Tranny rebuild time...a few ?????s

[SuperHO]

First off, what should be replaced, if not everything? Second, what's this I hear about a shift kit? Something about a Trans-Go shift kit that tightens things back up and extends the life of the tranny.......but around $500 on top of the other crap.....yay or ney?

I'm tranny dumb, so insight would be helpful.

 

[NJSHO]

ATX or MTX? Trans Go only pertains to the ATX tranny.

 

[SHO#7]

A standard set of always replace parts are; Master overhaul kit ( Clutches, gaskets, seals, sealing rings, o-rings, lip seals, filter, bands ). Always get a reman torque converter, Updated forward and direct clutch piston, and a trans-go or superior shift kit. A shift kit is around fifty dollars. And most shops should not charge any more to install it. I know we do not. But we go through the valve body on every car. At best they should only charge 1.5 hours to install. Also, do not forget to either bypass the factory cooler system, or flush with a hot flush. Not a can of kooler clean. That does not get it. A larger external cooler is not a bad idea either.

Mike

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Any brand "shift kit" (really a misnomer on the SHO it's more of a **** upgrade with minor calibration changes) is going to be an improvement. TransGo is probably the most well-known name. Expect to pay ~$150 on top of the rebuild price for such a kit installed.

Other than that, the usual items like the forward clutch piston, pump shaft, burned up planetaries, etc. will need to be replaced. Of course a new VSS is cheap insurance. I usually recommend planning on about $400 in new hard parts for a typical SHO tranny rebuild.

The most important part is to find good shop for it. There's enough SHO guys around MI that can probably point you to a good shop. You also might want to try Mike Yeager (SHO#7 on the forum). He's in Cincinnati which IIRC is only like 3-4 hours from you.

EDIT: Whoops, Mike beat me to the reply!

 

[2SteelHorses]

Yeah I was going to post the same question about rebuild. I bought a 93 ATX that will not go into gear and figured it needs to be rebuilt.

I remember reading that you should upgrade the computer for a 93 ATX for better shifts anf trany life. Is that right? Would you recommend going to a 95 ATX computer?

 

[SeanMc]

I'm just going to save up for a Doug Lewis tranny. Expensive? Yes. Reliable? From what I've heard: yep, yep, yep.

 

[SuperHO]

I would wait for a FPS tranny, but unfortunatly, I don't think this thing's gonna last the winter, and it's a daily driver. I need to get it done before I put my 92 up for the winter so the wife can putter around in my winter beater.....

Also, SHO #7, how much you charge for a tranny rebuild?

 

[SHO#7]

I would wait for a FPS tranny, but unfortunatly, I don't think this thing's gonna last the winter, and it's a daily driver. I need to get it done before I put my 92 up for the winter so the wife can putter around in my winter beater.....

Also, SHO #7, how much you charge for a tranny rebuild?

Depends on how badly you break it. A basic overhaul can be around 1800-1900 ( That is what you should expect at any decent shop ) But the hard parts and electronics are where it can get expensive. It is very difficult to quote a rebuild, until you open it up.

Mike

 

[SuperHO]

Depends on how badly you break it. A basic overhaul can be around 1800-1900 ( That is what you should expect at any decent shop ) But the hard parts and electronics are where it can get expensive. It is very difficult to quote a rebuild, until you open it up.

Mike

K, so assuming the car's still quite driveable and just acting the fool and nothing's too broke, figure about $1600 or so?

 

[SHO#7]

I would say no. I also do not know what acting the fool means. If it is not perfect, there is stuff wrong.

Some basic labor times for the SHO are as follows

93 AX4S Overhaul *includes removal and installation* 15.3

94-95 AX4S Overhaul * includes removal and installation* 16.8

Those times are from a Mitchell book I have laying around. So you figure the average shop is at least 70$ per hour.

15.3 x 70 = 1071.00
16.8 x 70 = 1176.00

figure 250 for a master overhaul kit
280 for a reman Torque converter
70 for a forward and direct piston
50 for a trans go kit

With those rough numbers you have already spent your 1600.


I am sure that you will find some shops that may build a transmission for 1600. But I also assume they are not ATRA cetified, or offer any type of decent warranty.

Mike

 

[SuperHO]

What kind of warranty do you offer? Would it be worth my while to drive from K-Zoo to Cincy to have it done? (as if I didn't already know the answer to THAT one.....)

 

[SHO#7]

What kind of warranty do you offer? Would it be worth my while to drive from K-Zoo to Cincy to have it done? (as if I didn't already know the answer to THAT one.....)[/QUOTE

I can't tell you if I am worth the trip or not. I can tell you that there are cars further from you that have my transmission in them. MY shop gives a 2year-24k mile warranty.

Any further questions for me, please send them via PM.

Mike