camarowitness

i bought (have one car payment left) a 99 Z-28 V8,
put about 15k on it, now it sits at 103k and it wont shift past 40. (had a transmission flush less than 3k ago)
took it to the shop and by phone he said it need replaced or rebuilt, missing 3rd and 4th gear.
went in the next day before work and asked him my better option and first thing he said was replace,
[i know closer to nothing about cars]

After some research it sounds like it'd be more worth it to have it rebuilt.he said $1600-1700
(not really in budget, 1st kid on the way)

so is replacing it a good idea? do i need a 4L60E transmission? can it come from any other car with same tranny? ie 99 S10.

here's a link to one peoria.craigslist.org/pts/3750425776.html i found locally and seems like a decent deal as long as it would fit in my camaro

plz help im a rookie at this stuff and trying to learn and not get ripped off and hopefully have a long lasting camaro
thanks

Gearstar Performance

The trans on craigslist will not fit into your Z28. We do recommend that you replace the trans, you will need to look for a 4L60E out of the same type of vehicle of camaro

mrvedit

Right, that was a 4WD trans which has a different output shaft. (The trans has to be rebuilt to change the output shaft.) You would need a '98 through '06 from a V8; specifically it needs to have a 300mm input shaft. And a 2WD output shaft. There are also different tail housings, but that is easy to change.

Keep in mind that the $1600 price probably breaks down as $600 to remove/install and $1000 to rebuild.

If you do get it rebuilt, ask that they use a 4L65E rebuild kit with a 7 friction 3-4 clutch.

camarowitness

thanks for the advice.. i think as time is running out and my car is just sitting at the shop. i guess im going to get it rebuilt. i've had tough luck trying to find a used transmission within driving distance.

will the 4L65E rebuild kit request cost me much extra?

mrvedit

No, its like $10 more; the only difference is a 7-friction 3-4 clutch setup. It will fit any 4L60E '96 and later, maybe even earlier. Ask for a .040 to .050 clearance. Also ask for the Sonnax 4L60E-LB1 boost valve ($30); also ask to have the 2nd and 3rd feed holes in the separator plate drilled to .093. A newer GM heat treated Sun shell ($60) or a Sonnax Smart Shell ($80) would also be a good idea as the pre-'02 ones are notorious for breaking. That will give you a stronger and firmer shifting trans.

mjs1012

iTrader: (36)

If he's going that in depth he might as well get a beast sun shell

camarowitness

does the tranny shop ask me if i want these specifics?
i kinda have no clue what im talkin about when i go in there but i mean i can request these specifics by reading off of this fourm. or i might write them down
is there anything else i should be specific about?

mrvedit

Just bring him a printout from this thread. He might have his own "formula" for a performance rebuild, but it would likely just be variation of what I posted.

Probably should suggest a performance band too. However, do not get a "wide band" unless you replace the reverse drum (which is expensive at $100).

I'm trying to keep the "extra" costs down, but it should handle 450-500hp.

mjs1012: Several performance builders have told me they have rarely (or even never) seen the GM heat treated sun shell fail. Nor the Sonnax. And occasionally vibration problems with The (unbalanced) Beast. Hence my suggestion.
Camarowitness: Just make sure the builder updates your sun shell; if he like The Beast, that is fine.

camarowitness

think i should stick to the rebuild? or give this tranny which is 5 hrs away, a shot?

http://louisville.craigslist.org/pts/3772694655.html

mrvedit

I don't see a bolt hole in the 12 O-Clock position; therefore it is not a 300mm input shaft and will not directly fit your car. It is a a pre '98 trans.

camarowitness

thanks mrvedit you've been a lot of help. all i ever needed was a little advise from somebody who knows what they're talkin about.

i know i might be making this a harder decision than it actually should be but i just want to make the right one. im gonna be going into the shop tomorrow to tell him what conclusion i've come to..

i have found one last possibility which is buy one from tranny shop who specialize in remanufacturing them. www.shiftritetransmissions.com
what if i bought a stage I or maybe a stageII performance transmission and just had the tranny shop where my car sits; do the labor.. whats your take mrvedit?
(and now im assuming thats what the guy at tranny shop recommended when he said he recommends i replace it huh?

mrvedit

I am not familiar with that rebuilder.
This forum has sponsors including Performabuilt, FLT, RPM and Jake Performance that not only build quality transmissions, but answer thousands of questions and, most importantly it is their sponsorship which makes this forum exist. Their Level 1 or 2 is only a few hundred dollars more than what you proposed, but I trust their product and know they will help you directly and very personally.

camarowitness

yeah you have a good point. i would like to go to a nationally recognized and advertised brand. i was just trying to avoid having it shipped which would cost a lot. trying to budget as much as i can. ill look some more in the morning at the companies u listed.
thanks man

performabuilt

iTrader: (25)

Just FYI we sell outright no core nor extra shipping Thanks

camarowitness

how much am i looking at for a transmisson for my 99 5.7 camaro?