Does this seem right?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Glendale AZ
Does this seem right?
I took my 91 vert into the shop for a tranmission check, and a shift kit. I have no knowledge of how the tranny was treated before me, so i assumed i would have some things that needed attention.
$2014
That is what the shop wants to charge me to rebuild it with all updated Borg Warner parts, including the shift kit. This inclued all the clutches, torque converter, essentially updating as far as they can without making it electronic of course.
I am in Phoenix, does this sound right to any of you that have had tranny work done out here or would i be better off paying them 300 for the inspection, and buying a used transmission somewhere for it? when it comes to tranmissions i am no expert by any stretch.
$2014
That is what the shop wants to charge me to rebuild it with all updated Borg Warner parts, including the shift kit. This inclued all the clutches, torque converter, essentially updating as far as they can without making it electronic of course.
I am in Phoenix, does this sound right to any of you that have had tranny work done out here or would i be better off paying them 300 for the inspection, and buying a used transmission somewhere for it? when it comes to tranmissions i am no expert by any stretch.
Last edited by sremenap; Dec 15, 2005 at 12:46 PM.
CF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,161
Likes: 2,813
From: Charlotte N.C.
I would have a problem with it. The price seems fair if they are doing all that work but seeing as you didn't have any problems before you took it in and wanted just a check up and a shift kit istalled I would stick with that. Does the $300 include installing the shift kit? It should. The way I see it there's lots of money that could be spent on our cars but does it need it? Now if the tranny shop could prove that you need this work or the tranny will leave you stranded on the highway next week that's another story.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Glendale AZ
well i took it in to find out how bad things were - and to get a shift kit. It felt like it was slipping in a couple gears, and i was right about that.
The 300 is just what i commited to for him to pull it - but i get nothing done for that 300 if i dont use them, if i do its applied to the job.
The 300 is just what i commited to for him to pull it - but i get nothing done for that 300 if i dont use them, if i do its applied to the job.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 182
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From: Glendale AZ
Originally Posted by scranage
There is a rebuilder who lists crate transmission on ebay who is in your neck of the woods. I know nothing about them, but the prices look good.
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 3
From: Hazel Park MI
If you can go in any forward gear and/or reverse, you don't need a torque convertor. Now, you may want one for track/upgrade purposes, but the torque convertor you have is fine. I went through this torque convertor thing on another vehicle. They said they wouldn't warranty the work if it wasn't replaced, I said put it back together and I'll take it somewhere else. They changed their tune of course. And of course, I'll never go back there or recommend them.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 973
Likes: 0
From: Chico California
When I got my 92 it just had the tranny rebuilt with less than 500 miles on it. The seller gave me the receipt for the work. It came to $2,553.00 with a one year warranty. I found out from the shop that the warranty isn't transferrable so it does me no good however, no problems with the trans.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by rocco16
Transmission shops...I loathe them.
Larry
code5coupe
Larry
code5coupe
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 19
From: CLT, North Carolina
What to Watch Out For
If it was slipping then a clutch pack is worn. They want to replace the converter because there may have been excessive debris in the pan when they removed it for inspection and the potential is there to ruin the new rebuild if they put the old contaminated converter back in. I agree there are many good reputable shops out there but there are many that will sell you an overhaul you don't really need and just wash your old parts and put it back together. The trick is knowing you really need a trans overhaul and if so that you are getting what you are paying for and the technician doing your job knowledgeable and experienced on your particular transmission.
Greg
Greg
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 113
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just be careful. I took my car into the tranny shop (cottman transmissions) for a checkup (didnt know anything bout cars then, long story short...it was the plug wires) and they wanted 2200 for a new one, but there werent any problems. I told them i wanted my car back, it took em 3 days to get it back "together" and not more than a week later i began having tranny trouble that costed me one tranny from them, and then theirs went and i finally went to a trusted speed shop, but still got ripped off for the price. Trannies are a very trickey deal.
MAKE SURE TO GET EVERYTHING, and i mean EVERYTHING, IN WRITING BEFOREHAND!
