solenoid. The 200-4R takes a lock up converter (converter with a clutch inside of it).

You will need to install a TCC internal/external lock up kit to ensure the converter clutch is applied in 4th gear. Painless Performance, B&M and TCI make them, as do other companies.
 

RaysnCayne

Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2020
Posts
47
Reaction score
17
Location
Richmond
First Name
Zach
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
R10 Custom Deluxe
Engine Size
305
Thanks Nick.

So if I leave the wire to the detent solenoid unplugged (I'll just cap it and tie it off out of the way), that won't effect anything on the PCM side, will it? It won't throw a code or act up if it can't see what gear the 200 is in?
 
Last edited:

Matt69olds

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 8, 2018
Posts
2,559
Reaction score
4,049
Location
Central Indiana
First Name
Matt
Truck Year
81
Truck Model
GMC 1/2 ton
Engine Size
455 Olds
Look up TCC wiring for a 700 swap. The TCC works and installs in basically the same way on a 200R4, the pressure switch is obviously in a different location on the valve body.
 

RaysnCayne

Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2020
Posts
47
Reaction score
17
Location
Richmond
First Name
Zach
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
R10 Custom Deluxe
Engine Size
305
I'm familiar with wiring up the manual lock-up switch, Matt.
I just want to know if unplugging the factory solenoid detent wire (and leaving it unplugged) is going to cause issues with the truck's computer?
 

Forum statistics

Threads
45,059
Posts
974,501
Members
37,990
Latest member
aggie1
Top