Thread: Having trans rebuilt - questions for shop?

I'm having my high mile trans rebuilt here locally by a shop I've used in the past and trust.

It's got 190k on it and has the slip then bang issue when stopping at redlights occasionaly. I've already done the Transgo kit.

Is there anything I should request them to do while they're in there? He's already going to replace the torque converter and do all the current fixes/upgrades.

Car has the basic mods done to it. It's just a driver, not a race car.

New clutches and solenoids and whatever else he thinks needs to be done.

Let's assume his rebuilds include all new:
-Clutches
-Steels
-Seals (Improved long lips where applicable)
-Solenoids
-Bushings/Bearings (Where needed)

A good build should also include:
-Transgo kit
-Superior valve body kit
-Superior AFL valve
-Sonnax TCC relief valve
-Sonnax Lube tube retainer
-Reduced 2nd and 3rd clutch pack clearance

These are the things I did when I did a rebuild one for a stock '01 GTP. I wouldn't consider any of the things I listed as "performance" upgrades. These things are done to improve the longevity of the trans, and greatly improve the shift feel. Gives a very firm shift. Just shy of a bump.

^^ Ding...right there.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

^^ Ding...right there.

What about the chain? I see a lot of people say that's a weak link, or is that primarily in the older transmissions?

That only becomes a concerns at higher than stock hp levels. If it's out of spec (stretched) , a good builder will replace it. I remember reading somewhere that all chains made now are V-8 spec. Can't verify that though.

new 4th gear hub, or at least make sure yours still has splines on it. this was an old problem, fixed in 99+

The 4th gear hub was actually a 2003+ fix.

Sounds good. Dropping it off tonight and they'll start on it in the morning.

Anything different in my tune I should change transmission-wise before I drop it off? The only changes I've got in there now are slightly increased max TCC DC values, base line pressures up a touch, and quicker shift times.

Originally Posted by 2004l67

Anything different in my tune I should change transmission-wise before I drop it off?

Nothing comes to mind. If you do the stuff I listed above, you will have a better feeling transmission on a stock tune then you could ever get from a tired stock trans with a modified tune.

buy a shift kit, have them install it.

tell them that. you never know with these shops, they may toss it and replace it with stock crap. if you have the internal parts for the shift kit hand them over too. have them installed.

you could always get one of them tep valve bodies too. everyone who has one cant shut up about it, ask bill lol

Might want to make sure they fix the main problem, the input clutch piston

Originally Posted by 02NavyBlue

Might want to make sure they fix the main problem, the input clutch piston

You know, good thing you said that. I talked to him about that on the phone, but forgot to put that in the note I left in the car when I dropped it off.

It would suck if he didn't replace it, and just replaced the seal. Then it would be "fixed" for a while until the groove gets worse in the piston.

I'll give him a call in the morning. He does offer a 12month, 24k warranty but still. Piece of mind is worth more.

TEP valvebody FTW!!!!
The GXP spec chain, or 7/8s
Transgo shift kit
4th cluth hub upgrade.
Metal Channel plate gaskets.

At a minimum id be making sure those are added.