MAKE SURE TO GET EVERYTHING, and i mean EVERYTHING, IN WRITING BEFOREHAND!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 19
From: CLT, North Carolina
Just Say No to Aamco
I would shy away from any Mr. Transmission, Aamco, Cottman, etc., type transmission shops, these guys have all had shoddy reputations with tons of horror stories for years. Unless you absolutely know of a good local shop your best bet would probably be to take it to a dealer. If a dealer service department can't economically fix yours then a factory rebuilt with GM warranty would be an option and I would rather have one of those than a Cottman rebuilt with Cottman warranty.
Greg
Greg
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,146
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From: The Motor City
[QUOTE=sremenapThis inclued all the clutches, torque converter, essentially updating as far as they can without making it electronic of course.I am in Phoenix, does this sound right to any of you that have had tranny work done out here or would i be better off paying them 300 for the inspection, [/QUOTE]
MO
When you start w/replacing parts, bearings, band, steel instead of cast rings, pumps etc., I think at that point you are better off w/aftermarket, especially if you are planning to upgrade HP. As to prices I have about 1400 into mine including conv. w/all heavy duty parts and new spicers on drive shaft.
I would ask around the area w/local hot rod guys etc. OR here as to who in your area guys recommend (you will probably hear one or two names keep coming up) that have a reputation and have done others cars w/no bad results.
MO
When you start w/replacing parts, bearings, band, steel instead of cast rings, pumps etc., I think at that point you are better off w/aftermarket, especially if you are planning to upgrade HP. As to prices I have about 1400 into mine including conv. w/all heavy duty parts and new spicers on drive shaft.
I would ask around the area w/local hot rod guys etc. OR here as to who in your area guys recommend (you will probably hear one or two names keep coming up) that have a reputation and have done others cars w/no bad results.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 980
Likes: 2
From: Chandler AZ
Have you looked at Summit or Jegs?
I looked briefly on Summit's site the other day for a friends tranny. I saw TCI Streetfighter 700R4's for around $1600 - $1800. You would have to add the converter. Just a thought. There is also Hughes transmission on McDowell and 23rd ave. There may be a good deal on a new one there.
If you want numbers to match these may not be good choices.
If you want numbers to match these may not be good choices.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Glendale AZ
update
The Transmission is still in the shop, and it appears i will not be getting it back today. They said they are having a problem with the valve body for third gear, and do not like the way it is shifting. This is a daily driver so they are inconveniencing the CRAP out of me at this point - but i would prefer they get it right.
Stay tuned.
The Transmission is still in the shop, and it appears i will not be getting it back today. They said they are having a problem with the valve body for third gear, and do not like the way it is shifting. This is a daily driver so they are inconveniencing the CRAP out of me at this point - but i would prefer they get it right.
Stay tuned.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Originally Posted by Greg Gore
I would shy away from any Mr. Transmission, Aamco, Cottman, etc., type transmission shops,
Greg
Greg
From personal experience, Aamco will hurt you.Larry
code5coupe
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 0
From: Leeds Alabama
Taking one back out is a BAD SIGN. If they knew what they were doing on this simple transmission, it would shift like butter after the rebuild. DO NOT accept the "drive and see if it gets better", it wont. The price you paid is FAIR for a superior job, you get what you pay for, just make sure its RIGHT BEFORE YOU LEAVE, if you take it back, it will be put LAST in line. MAKE SURE ITS RIGHT before you pay ( I managed an AAMCO trans shop for a year - HUGE rip off , untrained techs, horrible work).
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,517
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Originally Posted by Greg Gore
If it was slipping then a clutch pack is worn. They want to replace the converter because there may have been excessive debris in the pan when they removed it for inspection and the potential is there to ruin the new rebuild if they put the old contaminated converter back in. I agree there are many good reputable shops out there but there are many that will sell you an overhaul you don't really need and just wash your old parts and put it back together. The trick is knowing you really need a trans overhaul and if so that you are getting what you are paying for and the technician doing your job knowledgeable and experienced on your particular transmission.
Greg
Greg
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 19
Originally Posted by Corvette Kid NC
Having been in the automotive repair business virtually my entire working life, including a brief stint in a transmission shop, I'd have to say that this is probably the most corrupt segment in repair. There are good shops, to be sure. But there are many fly-by-night ones too, just waiting to capitalize on the general lack of knowledge of A/Ts. Caveat emptor....