Torque Converter ~ need installation advice
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
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From: Georgia
Cruise-In I Veteran
Torque Converter ~ need installation advice
I'm planning on installing a torque converter in my stock '94 A4 sometime over the winter.
I enjoy DIY projects but I've never been inside a tranny so I'm not sure this would be a project I should undertake. Anyone with recommendations on this?
I live in a small town ... there is no one locally that I will let touch my car, including the local dealership. I do live fairly close to Augusta but I'm unfamiliar with any tranny shops there. Recommendations on the best way to locate a good, trusted shop to do this job right?
And if I get the installation done professionally what's a fair price to pay for the labor?
I enjoy DIY projects but I've never been inside a tranny so I'm not sure this would be a project I should undertake. Anyone with recommendations on this?
I live in a small town ... there is no one locally that I will let touch my car, including the local dealership. I do live fairly close to Augusta but I'm unfamiliar with any tranny shops there. Recommendations on the best way to locate a good, trusted shop to do this job right?
And if I get the installation done professionally what's a fair price to pay for the labor?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
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From: The Top of Utah
Re: Torque Converter ~ need installation advice (tuband)
I enjoy DIY projects but I've never been inside a tranny so I'm not sure this would be a project I should undertake. Anyone with recommendations on this?
And if I get the installation done professionally what's a fair price to pay for the labor?
RACE ON!!!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,225
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From: Georgia
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: Torque Converter ~ need installation advice (tuband)
Just about decided to let a shop do this one
Any recommendations for a good shop in or near Augusta, GA?
Any recommendations for a good shop in or near Augusta, GA?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
Re: Torque Converter ~ need installation advice (tuband)
Job envolves removing exhaust system, C-Beam, Driveshaft, then dropping trans out. TC is attached to the flywheel, not internal to a tranny. Not a one person job unless you have access to a tranny lift or floor jacks with attachments.
I would say it could be done for around $300-500 depending on the shop. It is recommended to have a tranny cooler installed at the same time, so budget $100 for that as well or consider a deep tranny pan. :seeya
I would say it could be done for around $300-500 depending on the shop. It is recommended to have a tranny cooler installed at the same time, so budget $100 for that as well or consider a deep tranny pan. :seeya
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,225
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From: Georgia
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: Torque Converter ~ need installation advice (Goody)
Thanks Goody ~
Your explanation was a big help. Also, I hadn't thought about installing a cooler ... that's probably an item that I should definitely install at the same time.
Now if I can just locate a really good, dependable, honest shop ...........
tuband
Your explanation was a big help. Also, I hadn't thought about installing a cooler ... that's probably an item that I should definitely install at the same time.
Now if I can just locate a really good, dependable, honest shop ...........
tuband
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 708
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From: Alexandria VA
Re: Torque Converter ~ need installation advice (tuband)
I just had my converter installed, along with a new transmission as the old one was shot. I paid $500 to install both the converter and new trans, including fluids and cant wait to get it to the track!! In talking with others, and the shop doing the work, invest in a tranny cooler only if your doing alot of track days or your temps get too high (240+ degrees). I have turned my coolant temps down with LT1 Edit which keeps my trans cool as well so I am hoping I dont need a cooler, but its good insurance anyway.
Good luck in whatever route you choose!
Mike
Good luck in whatever route you choose!
Mike
Elite Torch Red Member
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
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Re: Torque Converter ~ need installation advice (tuband)
George, I had a GM mechanic do it on his free time.
He did a whole rear axle change, the torque converter, a tranny cooler and shifter cable all for $350. I gave him $100 tip for having it done in a day.
So you should be spending less than I did for just a TC change.
He did a whole rear axle change, the torque converter, a tranny cooler and shifter cable all for $350. I gave him $100 tip for having it done in a day.
So you should be spending less than I did for just a TC change.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,225
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From: Georgia
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: Torque Converter ~ need installation advice (Mr Mojo)
Frank,
Thanks ... your response helps me with some "ball park" figures. I have a rear end to put in but was planning to do that myself during the T'giving break. I'm going with a 3.31 rear which I think will be a perfect fit for my needs. I knew the 2.59 was perfect for cruising the southern interstates but never enough for "other" activities ... so when I went to the Panoz school track days at Road Atlanta a couple of months ago, it didn't take me long to figure out I needed more gears ... and soon. Didn't really want to go as far as 3.73 & not totally sure of 3.54 so I was about to drop a 3.07 ring/pinion in when I found the 3.31. Here's hoping I made a good choice.
I'll check around & see if I can find a good GM mechanic who would take this job on his time ... that might be the best approach. Appreciate the tip.
So when's your next trip south? Plan to stop by the Augusta area next time.
Thanks ... your response helps me with some "ball park" figures. I have a rear end to put in but was planning to do that myself during the T'giving break. I'm going with a 3.31 rear which I think will be a perfect fit for my needs. I knew the 2.59 was perfect for cruising the southern interstates but never enough for "other" activities ... so when I went to the Panoz school track days at Road Atlanta a couple of months ago, it didn't take me long to figure out I needed more gears ... and soon. Didn't really want to go as far as 3.73 & not totally sure of 3.54 so I was about to drop a 3.07 ring/pinion in when I found the 3.31. Here's hoping I made a good choice.
I'll check around & see if I can find a good GM mechanic who would take this job on his time ... that might be the best approach. Appreciate the tip.
So when's your next trip south? Plan to stop by the Augusta area next time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,705
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From: Chesapeake Beach Maryland
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
Re: Torque Converter ~ need installation advice (tuband)
tuband,
I'm not far from you. I'm in Aiken, SC - I've been trying to think of someone to send you to, but don't know anyone in Augusta. The Corvette Club in Columbia sends all of their work to the Dealership over there. They have a great relationship with that dealer. If you want to try it on your own and you want some help, let me know. I have done this to several camaros before. It's not that bad at all - just a little messy if you spill trans fluid.
stay in touch
:)
I'm not far from you. I'm in Aiken, SC - I've been trying to think of someone to send you to, but don't know anyone in Augusta. The Corvette Club in Columbia sends all of their work to the Dealership over there. They have a great relationship with that dealer. If you want to try it on your own and you want some help, let me know. I have done this to several camaros before. It's not that bad at all - just a little messy if you spill trans fluid.
stay in touch
:)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,225
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From: Georgia
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: Torque Converter ~ need installation advice (biggrizzly)
Don,
Thanks for the post. I'm glad to know that you're close by. Maybe we can get together for a cup of coffee or something. We go into Augusta often & sometimes on to N. Augusta & Aiken as well as Columbia. Thanks for the tip.
George
Thanks for the post. I'm glad to know that you're close by. Maybe we can get together for a cup of coffee or something. We go into Augusta often & sometimes on to N. Augusta & Aiken as well as Columbia. Thanks for the tip.
George
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
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Re: Torque Converter ~ need installation advice (tuband)
George, I'll be passing thru in February.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,225
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From: Georgia
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: Torque Converter ~ need installation advice (Mr Mojo)
George, I'll be passing thru in February.
Well, if you need a pit stop up or down, the Tuband Motel is very reasonable ... assuming the proprietors are home at that time. Let me know.
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Torque Converter ~ need installation advice (tuband)
Yeah, my annual trek to Daytona. I usually stop over in NC, but maybe we can meet for lunch.
