The two things that I'm unsure of right now are how to start the engine, and how to charge the battery. Can I connect the hot cable that was originally on the hhr to my sbc starter, and use a round connector to hook the exciter wire? I need a key on hot to go to my distributor, I don't think that will be too difficult. If I can't use the factory wires I'll just wire up a nice starter switch from Jegs.

Any ideas on connecting the alternator?

 

I think you should cannibalize the ignition and starting/charging system from an older car. The ignition key doesn't even work the way you probably think.

On the HHR the pos terminal of the battery goes directly to the fuse box then directly to the starter then directly to the alternator. the regulator is in the ECM as is the solenoid exciter signal.

Check your PM

 

Thanks!!

 

Hopefully going to look at a 200r4 transmission tomorrow. After a lot of research this seems to be my best option. Same length as th350, .67 overdrive compared to .70 of 700r4, and cheaper. Apparently the tv cable is easier to set up as well. Ideal gear ratio for this tranny is somewhere around 3.42, so my 3.50 ratio will be perfect. Wish me luck!! It does have the corporate case that will bolt up to my engine.

 

Why can't you take the electric motor off of the column? Your going to use the P/S pump for the Camaro box. Correct?

 

Both of the tranny's use the same TV cable set up.
Did your carburetor come from an engine that had a 200R4/700R4 ?

 

Started working on my intake tonight. Made some good progress. Got a few things still left to do to the find. Then I gotta find a metal riser for the carb that I can weld onto this thing. I think it's gonna look killer

 

Went and picked up a transmission yesterday. 2004r, Had to drive a couple hours up to Sacramento, but it was worth the trip. Story is it was rebuilt about 5 years ago. Few thousand miles were put on the car before the engine went. So the tranny got pulled. I could have been bold face lied to Seemed like a cool guy, sat and shot the **** for about an hour. Came with the tv cable as well. He gave me a receipt with a 120 day exchange policy. $400 seems fair. Hopefully gonna bolt it to the block today and drop the drivetrain in ��

 

Good find.
Want's written on the case?
Nice you got the filler tube with it and the plug for the lock up and the TV cable (very important with the 200R4). It replaces the modulator and vacuum line used on a TH350. I will say if it's adjusted wrong you can turn the unit into "junk".
Outside of the case looks clean, not too much road dirt. Unless it was cleaned to make a better sale.
If the guy had 3 eyeballs I wouldn't have trusted him.

 

Making good progress!! I've got to adjust the rear transmission mount, and order a set of short spark plugs. 4 plugs are too close to the headers. Everything else seems to clear good.