jaustinbell Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 I can get a fairly recently rebuilt trans out of a totaled 96 Lumina for $100. I have a 96 Cutlass Ciera and my sister has a 1996 Grand Prix; I want to buy this and keep it as a spare. Neither of the cars needs a transmission right now though. If I buy this, how long can I leave it in the garage (in GA) without it deteriorating? Would it still be OK after sitting for 3 or 4 years? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addicted to eaton Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 i dont see why not just change the fluid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfewtrail Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 I can get a fairly recently rebuilt trans out of a totaled 96 Lumina for $100. I have a 96 Cutlass Ciera and my sister has a 1996 Grand Prix; I want to buy this and keep it as a spare. Neither of the cars needs a transmission right now though. If I buy this, how long can I leave it in the garage (in GA) without it deteriorating? Would it still be OK after sitting for 3 or 4 years? It should be fine to store for that long or even longer. I've started up cars that have been sitting that long or longer and the transaxles in them worked perfectly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy K Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 (edited) it will be a direct swap to the 96 GP, and can probably be used in the ciera, though it has an incorrect final drive ratio and a different half case(negligible in this case) you should be able to swap the differential with ease. i say do it. tip: when starting or operating a transmission for the first time in who knows how long, and you have any doubt about it's readiness to go: operate the car in park to full operating temperature. recheck fluid level, then cycle the transmission through all it's gears with the car stationary and check fluid level again. Then take it for it's first drive though all the gears while throttling it lightly... no WOT! you need to get warm fluid to flow though and fill all the passages and chambers to make sure check balls and stuff are not hung up in long sitting gunk. Edited March 9, 2011 by Crazy K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaustinbell Posted March 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 Thanks for the advice, guys. I think I'm going to go ahead and buy the trans as soon as I get the time to drive out there and get it. The 1996 GP has had an occasional delayed 1-2 upshift on hills for several months now. I figure if I buy this and my sister's trans goes out, all she has to do is get someone to swap this one in for ~$300, that way transmission failure, should it occur, won't be too rough on her finances. I'll be keeping my Cutlass Ciera indefinitely (many many more years) and considering engine oil reports show low wear on the engine and all other mechanicals are totally sound, having a spare 4-speed is cheap peace of mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy K Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 Thanks for the advice, guys. I think I'm going to go ahead and buy the trans as soon as I get the time to drive out there and get it. The 1996 GP has had an occasional delayed 1-2 upshift on hills for several months now. I figure if I buy this and my sister's trans goes out, all she has to do is get someone to swap this one in for ~$300, that way transmission failure, should it occur, won't be too rough on her finances. I'll be keeping my Cutlass Ciera indefinitely (many many more years) and considering engine oil reports show low wear on the engine and all other mechanicals are totally sound, having a spare 4-speed is cheap peace of mind. have you ever serviced the GPs tranny? You should inspect the transmission vacuum modulator, and maybe upgrade the 1-2 shift accumulator springs. Look into info about it in FAQ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaustinbell Posted March 10, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 (edited) I last did a pan drop and filter change 10,000 miles ago at 171,000 miles and put in Dexron-6. That was either the 3rd or 4th time the car has had a pan drop and filter change. I installed an adjustable vacuum modulator about a month ago and set the pressure fairly high but not all the way up. That seems to have improved things. As for the 1-2 shift accumulator springs, that sounds like something worth looking into. I checked it out in the FAQ and it looks simple enough. I guess I'll go ahead and try that when I'm off for spring break in a week and a half; thanks for the tip. Edited March 10, 2011 by jaustinbell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidHowell3633 Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Crazy K really helped me out once with a transmission I had that set up for just a little while and then once cranked up had no go. He said to raise the front passenger wheel off the ground to allow easy turning and start her up and put it in drive. I did that and it worked. So, in 2015 when you are ready for your first run, be sure you know how to reach Crazy K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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