Need New Trans, What to do!

[Phantomx55]

My tranny recently died at 90k miles and I have been looking on what to do about a new one. Here what my options are:

1. My mechanic suggested I get the stock transmission rebuilt through Jasper. It would cost me $2300 for it with installation. I also already have a vette servo that I would put in as well. This has a 3 year 100k mile warranty on it.

2. Boss suggested a level 2 transmission from PerformaBuilt which is $1840 shipped and my mechanic would install for $400 so its about the same price. This one has a 6 month warranty on it from the day it arrives to me.

Also for the PerformaBuilt I could get a 2500 stall converter for an additonal $550. I am not entirely sure what the advantages of a stall converter are but he suggested it if I was looking for performance.

My mechanic is my uncle so I see no real reasons for him to steer me wrong.

Could someone explain to me the advantages of the stall converter and what transmission I should go with? I am leaning towards maybe the stock transmission with the vette servo and a 2500 stall but please leave me some feedback fellow hoe owners!

 

[blueflamed03]

why your Unc wanna charge ya $400 to put it in?

If your motor is stock, I'd spend a little more for a good built one, but the Jasper sounds like a great warranty. Converter, I'm looking at a TB stall, and you can get them for about $150. Even at that, I'd get a Yank converter over the Performabuilt one, for about 1/3 less.

Check out Finishline transmission too..

 

[ILLEGAL REGAL]

why not have a local trans shop rebuild yours? Then you're not paying for a new case and hard parts that aren't bad and need replaced. Usually its just clutches and a pump, around $400 +/- in parts and a couple hundred more in labor to tear it down and put back together.
Search your area for a place that does alot of race car transmissions as they're much cheaper than aamco or any other big name trans shop. They should also be able to clean your converter or get a stock replacement if it's tore up.

 

[blueflamed03]

even most on a good deal are $1500 to take out, rebuild, and re-install. With stock parts.

 

[chip]

why not have a local trans shop rebuild yours? Then you're not paying for a new case and hard parts that aren't bad and need replaced. Usually its just clutches and a pump, around $400 +/- in parts and a couple hundred more in labor to tear it down and put back together.
Search your area for a place that does alot of race car transmissions as they're much cheaper than aamco or any other big name trans shop. They should also be able to clean your converter or get a stock replacement if it's tore up.

even most on a good deal are $1500 to take out, rebuild, and re-install. With stock parts.

+1 to both of those^^^!!

First of all, unless your engine is making BIG power, you don't need to change your stall point. A stall converter is just what it sounds like. The best way to explain how it works, is to think of it as holding the clutch half-way in until 2500 RPM. The only way that would help you, is if your engine was making so much power that it would stall out if it had to idle below 2500 RPMs. You want your engine to idle as low as possible, so go with the stock torque convertor, unless you NEED a higher stall. Anything else is a waste of money.

If I were you, I would get a full "stock" rebuild, with a shift kit. That's all you need.......and I don't know where you live, but $2K for a rebuild is F-ing redicculous! I know our trucks are expensive, but you shouldn't have to pay anymore than $1,500 for everything, out the door!

Good luck! Post up when done.

 

[blueflamed03]

You could benefit changing to a slightly higher stall, even on a stock cammed truck. LS engines like to rev, and a small 2400-2600 stall would be nice, get it into the power band faster.

Higher stalls are not just for cammed, or modded engines.

 

[BOSS]

After having my rebuilt tranny crap on me 3 times now for various reasons...i wouldn't go with a local rebuild. Go with guys like performa...they do it all day every day and are specialists with 4l60e's..

 

[bottomline2000]

I went with the Jasper. Good warranty, peace of mind. I had the guy put a shift kit in while building it and added a big ext cooler with lines. Warranty hard to beat or find anyone that will come close. Not cheap, but worth it for me. I have a tune with 0 torque management and the shifts are tight. Nothing like stock. I've heard stalls aren't good for towing so I didn't bother as I do tow occasionally.

If you are planning power mods I would look at performabuilt and finish line. Jasper sell stock units with updates (better flow, more clutch packs) to make them more reliable, but I don't know how much power this thing will actually hold. One thing the guy told me was to replace all the lines and add an ext cooler since it doesn't take much to blow a trans if contaminated and I think that is where a lot of people have problems. Good luck with whatever you do.

 

[Phantomx55]

I went with the Jasper transmission. I heard alot of storys of peoples transmissions barely lasting a year from local shops. They tend to use used parts when they do rebuilds too. Jasper uses all new parts and goes through the whole transmission with a fine tooth comb.

 

[Physh1]

Gotta tell ya, I've been looking for a 4l60e rebuilt here in the bay area...for removal, rebuild, & reinstall the BEST price I found was $2200...average was $2800!

I think I'm going to order a stage 1 performa pay $400 for removal & install. Cheapest way to go...

Cameron