A much-reinforced 200 was behind the Turbo Buicks that cut a swath through the 80s - and today is a common swap / upgrade transmission for early muscle cars looking for that OD in 4th gear.

The issue with a many transmissions of the era were using lighter and lower-cost components - where there was little experience using the parts in the manufacturing sector.

The pressure for cost and economy was intense; normally conservative people to some unwise risks. Sadly the practice has reared its head again today.

Once those low cost bits are replaced, typically, the transmissions are quite good in service - the 200 has a "BOP" bellhousing that will work with most GM engines, and are preferred in many cases to 700R4s.