How much power can a lightly built 700r4 take?

[coltboostin]

And is anyone using them?

I need a lock up trans, and a 4 speed would be nice. This fits the bill, and the budget. Anyone know anything about them?

[screemin eagle]

not much maybe 350 or so. but thats also in a fat chevy so maybe a little more in a lighter car. i know that parts arent cheap for them in terms of upgrading. what are you planning to do with it?

[capev86]

a 700r4 will be fine behind a high output engine provided you don't abuse it. they were built for full size trucks with v8's pulling big trailers, so a mini truck with a 4 banger is gonna have a lot of trouble developing enough torque to exceed their rated capacity. my dad put a 406 small block chevy in his 84 burb 2wd and we towed our 6000 lb trailer from maine to yellowstone and back on a month long trip. the truck had the earlier, weaker trans without all the improvements they made by the late 80's and yet it never gave us any grief. there are companies out there that can beef up the 700-r4 and double the hp and tq capacity. run a good trans cooler and you should be fine. and don't forget the shorter (car) version, the 200-4r. i spend a lot of time on the vintage chevy truck forums (i have a 72 burb C20) and the 200 is a nearly bolt in swap for a th350 and can also be beefed up to take more abuse.