It is really cool having an expert that has been so helpful with transmission issues. Pete you have been an inspiration as well. So much so that I recently purchased a transmission from a 1990, and want to try my had at rebuilding and will be putting it in a 1990. It had approx 54K on it. Can you give any advice to those of us that want to start out the right way. I just want to build a reliable, heavy duty tranny. What do you recommend as far as tools, rebuild kits and replacement parts (not to replace worn or broken but to make stronger). Your thoughts on this are greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jack

 

I can help you with anything you need.
From the sounds of it, you do not need alot of bells and whistles for a great result. This assumes you are making less than 400 hp and do not plan to spin it past 6,000 rpm.
My favorite "kit" is made by Alto. Although most are good, Alto is my favorite.Assuming that you purchased a 1990 vette trans, you will not be converting anything, just refreshing. As far as kits go, none are complete. The small items that do not come in the kit will have to be obtained. Things like a new governor gear, reverse input piston orifice, seperator plate,accumulator pistons, accumulator springs etc will have to be purchased from the dealer or a trans shop. I have most everything here that you could need, so don't worry about trying to locate the silly little parts.
The trick to doing your first trans is to disassemble everything in order and lay them out carefully (in order) on the bench. Once the case is empty, the sub assemblies can be rebuilt 1 at a time and reinstalled. Every time I do a trans I have never been in before, I am extra careful on disassembly to keep track of everything.
I would recommend that you purchase the Paul Zack dvd on e-bay. It is a great guide. The helms book or the atsg manual is also a requirement.
The only heavy duty components I would recommend you buy are:
Beast reaction shell
h/d 3-4 clutch pack
h/d high quality torque converter
transgo 700 2&3 shift kit (if a shift kit is desired)
borg warner 29 element sprag
borg warner lo roller clutch (rear sprag)
If you are sure that you want to do the rebuild I will continue to give recommendations as you go. I have no doubt in your ability, but do suggest watching the video before buying tools and parts.

 

If you go for it, please take pics and keep us posted. The last time i tried, , i ended up takeing it in. lack of a good bench and garage space had somthing to do with it...



see ya on the road

 

I got the DVD and the manual (ordered it about a month ago). Watched it several times (my wife thinks I am crazy). What is a good source for the specialized tools. BTW, are there any venders that you like? If I didn't say it before, thank you for your assistance. Jack

 

I usually buy my stuff from Brian Carr @ Oregon Performance. He has an e-bay store. Just search 700r4 and he will pop up.
For sprecialty tools www.etoolcart.com has the best quality, prices and service. Most of them are A-tec brand.
Happy to help