Turbo 350 vs. Metric 200 (stock eliminator)

[Jesse Knapp]

Which one is faster behind a smallblock combo? Heard the stories that the 350 can be as fast if it's high dollar stuff. I also heard the 350 is more durable. I've raced 350's and glides but never a 200. So, if one does a Rossler or another high end piece, will the 200 go faster (quicker)? My concern is not as much about durability. I care more about elapsed time. Are there any problems with a 200 fitting a (68 to 72) Nova? The stick idea is very appealing to me, but my lack of knowledge in the clutch area makes me lean towards the automatic again. Thanks for any replies.

[Alan Roehrich]

The 200 fits where the 350 fits, same drive shaft, mount, and cross member, the 200 is actually smaller. Most say the 200 is faster in a small block car. If I were going to a 200, I'd get a McClay, and I'd get the pump modified so a regular turbo converter fit.

[Jesse Knapp]

Thanks Alan. If it's a bit smaller, then is it lighter as well? Also, with the deep aluminum pan, is the oil capacity the same as the 350?

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Jesse Knapp

Thanks Alan. If it's a bit smaller, then is it lighter as well? Also, with the deep aluminum pan, is the oil capacity the same as the 350?

Yes ,it is a bit lighter to start.
There are two different factory fans. The deep one holds about one more qt.
Leo (Remac) sells a fabricated aluminum pan.

[Alan Roehrich]

Yes, a 200 is slightly lighter than a 350, even if the 350 has both aluminum drums, and the 250C shell and gear train.

Given the same depth pan, a 200 holds less fluid than a 350.

[Bill Edgeworth]

McClay is the only way to go.
I think Scott told me its 26 pounds lighter than a 350. The pump conversion is a good idea I had him do it to my 200. Also the auto 1-2 is a good option to get for consistency. It’s real easy to adjust and it’s an external adjustment. The case brace and needle bearing output shaft are also a good idea. My McClay is considerably faster than my 350 with about the same low gear.
I put over 400 runs in a 3600# car on it before sending it back for freshening and he said it was in great shape. So properly built they are quite durable.

[Bill Edgeworth]

One more thing I should add and maybe someone like Mark Yacavone who knows vastly more than I ever will about 200’s could comment on this:
You need to let your converter builder know it’s going in front of a 200 with a 350 pump conversion.
Something to do with direction of oil flow and excessive pressure build up in the converter. I heard this from Coan.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Bill Edgeworth

One more thing I should add and maybe someone like Mark Yacavone who knows vastly more than I ever will about 200’s could comment on this:
You need to let your converter builder know it’s going in front of a 200 with a 350 pump conversion.
Something to do with direction of oil flow and excessive pressure build up in the converter. I heard this from Coan.

Thanks Bill, It most likely has to do with using the support bushing ,either inside the pilot, or in the stator support. I don't build 350 conversion transmissions. I just build straight 200 converters to go with my trans's.
My new 305 converter will be for straight 200s, at first,which I think will be the most popular.
Again, Leo also builds the 350 conversions ,as does Jack Sepanik and a few others.

[junior barns]

I remember Keith Lynch saying the 200 was quicker than his 350 both quality pieces (so he said)!

I think Rossler does the 200 also. He should be able to give you a good idea

Wish I had the xtra money to buy a good 200 to find out for myself

[njk53]

Is the reciprocating mass less in a 200 than a 350? Has anyone ever used a 200 in a heavy big block car. When I say heavy I'm talking 4200lbs? Or won't the 200 withstand that type of weight. I have been thinking about that and was just wondering.