You probably thought I'd forgotten all about the project '49 Chevy huh? Unfortunately a combination of work schedules, the start of the show season and the fact that I have been doing a few jobs on my '46 roadster pickup meant the Purple Pig has sat unloved down in the basement for a while. When I finally dragged it over to our Tech Center it had repaid me by going rusty on all the bare metal parts, so you'll have to excuse the less-than-new appearance until I get around to acid washing the rust. When I originally planned the project, it didn't include an engine with as much horsepower as the Smeding 383 stroker motor it now has, and the Level 2 200-4R transmission from Gearstar was perfect for my plans.
However, the Level 2 trans is rated up to 400 horsepower, and the new motor has made over 425 hp on the dyno, but discussions with Zack Farah at Gearstar led us to decide that as he'd never been given the opportunity to perform a long-term real-world road test on one of his Level 2 transmissions behind such a motor, and that this trans is way more affordable than a Level 2.5, 3, or 4, and as such would be more likely what most readers would purchase, we would keep the Level 2 that had been installed behind our dummy block in the '49 for some time, and see how it performed.
This confirms Zack's confidence in his work, as he knows that I have a heavy right foot and won't be happy if the trans gives up in the middle of the California desert. The offer to have it replaced if it ever fails is admirable, but no-one wants to be at the side of the road 150 miles from anywhere at 6pm on a Sunday with a wife/girlfriend/kids do they? I have faith in Zack and Gearstar products, so the deal's on, and the Pig is one step closer to the road.
 Here's our transmission, a...  Here's our transmission, a Level 2 200-4R from Gearstar. No rebuilt stocker, it features a number of internal modifications as well as a2,200rpm stall speed 12-inch factory diameter torque converter that has been furnace brazed and uses a flanged hub. The Level 2 can handle 400 hp, the Level 2.5 will take 450 hp, and the Level 3 is built for 500 hp. |  This is Gearstar's Level 4...  This is Gearstar's Level 4 200-4R, capable of handling 650 hp. External differences are the deeper pan and billet converter, but internal improvements include fully billet components and fully rollerized assembly, replacing every thrust washer with bearings, as well as some improvements Gearstar would rather not divulge. |  From left to right the internal...  From left to right the internal parts comprise the clutch drums, center support and overdrive unit (left), the output shaft, planetary sets and low/reverse clutch (center), and the pump assembly (sitting on a holding fixture, right) |
 Shown here is the pump with...  Shown here is the pump with a heat treated stator shaft installed, compared to the stock untreated shaft. Regular cars are capable of stripping the splines from the stator shaft, let alone high horsepower engines. |  Gearstar replaces the four...  Gearstar replaces the four stock friction discs with five in all levels of its 200-4R transmissions. The increased surface area offers a 25 percent increase in torque capacity. |  The factory band shown on...  The factory band shown on the right is replaced with the carbon fiber band on the left. In addition to the fact that carbon fiber doesn't burn up as regular bands can, it should be obvious that the replacement band has 20 percent greater surface area. This translates as more capability to stop the drum which the bands surround, and the quicker the drum stops, the more aggressive the shift can be. |
 Here's my completed transmission...  Here's my completed transmission about to have the pan installed. The calibration and clutch pack feed hole sizes are specific to each level of build. |  Gearstar replaced the stock...  Gearstar replaced the stock servo with its own. A larger surface area translates into greater pressure to apply the band to engage Second gear. | |