The problem with the Ramjet 350 is that you cannot upgrade the power because the computer that runs it cannot be meesed with, I have heard of problems with the overdrive transmissions, don't get me wrong the Ramjet is probably a great engine but I need something that if it is not enough power I can upgrade. the 2 transmissions that can take the abuse in my opinion is the Turbo 350 and Turbo 400, the overdrive transmissions have too heavy of a torque converter in my opinion.
LS2 Carburated Or 350 Small Block Carburated
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Now wait a minute. You want 400 hp, good fuel mileage, high revving, and the ability to "upgrade" the ramjet should you need more power???
If you putted aroud for 350K miles with a 200hp 305, I think you would be more than happy to have over 300 hp. Have you ever driven anything with that much power? I assure you that over 300 hp will give you enough power to pass people with ease.
I would get a basic turnkey 350 and a rebuilt 700R4 transmission to go along with it. That old transmission behind your 305 will blow up within 5000 miles with the new high HP engine in it if you dont upgrade it.
Turnkey 350
Turnkey 350 #2
If you putted aroud for 350K miles with a 200hp 305, I think you would be more than happy to have over 300 hp. Have you ever driven anything with that much power? I assure you that over 300 hp will give you enough power to pass people with ease.
I would get a basic turnkey 350 and a rebuilt 700R4 transmission to go along with it. That old transmission behind your 305 will blow up within 5000 miles with the new high HP engine in it if you dont upgrade it.
Turnkey 350
Turnkey 350 #2
Originally Posted By: c3po
The problem with the Ramjet 350 is that you cannot upgrade the power because the computer that runs it cannot be meesed with, I have heard of problems with the overdrive transmissions, don't get me wrong the Ramjet is probably a great engine but I need something that if it is not enough power I can upgrade. the 2 transmissions that can take the abuse in my opinion is the Turbo 350 and Turbo 400, the overdrive transmissions have too heavy of a torque converter in my opinion.
Too heavy a torque convertor? I have a Vigillante 9.5" convertor in my 200-4R and it's lighter than any stock 3speed transmission torque convertor I've seen. Convertors aren't heavier based on the number of speeds the transmission has. Lockup vs non-lockup and diameter are what makes the difference. The common 4l60E will hold 400hp no problem, especially if you're just running street tires. IMO, the main difference will be in how long they go between rebuilds which the 400 will probably win.
The problem with the Ramjet 350 is that you cannot upgrade the power because the computer that runs it cannot be meesed with, I have heard of problems with the overdrive transmissions, don't get me wrong the Ramjet is probably a great engine but I need something that if it is not enough power I can upgrade. the 2 transmissions that can take the abuse in my opinion is the Turbo 350 and Turbo 400, the overdrive transmissions have too heavy of a torque converter in my opinion.
Too heavy a torque convertor? I have a Vigillante 9.5" convertor in my 200-4R and it's lighter than any stock 3speed transmission torque convertor I've seen. Convertors aren't heavier based on the number of speeds the transmission has. Lockup vs non-lockup and diameter are what makes the difference. The common 4l60E will hold 400hp no problem, especially if you're just running street tires. IMO, the main difference will be in how long they go between rebuilds which the 400 will probably win.
I have been proven wrong, TCI has a Turbo 350 and Turbo 400 that are rated up too 450 horsepower, I have had great luck with this Turbo 350 so the choice on transmissions will be between the 350 and 400, I know lockup converters are heavy, I have the 4R75W transmission in my Marauder and if I am going too hit it I have too remember to get it out of overdrive, both of the engines Bubbatime recommended I have been in cars that had both and I was not that impressed, everything I have read about the 200R-4 is that it is not as durable as the Turbo 350 or 400 unless you get it built up right, Vigilante are excellent torque converters so BuickGN you definetly did your homework and I think that converter was more than $200.00
all stock converters are fairly heavy. 4l60e TC is 12" diameter. I forget how much they weigh, but a lot. My 9.5" Street Edge, retains lockup, and weighs a ton less 
Originally Posted By: c3po
I have been proven wrong, TCI has a Turbo 350 and Turbo 400 that are rated up too 450 horsepower, I have had great luck with this Turbo 350 so the choice on transmissions will be between the 350 and 400, I know lockup converters are heavy, I have the 4R75W transmission in my Marauder and if I am going too hit it I have too remember to get it out of overdrive, both of the engines Bubbatime recommended I have been in cars that had both and I was not that impressed, everything I have read about the 200R-4 is that it is not as durable as the Turbo 350 or 400 unless you get it built up right, Vigilante are excellent torque converters so BuickGN you definetly did your homework and I think that converter was more than $200.00
Ha ha, more like $650 and it has the infamous Vigillante rattle that makes the car sound cheap whenever I'm barely on the gas. Works great so I live with it.
I don't know how far a THM350 will take you. My friend put one from a junkyard in his high 12 second GN while the 200-4R was being rebuilt and it broke. It was a junkyard unit so who knows it's history.
A factory stock turbo 400 will have no problem living a long and healthy life at 400hp in a relatively light ElCamino. I'm not sure what TCI's "450hp" turbo 400s consist of, but it's probably a stock rebuilt unit with a shift kit.
I'm going with a 400 in the GN soon since it's not a daily driver anymore. My built 200-4R won't break but spending $1,200 a year in rebuils are getting old. The 400 should last over twice as long between rebuilds.
I have been proven wrong, TCI has a Turbo 350 and Turbo 400 that are rated up too 450 horsepower, I have had great luck with this Turbo 350 so the choice on transmissions will be between the 350 and 400, I know lockup converters are heavy, I have the 4R75W transmission in my Marauder and if I am going too hit it I have too remember to get it out of overdrive, both of the engines Bubbatime recommended I have been in cars that had both and I was not that impressed, everything I have read about the 200R-4 is that it is not as durable as the Turbo 350 or 400 unless you get it built up right, Vigilante are excellent torque converters so BuickGN you definetly did your homework and I think that converter was more than $200.00
Ha ha, more like $650 and it has the infamous Vigillante rattle that makes the car sound cheap whenever I'm barely on the gas. Works great so I live with it.
I don't know how far a THM350 will take you. My friend put one from a junkyard in his high 12 second GN while the 200-4R was being rebuilt and it broke. It was a junkyard unit so who knows it's history.
A factory stock turbo 400 will have no problem living a long and healthy life at 400hp in a relatively light ElCamino. I'm not sure what TCI's "450hp" turbo 400s consist of, but it's probably a stock rebuilt unit with a shift kit.
I'm going with a 400 in the GN soon since it's not a daily driver anymore. My built 200-4R won't break but spending $1,200 a year in rebuils are getting old. The 400 should last over twice as long between rebuilds.
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