Transmission on my table, where do I start?

[Supreme Cutlass]

I've got a transmission on my table, and I'm not sure exactly where to start. I know I want to replace the TCC solenoid, maybe put in a shift kit, but other than that I'm not sure. I want to be able to put it in no worries, if and when my tranny finally goes out, but I don't want to be up to my eyeballs in transmission parts I know nothing about. The mileage is kinda a mystery, so should I bite the bullet and get the rest rebuilt? Just tell me what you'd reccomend.

 

(and a big to Cutlsp for practically giving the transmission to me)

[ns87]

I have no idea, but take a lot of pictures! I'm really interested to see this rebuilt if it comes to that

[White93z34]

what trans is it, 3 speed or 4 speed?

[Supreme Cutlass]

3 speed so it's probably pointless for me to take pictures, but hey, it makes swapping it in that much easier since it's what I've got in there, and it was free

[White93z34]

if its a 3 speed, sell it for scrap and buy a good 4t60 to work with.

[Supreme Cutlass]

[White93z34]

if your going to build up a trans may as well start with somehting that lets you cruise at a reasonable RPM on the highway. thats like saying should i build up a 2.8 or start with a 3.1. just my opinion though.

[ns87]

I agree kinda with White93Z34, but at the same time maybe not. How hard is it to throw the 4 speed in instead? Deffinately fool around with the 3 speed to get familiar with it. I have it in my Ciera, its not a terrible transmission and the RPMS don't get too high on the highway. Acceleration is great at crusing bc it doesn't have to downshift out of overdrive

[White93z34]

i had one of those miserable trannys in my old 90' ciera, made for some astacular gas mileage from the iron duke i had.

nothing like crusing at 70mph @ 3300rpm

 

i'm sure its a decent trans and all in respect to durability, but now that i have 4 speeds, i'll never go back.

 

and if i ever had another 3 speed car i'd never put another in there, 4 speed or bust.

[ns87]

lol @ iron duke with 3 speed. My Ciera at least has the 3300. My friend's 3 spd iron duke Century is hilarious~

[digitaloutsider]

I have to agree with Chris. A 4T60 is a much better transmission to start with as far as aftermarket options go. Gas milage is also big plus.

[Supreme Cutlass]

Well, none of the junkyards want them, so I guess I'll just mess around with it until I can find a 4 speed for close to the same price

[Brian P]

too bad you don't have a 4 spd, I took pictures of my tranny gutted, and reassembling.

[Crazy K]

I would practice dismantling and reassembling the tranny. learn from it.

If you look around you may be able to find a cheap 4 speed tranny. Some yards may have cores, so you might ask a yard if they could sell you a core(might be $50). Hell, I have a bad core!

[mihela816]

Get a 4T60. The only other thing that needs changed is axles. And maybe the gear indicator if you are anal about it.

[1990lumina]

i had one of those miserable trannys in my old 90' ciera, made for some astacular gas mileage from the iron duke i had.

nothing like crusing at 70mph @ 3300rpm

 

i'm sure its a decent trans and all in respect to durability, but now that i have 4 speeds, i'll never go back.

 

and if i ever had another 3 speed car i'd never put another in there, 4 speed or bust.

 

try driving a 5 speed or 6 speed car (auto) and then go back to 4 speeds...it serious sucks...I can imagine the 3 speed is a good tranny, it doesn't downshift out of overdrive because it doesn't have an overdrive gear to shift down from....but you knew that properly..

 

anyway i'll say if you wanna learn tear into the 3 speed..if it doesn't go together right after who cares right?? Got it for practically nothing..good learning tool