700R4 rebuild or replace
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 158
Likes: 1
From: Columbus Ohio
700R4 rebuild or replace
long story short ive got an 87 vette with the 700r4 auto trans
local auto trans shop quoted me at $1200-$1900 for full rebuild but i can buy a brand new 700r4 from wholesaletransmissiondistributor.com for $899.00 plus shipping and ive found used with a fresh rebuild for as low as $300
what gives and what would be the best option for a drivers car that might hit the drag strip for fun
btw i can do an install myself just dont have time for a rebuild
local auto trans shop quoted me at $1200-$1900 for full rebuild but i can buy a brand new 700r4 from wholesaletransmissiondistributor.com for $899.00 plus shipping and ive found used with a fresh rebuild for as low as $300
what gives and what would be the best option for a drivers car that might hit the drag strip for fun
btw i can do an install myself just dont have time for a rebuild
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 5
From: Bay Shore, NY
I think you answered your own question. If you can install it yourself, get a new or used one or a rebuilt one shipped to you. I'm sure the labor of removing the tranny from your car is built into that quote from the local guy so you're basically saving the labor costs.
If you're getting the rebuilt one, find out how they rebuild it. Is it all new inside or do they just replace what is broken? If you plan on taking it to the strip, see if they can customize your order with better clutch packs, etc. Also, find out about core charges and the shipping costs for the core. That $300 might triple once you factor in the shipping costs, etc.
When I had my 700R4 done, it was rebuilt all heavy duty and it was warrantied. The rebuild with a new torque converter and flywheel cost me $1300 seven years ago so your quote isn't that bad.
If you're getting the rebuilt one, find out how they rebuild it. Is it all new inside or do they just replace what is broken? If you plan on taking it to the strip, see if they can customize your order with better clutch packs, etc. Also, find out about core charges and the shipping costs for the core. That $300 might triple once you factor in the shipping costs, etc.
When I had my 700R4 done, it was rebuilt all heavy duty and it was warrantied. The rebuild with a new torque converter and flywheel cost me $1300 seven years ago so your quote isn't that bad.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,431
Likes: 3,285
From: Hartford WI
www.rosslertrans.com for a trans. They can build you what you need and well. They want your trans since they think it fits better or something but that isn't a biggie.
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 293
Likes: 4
Call Dana, he is truely one of the best I've ever delt with.
http://www.700r4l60e.com/
You don't want anything to do with a "stock" rebuild, esp for $300.
http://www.700r4l60e.com/
You don't want anything to do with a "stock" rebuild, esp for $300.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,996
Likes: 304
From: MOORESVILLE NC
I just pulled the 700R4 from my 88. Repair shop had it for 6 working days. I took my 700R4 to a local Trans. shop. spent $800 on converter, shift kit, and upgrades to a 4L60E on my 700R4 plus $500 on labor.
Took 2.5 hours to come out and same to go back in. I have 4 post lift and a trans. jack that goes to 6 feet. No problems removing. The install had 2 problems, getting the dip stick tube to line up with the upper housing bolt, and the other was getting the trans. fluid to and from cooler lines back in because both were used to flush out the system and got moved around a bit.
The Trans. support that connects the automatic trans. tail shaft to the differential is not much fun either. Clean this support after removal and grease it around the bolt holes so you can move it about. I only need to connect the flywheel to converter bolts.
Looking forward to flooring it this coming weekend.
Took 2.5 hours to come out and same to go back in. I have 4 post lift and a trans. jack that goes to 6 feet. No problems removing. The install had 2 problems, getting the dip stick tube to line up with the upper housing bolt, and the other was getting the trans. fluid to and from cooler lines back in because both were used to flush out the system and got moved around a bit.
The Trans. support that connects the automatic trans. tail shaft to the differential is not much fun either. Clean this support after removal and grease it around the bolt holes so you can move it about. I only need to connect the flywheel to converter bolts.
Looking forward to flooring it this coming weekend.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,431
Likes: 3,285
From: Hartford WI
I generally find the cheapest price for a trans like Jasper and know that I have to pay way more than that. For a good built trans, you are going to look in the $2000 region if you want to use good new parts. If you are not picky about whether it is a rebuilt converter or not, sure. Looking at a Vigilante TC, it is about $800 so if they are giving you a fresh rebuild, you can bet it won't have that TC from wholsealetransmission. Probably some stock rebuild at best. If not, well........
