700R4 Life Expectancy?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Warner Robins GA
700R4 Life Expectancy?
Hey everyone,
I've got a transmission leak on my 88 with the 700R4. I really try not to do any transmission work myself, but the transmission is going to have to be pulled to fix the leak.
The car has 105 thousand miles on it and as far as I know the transmission has never had a rebuild. Since I'm looking at paying a lot for labor just to have it pulled to fix the leak, should I consider having it rebuilt at the same time? I don't have any problems with it at all, but I'm not really sure what the average life expectancy is.
If I have it rebuilt, about what should I expect to pay? I had a TH350 rebuilt a few months ago, new torque converter and all, and payed about $800. I'm not sure how similar the 700R4 would be.
Any info would be appreciated, and I'm also interested in hearing other ideas of what I should do while I have it out.
Thanks.
I've got a transmission leak on my 88 with the 700R4. I really try not to do any transmission work myself, but the transmission is going to have to be pulled to fix the leak.
The car has 105 thousand miles on it and as far as I know the transmission has never had a rebuild. Since I'm looking at paying a lot for labor just to have it pulled to fix the leak, should I consider having it rebuilt at the same time? I don't have any problems with it at all, but I'm not really sure what the average life expectancy is.
If I have it rebuilt, about what should I expect to pay? I had a TH350 rebuilt a few months ago, new torque converter and all, and payed about $800. I'm not sure how similar the 700R4 would be.
Any info would be appreciated, and I'm also interested in hearing other ideas of what I should do while I have it out.
Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 1
From: Naples FL
Re: 700R4 Life Expectancy? (Tourney3p0)
I had my '93 automatic (not sure if its the same as yours)rebuilt about 7,000 miles ago when it had 121,000 miles on it. Cost about $1300. Hope this helps. :seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Naples FL
Re: 700R4 Life Expectancy? (ecrone)
Did you do it at a Chevy dealer?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Warner Robins GA
Re: 700R4 Life Expectancy? (GRNVNM93)
No, I had a local tranny/corvette guy do mine... Took a month, but what the hey!
I'd be having it done by my mechanic, not the dealer.. the same dealer that wanted 6 bucks for a lug nut.
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Kingston ma
Re: 700R4 Life Expectancy? (GRNVNM93)
My 93 is at the dealer right now. They are trying to find the problem by changing the filter and completely flushing out the system first. Then, they will know whether it needs an overhaul or not. They quoted me $2200 to overhaul and said it could cost more if there are more problems.... wow!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
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rebuilds can get expensive, just make sure you find the right place to do it with a good reputation
youre best off with a brand new one whenever possible, but since yours isnt broken you dont have to worry about that
youre best off with a brand new one whenever possible, but since yours isnt broken you dont have to worry about that
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: 700R4 Life Expectancy? (Tourney3p0)
A few months ago I had some work done on my A5:
$850-rebuild & engine rear seal
$250-2,000rpm TC
$225-TransGo shift kit
--------------------------
$1,325-total cost
It was done by a local shop in CT, recommended by several Forum members.
First I would find a "good" local shop, then get a quote on fixing the leak and a quote on the other work you're considering.
If you plan to keep the car for a while it may be worth while to have it rebuilt, or not if the additional cost is considerable.
$850-rebuild & engine rear seal
$250-2,000rpm TC
$225-TransGo shift kit
--------------------------
$1,325-total cost
It was done by a local shop in CT, recommended by several Forum members.
First I would find a "good" local shop, then get a quote on fixing the leak and a quote on the other work you're considering.
If you plan to keep the car for a while it may be worth while to have it rebuilt, or not if the additional cost is considerable.
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
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Re: 700R4 Life Expectancy? (ecrone)
My 93 is at the dealer right now. They are trying to find the problem by changing the filter and completely flushing out the system first. Then, they will know whether it needs an overhaul or not. They quoted me $2200 to overhaul and said it could cost more if there are more problems.... wow!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 753
Likes: 1
From: Waynesville, Mo
Re: 700R4 Life Expectancy? (Mr Mojo)
I had the trans done in my 93 Conv this year. It had several of the hard parts broken internally(rolloer sprags, etc) a new seal kit, rebuilt torque converter, also replaced rear main seal and did a Mobil 1 oil chg and was charged $800.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Micco FL
Re: 700R4 Life Expectancy? (Tourney3p0)
The 700R4 in my 92 went 88,000 miles before it bit the dust. 146,000 now an not a problem yet.
Trans rebuild with 3/4 update to 9 clutch pack, HD torque converter, (2) drive shaft "u" joints, rear main engine seal, change engine oil and filter, change differential fluid = $1452.83 and I'm happy.
Do a web search, I've seen rebuilts with warranty for under $500.
Trans rebuild with 3/4 update to 9 clutch pack, HD torque converter, (2) drive shaft "u" joints, rear main engine seal, change engine oil and filter, change differential fluid = $1452.83 and I'm happy.
Do a web search, I've seen rebuilts with warranty for under $500.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,923
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From: Las Vegas NV
Re: 700R4 Life Expectancy? (Mr Mojo)
My 93 is at the dealer right now. They are trying to find the problem by changing the filter and completely flushing out the system first. Then, they will know whether it needs an overhaul or not. They quoted me $2200 to overhaul and said it could cost more if there are more problems.... wow!
If they flush it, you will have problems. Everyone here who said they flushed their tranny had problems soon after.
If they flush it, you will have problems. Everyone here who said they flushed their tranny had problems soon after.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Warner Robins GA
Re: 700R4 Life Expectancy? (VQT88Vette)
Anyone ever had Mr. Transmission do any work on the 700R4?
I'm also interested in looking for any updates the 700R4 had after 1988.
My mechanic says that the main seal leaking would usually be because heat buildup due to slight clutch slippage that's usually undetectable by the driver. Oh well.. I'll go into this with the same attitude as the heater core. At least when it's done, I won't have to worry about it for another hundred thousand miles.
I'm also interested in looking for any updates the 700R4 had after 1988.
My mechanic says that the main seal leaking would usually be because heat buildup due to slight clutch slippage that's usually undetectable by the driver. Oh well.. I'll go into this with the same attitude as the heater core. At least when it's done, I won't have to worry about it for another hundred thousand miles.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,691
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From: Framingham MA
Re: 700R4 Life Expectancy? (Tourney3p0)
If you haven't religiously maintained the tranny with fluid and filter changes, rebuild it. If I was going to have someone rebuild it, make sure to goto a quality place, have them rebuild your tranny, and I would ask them to replace all the bushing in the tranny. (Should be done anyways but only approx 10% of tranny rebuilder do this) They should also do all the normal upgrades mainly the larger 3-4 clutch pack but most of them do it anyways.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 4,763
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From: Connectivette
Re: 700R4 Life Expectancy? (dgoodhue)
I had my 700R4's fluid changed at about 114K. The tranny took a schitter at 120K.
$1500 for a rebuild which included: 2000 stall, custom shift kit, kevlar composit bands and extra clutches.
65Z01 and I had the same rebuilder :yesnod:
$1500 for a rebuild which included: 2000 stall, custom shift kit, kevlar composit bands and extra clutches.
65Z01 and I had the same rebuilder :yesnod:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Stamford VT
Re: 700R4 Life Expectancy? (Mr Mojo)
If they flush it, you will have problems. Everyone here who said they flushed their tranny had problems soon after.
Or so I've been told.
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 322
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From: Manchester TN
Re: 700R4 Life Expectancy? (Tourney3p0)
I just replaced mine at about 190,000 miles. I had just gotten it rebuilt about a year before and it had also been rebuilt before I got the car (around 120,000 miles). $800 for the rebuild, $1400 for the new transmission from Bill Heard Huntsville including installation (not at the dealer). There is about a $500 discrepency depending on what dealer you get a price from or even who you talk to at one dealership. I wish I had gone the replacement route to begin with. From what I understand, the 700R4 has gone thru many revisions over the years. Getting a new one insures that you have the most up to date version.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 755
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From: Patterson CA
Re: 700R4 Life Expectancy? (Jim85IROC)
After my flush mine lasted about 750 miles before I lost my 3-4 clutch pack.
I got several quotes ranging from $1000-$1500 for a rebuild, not including the R&R. I opted for the $1000 because of several good references and price. I also ordered a new TC from Jeff Kopp for $200 (2500 RPM stall :D).
I'm doing the R&R myself [fingers crossed].
BTW, everyone I spoke to said it should only take 2-3 days for the rebuild.
:cheers:
I got several quotes ranging from $1000-$1500 for a rebuild, not including the R&R. I opted for the $1000 because of several good references and price. I also ordered a new TC from Jeff Kopp for $200 (2500 RPM stall :D).
I'm doing the R&R myself [fingers crossed].
BTW, everyone I spoke to said it should only take 2-3 days for the rebuild.
:cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 913
Likes: 17
From: Chatsworth, Ga.
Re: 700R4 Life Expectancy? (Tourney3p0)
Why don't you take a look at the after market TH700R4's that are out there.
I had mine replaced about 20,000 miles ago with a "Raptor" for about $1,400. You will have to use the old tail shaft off the existing TH700. I think a 'new (rebuilt) on is about $1,200 through Jeff and it comes with a 3 year warrenty.
I had mine replaced about 20,000 miles ago with a "Raptor" for about $1,400. You will have to use the old tail shaft off the existing TH700. I think a 'new (rebuilt) on is about $1,200 through Jeff and it comes with a 3 year warrenty.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 428
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From: Friendswood Texas
Re: 700R4 Life Expectancy? (Tourney3p0)
Mine died at 90k miles. I don'tnow how well it was maintained before I bought the car.
Cost abot $1700 at a local shop. Inluded towing, tranny R&R, and rebuild. It was a major rebuild - I only had 1st gear after the failure.
Took a week and a half.
They did an excellent job.
Cost abot $1700 at a local shop. Inluded towing, tranny R&R, and rebuild. It was a major rebuild - I only had 1st gear after the failure.
Took a week and a half.
They did an excellent job.