What did it do (or not do)?
Automatic Tranny Died..
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: Seattle / Tacoma area Washington
Automatic Tranny Died..
The other day, my transmission met its maker. It is now dead ..
I have an 87 Automatic.
What is the typical cost of a rebuild ? And what exactly should I know about prior to getting bids, etc?
I have an 87 Automatic.
What is the typical cost of a rebuild ? And what exactly should I know about prior to getting bids, etc?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
It all depends on what needs to be replaced in your transmission, but it cost me $500 on my 700R4 back in 2006. That was with me removing the transmission and taking it to the shop. This also included a new torque converter. Factor in several hours of labor (probably 3 each direction) at the prevailing rate in your area if you want the shop to do the R&R as well.
Ask around the car clubs in your area and see who they recommend. The cheapest shop can wind up being the most expensive sometimes. It pays to get recommendations from the car guys in your area. Good luck
Ask around the car clubs in your area and see who they recommend. The cheapest shop can wind up being the most expensive sometimes. It pays to get recommendations from the car guys in your area. Good luck
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: Seattle / Tacoma area Washington
It was running fine, then all of a sudden it made a loud noise underneath the car, I thought it was just a loose muffler hanger or something that got stuck up there, but nothing was.
It was loud and regular, the noise increased with engine speed and travel speed.
Prior to this, not a clue anything was wrong, fluid was nice and red and only about 1/2 pint low, didnt smell like a burnt clutch or anything. Shifted good, no unusual engine heat, no unusual smells from the car. (other than a few good farts from me
)
It was loud and regular, the noise increased with engine speed and travel speed.
Prior to this, not a clue anything was wrong, fluid was nice and red and only about 1/2 pint low, didnt smell like a burnt clutch or anything. Shifted good, no unusual engine heat, no unusual smells from the car. (other than a few good farts from me
)
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 3
From: Supreme Soviet Peace-Loving Pipple's Kollektive of Seattle Wa
Without hearing the noise you describe, my first thought is a cracked flex-plate/flywheel. That alone shouldn't quickly affect the tranny unless it was bad enough to cause the torque converter to wobble enough to damage the ears of the converter that drive the front pump. That would affect it's ability to supply line pressure and then nothing is able to operate to transmit power through the tranny. Like I said though, just my first thought. Nothing like a good hands-on and eye-balling to confirm.
Like Friz suggested, check the car guys for a good local shop...
good luck and keep us posted..
P.S. the farts are expected and totally normal for C4 pilots...
Like Friz suggested, check the car guys for a good local shop...
good luck and keep us posted..
P.S. the farts are expected and totally normal for C4 pilots...
Last edited by SQUIRMIN VERMIN 84; Aug 3, 2010 at 10:10 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,227
Likes: 697
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: Seattle / Tacoma area Washington
Update
I had a guy look at it.
My pan looked like a scrap metal yard. It was full of large shiny objects, some around the size of a pencil eraser
Upon further inspection, after the transmission was out, I had eaten up my planetary gearing. Rest of the transmission was in decent shape, most of the transmission was usable. About all that is needed is the usual things, seals, clutches, etc.
My transmission guy said this sort of problem is not unusual, and there is almost no way to tell when it will happen until it does happen.
But all in all the Vette transmission is very well built. And there is a difference from the 87 to the 86 and olders. Mine has most of the bugs and mechanical issues fixed.
I hope to be back on the road in a few days.
My pan looked like a scrap metal yard. It was full of large shiny objects, some around the size of a pencil eraser
Upon further inspection, after the transmission was out, I had eaten up my planetary gearing. Rest of the transmission was in decent shape, most of the transmission was usable. About all that is needed is the usual things, seals, clutches, etc.
My transmission guy said this sort of problem is not unusual, and there is almost no way to tell when it will happen until it does happen.
But all in all the Vette transmission is very well built. And there is a difference from the 87 to the 86 and olders. Mine has most of the bugs and mechanical issues fixed.
I hope to be back on the road in a few days.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: Seattle / Tacoma area Washington
I got her back today 
I am so happy. Runs like a top now.
All I needed was a new set of planetary gears, a new torque converter, and the usual rebuild stuff. 1500 later and a near new Vette.
My transmission guy was adamant that I not get a shift kit. He said my Vette has one built in.
Now I can have some fun again.
I am so happy. Runs like a top now.
All I needed was a new set of planetary gears, a new torque converter, and the usual rebuild stuff. 1500 later and a near new Vette.
My transmission guy was adamant that I not get a shift kit. He said my Vette has one built in.
Now I can have some fun again.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Santa Barbara Minnesota
New Trans.
I got her back today
I am so happy. Runs like a top now.
All I needed was a new set of planetary gears, a new torque converter, and the usual rebuild stuff. 1500 later and a near new Vette.
My transmission guy was adamant that I not get a shift kit. He said my Vette has one built in.
Now I can have some fun again.
I am so happy. Runs like a top now.
All I needed was a new set of planetary gears, a new torque converter, and the usual rebuild stuff. 1500 later and a near new Vette.
My transmission guy was adamant that I not get a shift kit. He said my Vette has one built in.
Now I can have some fun again.
PS. I have other cars. My C4 now has the replacement Raptor Trans. When I told them I would post this on 'Corvette Forum', They replaced it .. It shifts harsh, like dropping the clutch. I think a lot of these rebuilders are 'crooks' ..