Replacing the Transmission...
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas NV
Replacing the Transmission...
Ok...everything I read, everyone I talk to says the weakest link in my C4 is the 4+3 tranny. What can I switch it over to? What is the best tranny for my new money pit???
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
The best affordable replacement is the ZF6 found in '89-'96 manual corvettes. A new one goes for about $1400, unfortunately you'll have to replace everything else as well since the 4+3 hydraulics wont work.
The good thing about the aftermarket transmissions is that some will bolt right up using your existing components and they're a lot stronger.
The good thing about the aftermarket transmissions is that some will bolt right up using your existing components and they're a lot stronger.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
if you can deal with a not so perfect shifter (puts flame suit on) you can use a T5....there are plenty of 5spds available for $300-$400....
Anetheses had a nice write up on it.
The Super T10 in your car now is a stout tranny. It can be rebuilt for a few hundred dollars as well. Are you trying to eliminate the O/D and if so where are you going with this??
I mean, what exactly is your issue for wanting to yank the whole system?
Anetheses had a nice write up on it.
The Super T10 in your car now is a stout tranny. It can be rebuilt for a few hundred dollars as well. Are you trying to eliminate the O/D and if so where are you going with this??
I mean, what exactly is your issue for wanting to yank the whole system?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas NV
I just bought the car. It's hard to even find the shift **** and button for the thing. I just don't want to start putting money into this...and have problems with the tranny. I heard the middle plate is what gives out and mixes the gear lube with the auto tranny fluid in the OD.
I just bought her for a hobby car....want her to look good and run good. I love the body...the look of her. But if this tranny is ok..then I am ok with it. I just don't know much about this tranny or how it works?
I just bought her for a hobby car....want her to look good and run good. I love the body...the look of her. But if this tranny is ok..then I am ok with it. I just don't know much about this tranny or how it works?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 94
From: Westfield MA
Each of your options, Tremac, ZF-6, Richmond, T-56, T-5 or automatic has advantages and disadvantages. You will find strong believers for each of them here on the list, but need to know what your goals and issues are to give advice as to which one is the "best" for you.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas NV
I would like to bump the hp to about 300 or so....but the main reason for thinking of the switch is reliability issues...and all the bad talk I have heard about this transmission.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
^^Yes, there are some reliability issues with the O/D. And yes that Plate is $275 by itself. And yes the seal for the reverse output goes south and the oil pumps from the T10 to the O/D unit.
But if you do like I did, and pull that thing at the first sign of trouble...you can get a relatively cheap rebuild and go for another spell before you see trouble again.
The issues lie in people driving it into the ground....once it stops working all together, there are real repair issues that do cost money
But if you do like I did, and pull that thing at the first sign of trouble...you can get a relatively cheap rebuild and go for another spell before you see trouble again.
The issues lie in people driving it into the ground....once it stops working all together, there are real repair issues that do cost money
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,551
Likes: 36
From: Jenks OK
The 4+3 is a decent transmission, if yours is working fine just keep maintaining it and it should be fine. I intend to replace mine with a TKO 600 at some point but if yours is working no reason to swap it out right away.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
^^you are right.
Borg Warner T10 bullet proof
Borg Warner Super T10 is junk
How does that happen when the difference is the rear housing, short rear output shaft and the addition of a reverse output?? The main internals are identical.
The over drive is a two speed auto....
Manny people autocross and race the thing without trouble. Knowledge is power.
Borg Warner T10 bullet proof
Borg Warner Super T10 is junk
How does that happen when the difference is the rear housing, short rear output shaft and the addition of a reverse output?? The main internals are identical.
The over drive is a two speed auto....
Manny people autocross and race the thing without trouble. Knowledge is power.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 7
From: Chewelah Wa
4+3 replacement or even a rebuild is way cheaper and easier than retrofitting something else (auto, 6 speed, t5, etc.). A lot of the problems associated with the 4+3 were engineered out of the later year units. Not only that...they are fun and unique. Shift handles and buttons are available aftermarket, just a rethread is required. These units were coupled to the Calloway corvettes, so 300 HP is within its capabilities.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 80
From: Hawaii
If your trans is working, maintain it, and if or when it breaks, replaced it.
