94 mtx replacement Tranny

[saucy]

I'm new to the SHO world. I have 0 knowledge regarding these cars but I have always really liked them. After years of waiting I'm finally going to purchase one. The only problem is that the 5 speed tranny is shot. Whatever happened internally has actually cracked the aluminum case. What should I do? I don't think I want to mess with trying to weld up the existing case. I was thinking of just buying a used or rebuilt unit. Can anyone offer suggestions on who to call? Any help for this future SHO owner would be greatly appreciated

 

[olympic]

Welcome to SHOforum!

You've probably encountered the infamous SHO exploding differential, it's quite common. You're right, there is no way to rebuild or fix the tranny after a hole has been punched in the case. You're best bet is a used tranny from someone parting out a SHO or do a search on www.car-part.com for one near you.

If you have the means, I highly recommend that you replace the stock differential with a Quaife torque biasing differential. They're available from a variety of venders like www.shonutperformance.com , www.iptech.tv , www.shoshop.com or direct from Quaife at www.quaifeameica.com

Not only will this diff give you equal traction from both wheels, it will prevent another incident like you've just experienced. The only downside is cost. The Quaife diff runs about $1200US and another few hundred to install it into your tranny. I have one and I love it! If you do any drag racing or road racing, it will make a huge difference in how the car handles. Good luck!

 

[saucy]

Thanks for the info. I'm definately not going to get into the limited slip differential. My goal is to just use this car as my daily driver. I told myself before I bought it not to get carried away with performance mods. I already have a project car, 1981 Trans Am that consumes most of my time and all my money. Speaking of money I picked up this 94 SHO for $1300 Body and interior are in great condition, just a couple of scratches. No rust. Car only has 86k. Does that sound like a deal or is that about normal.

 

[93MTXSHO]

That's an incredible deal. I have a 93 MTX, same condition, but has 195k on it. No rust, and it was never driven during the winter. I got it for $1500 a year ago. I just hope you don't have all the issues that I did. So far, let me see. I've replaced the A/C compressor and lines, spark plugs and wires, clutch, f&r brakes, radiator, pcm, fuel pump, starter, water pump, timing belt, two thermostats, two temp senders, and it still needs valve cover gaskets and a valve adjustment. As you can see, the list never stops. A few months after I got it, I saw the guy I got it from. He asked me how it was doing. I made him wish he hadn't asked. Then his comment was, "Oh, I knew that most of that stuff needed done, but never felt like doing it!" Some people are real *****. I just hope that you don't have the luck that I've had.

Since you have to replace the transaxle, you might as well go ahead and replace the clutch and rear main. At 86K it probably hasn't had either and you'll already have everything apart. Go for it.

Happy SHO owning.

 

[SHO Boom]

I have a spare transaxle sittin around if you need one, or you can just go search your local yards, if they let you pull your own parts you can pick one up cheap, full service yards will rape ya.

 

[saucy]

I just called a local tranny shop. They said the same thing. I'd rather invest the money into a rebuild with a used case than to buy a used transmission from a junkyard. You never know where the junkyard tranny came from. My luck it would come from some 17 year olds 300,000 mile jewel he wrapped around a telephone pole. Any idea what the normal rebuild should run $?

 

[RStalveyARFF]

You seem to be mechanically inclined, I'd purchase the clutch rebuild video from shonutperformance.com, a junkyard transmission, and the parts needed for the rebuild ($487.73) and have piece of mind knowing you did it correctly. Pick up 3-4 quarts of either GM synchromesh or Redline D4 ATF as well.