The 2004R is NOT derivative of the TH350!!!
It was developed from the TH200 three speed automatic that was developed for lighter vehicles and originally placed behind V6 engines and the smaller V8s in the 4.7 liter range. The overdrive version is slightly heavier built, but will not measure up to the 700R4 and 4L60E as far as heft and strength.
It is NOT the overdrive that needs to be disengaged! The lockup clutch in the torque converter is what must be de-activated. With proper circuitry, (which can be found by searching the internet) you can make this work. There is also a hydraulic circuit in the valve body that can keep the converter clutch from being activated in first and second gear.
In a light weight car, the 2004R can handle pretty good horsepower, given the proper modifications and some better aftermarket parts.
Ah, I got confused on that answer. Looking back at the 2nd Gen Camaro, after 1973 the only auto used in the Camaro for everything including inlines was the TH350 except:
1980 - 229cid - Chevy 90/V6 - TH200 (but CA Buick 231cid got the TH350)
1981 - 229cid - Chevy 90/V6 - TH250 (same gearing as the TH350, a variant?, CA Buick is TH350)
Then they lightened the Camaro in 1982 third gen, and the inline returned as a 151cid L4:
1982 - L4/60-V6/305 - all TH200c
1983 - L4/60-V6 only cars with carbs - TH200c (all others got the TH700r4
1984 on - all engines - all TH700r4
For the Saginaw in the Camaro after 1977:
1978/9 - L6 w/ 3.5 3spd - V8 w/ 2.85 4spd (except Z28)
1980 - 229cid Chevy w/ 3.5 3spd - 305 w/ 2.85 4spd
1981 - 229cid Chevy w/ 3.5 3spd
1982 - All Sag 4spd but 3.5 w/ L4, 3.6 w/ V6, 3.42 w/ LG4, 2.88 w/ LU5
1983 - Sag 4spd in L4 & V6 w/ 3.5
1984 - Sag 4spd in L4 w/ 3.5 (end of the line for Sag 4spd
1985/6 - L4 still available but with 5spd
The L4 in the 3rd gen Camaro is pretty rare to find. I'm not any were really produced after '83 but they were still listed as the base engine. Midway thru '83 they went from carbs to fuel injection for it. Would interesting build one of those in a 3rd gen Camaro if you can find one.
