Anyone know a good tranny mech in Orlando?

[c4ever]

I gotta say I'm disappointed. This tranny (on my 85 auto) has had filter changes every year of it's life and has never been beat yet it looks like she's going south. My fluid is a graphite color, she's starting to slip and make some god awful noises. When I do the filter change she'll be OK for a couple days then act up. (I've changed the filter 3 times in the last 2 weeks thinking maybe that would flush out my problem) I know I'm looking at a rebuild. Anyone know a good vette tranny shop? Most of the vette repair shops like Corvette Masters just send it out so I'm looking to go direct. I got an over the phone $$ of $2500 if it's not in too bad a shape. This is last thing I need right now.
Thanks to all

Carlo

 

[Hrtbeat1]

Baton Rouge, LA

Carlos,

I'm no tranny mechanic but I've torn apart and rebuilt a few of them in my time. As long as the fluid is coming out without chuunks of obvious pieces then I would believe that it is just the normal wear of the clutch steels and the friction plates. You don't mention how many miles you have on your Vette but I would guess over 100K. For the most part I would consider this normal. As far as three changes in two weeks ... I don't think this is going to help. Once the frictions are worn and start rubbing the steels it is just a matter of time. I would stop driving it until I could get the tranny rebuilt. A rebuild should only cost around $850 or so for the rebuild kit and labor, this is not including any "hard parts" that may need replacing. And again this would be if the tranny was out and you took it to somebody. The Vete setup is a real PITA to get the tranny in and out, plus adjusted just right, so that may be a large part of the cost you were quoted. If you have the ability, time, facility, and "PATIENCE" I would take the tranny out myself. You will probabally save yourself around a grand or so. Plus you get more familiar with the underside of your Vette.

If you are going to go direct I can suggest a place. These guys have been around for a while and they are very knowlegeable about the 700R4, and they build some stout trannies, they only use parts that have proven themselves. Some of their trannies will tow around 6,000 lbs in OD ... this isn't supposed to be done in a 700R4. You can look them up at www.transmissioncenter.net I think they are running a special on trannies now with "free shipping" ... I just had to order some stuff from them (no free shipping on my parts ). If you get a tranny from them you will most likely have to replace the tailshaft housing with your original one ... due to the Vette's support beam ... and most likely the speedo gear from your output shaft, theirs may not come with one.

Good luck and hope this helps a bit.

C ya

 

[c4ever]

Many thanks Hrtbeat1. I'll look into it. As far as removing the unit myself, I just don't have the lift to get it done otherwise I would love doing it. You're right, I won't be driving her until the works done, that's the beauty of owning 2 of them


Carlo

 

[Hrtbeat1]

Don't need no stinking lift

Hey Carlo,

I'm in the process of doing mine right now. I don't need no stinking lift. I used four jackstands and got mine up plenty far enough. The only thing is having the facility to do the work. Luckily I have a storage unit 10x20 that is my Vette's home while Im at sea, so I'm doing the work there. It would be much nicer if I had a garage, but things don't always work out that way.

Lucky you .... having two .... thats just not fair .

C ya

 

[Bob Yates]

Carlo.... I hope this info is not to late . But pretty close to you in Apopka, Florida is a place called Fourth Gear Inc. that I have dealt with on a 700R4 . The owners name is Don Marcone. He rebuilds these trannys and I think does a great job. He puts all the up dates on the 700R4 to give you the best of the 700R4. He is very reasonable I paid $1,100.00 for mine. Give him a call and tell him whats wrong he'll be able to help you I sure an at a good price. Phone # 407-880-2882....Hope this helps.....Bob Yates

 

[c4ever]

Many thanks Bob. I was going to pull the trigger on it this weekend. I'll give him a call tomorrow. If this comes through I owe you one


Carlo