The 700R4 transmission was introduced by General Motors in 1982, and it quickly became popular due to its superior performance compared to other transmissions of the time. The 700R4 is an electronically controlled automatic transmission that requires a computer for proper operation. While it is possible to run a 700R4 without a computer, doing so can severely limit its performance and may even cause damage over time. Without the computer controlling the shift points, speedometer readings, and other vital functions, your engine may be operating at inefficient speeds or putting too much strain on certain components of the vehicle. Additionally, you won’t have access to features like overdrive which helps improve fuel economy as well as reduce wear-and-tear on your engine and transmission parts. Ultimately, running a 700R4 without a computer isn’t recommended unless you absolutely must in an emergency situation—otherwise you should invest in one if you plan on using this type of transmission long term.