ironmikektm525

I have a 99 t/a with full Bolton's. Next step would be a converter. Do I need a tranny rebuild first at 132k? Thinking 3600 stall. Approx how much does a rebuild go for? Some have said to have a shop freshen the tranny not total rebuild? I'm pretty sure my flex plate is cracked from what I've read due to the symptoms I'm having (ticking sound between 1.5k-2k coming from tranny area) feel free to give me any advice/info you guys have? Thx

Chris25

iTrader: (1)

I installed my Circle D 3200 with 130k no issues at all. Just be sure to get the biggest trans cooler you can fit to keep trans temps down and you should be fine.

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

I would keep to the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" rule. Unless you are having problems with it, the most I would do is add a Transgo shift kit while the tranny is out. There are other small things you can do like replace the plastic 1-2 accumulator housing with an aluminum one. All you would save by doing a rebuild now is the cost of an additional R&R if you need to do it later.

You will need computer tuning to get that 3600 stall to work properly, but with that, the shift kit, and a good cooler, you won't be stressing the tranny any more than with the stock converter. If you don't want to get into the tranny to do the shift kit, the computer tuning can get you part of the way there.

ironmikektm525

Thx for info. My cars been dyno tunned by new era. They firmed up shifts when they tunned it. So what your saying is do the trans go shift kit along with converter? Yeah I knew I'd have to have a retune after converter but thx for telling me anyway. Only thing that's happened to me which happened twice is under wot my car hit the rev limiter when it hit 2nd gear for a slight second.other than that tranny runs/shifts fine.no sludge build up in tranny pan/magnet ect. Still same thoughts? I'm running non synthetic fluid do to I only drop the pan to change fluid/filter and don't want to mix fluids.let me know further thoughts?

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

Yep. I think you're good to go with your plan, and since you already have tuning, I wouldn't bother with the shift kit, just have it retuned for the converter.

ironmikektm525

Great! Thx for your input. Was a little worried about miles and hitting rev a couple times. Has anybody else had that happen to them? If tranny ends up slipping for some reason is that gonna ruin the new converter?stick with non synthetic fluid seeing that I can't replace all fluid right ?

mrvedit

If you suspect your trans might be slipping on the 1-2 shift, then measure the end play on the servo. With a ruler next to it, push in on the servo cover (with about 50 lbs) and estimate how much it moves. (If the trans is in the car, use a crowbar.) The spec is 1/16"-1/8". Somewhere around 3/16" and almost certainly by 1/4" indicates the band is worn and you need a rebuild.
At 132K no mechanic will want to do a partial rebuild, they will insist on a complete rebuild. If you do your own R/R, the cost is typically $900.
If you are just changing fluid/filter, Dexron 3 is fine.

ironmikektm525

Yeah its a hard dession . don't have any reputable tranny shops that I know of/trust around here. Its either 2k on a rebuild/converter or 2k on ssht cam package(that's dropping it off at newera with them installing/retune) parts are around $900/$720 labor/$150 retune. Think they said around 35hp to the wheels? Does that sound right?but if there's anything wrong with tranny the added HP will for sure cause it to slip then I'll need a rebuild anyway. If I did rebuild/converter first I could go with the bigger 50 hp cam. I'd net quicker e.t.s with the converter vs ssht correct? I think lm answering my own questions lol. What brand rebuild kit do you guys recommend? Your guys thoughts ? Thx

98CayenneT/A

If it was me I would pull the tranny my self and have it rebuilt before you put the converter in there, that's what I did this past spring. My rebuild cost $1500 with me pulling the tranny

ironmikektm525

Was that a stock rebuild with stock converter? Approximately how much is a built tranny/ converter go for?

98CayenneT/A

When I pulled my tranny it was to have the stock tranny rebuilt and upgraded and to replace the stock converter with a yank 3600, in my opinion if your going to start adding more power like cam ect. It would be a big mistake not having the tranny built while it's out

98CayenneT/A

It cost $ 1500 to have clutches, solenoids, sprag, shift kit, ect. upgraded

ironmikektm525

What kind of gains in the 1/4 with the yank?

98CayenneT/A

At the end of last year I had Lts, tune, drag radials with lame *** 2.73s and ran a best of 13.27@107mph
Added 3.73s and the yank and went 12.40@109.6 mph
So almost .9 tenths which I'm tickled pink about, lol

ironmikektm525

Dang that's a big gain . always heard a good converter is worth at best 1/2 second but seems like 3 tenths is the norm. You have Lt 's without aftermarket y or cat back? I only ran my car down the track 1 time and ran a 12.9 on street tires with a crap 2.2 60ft. I was happy with that with full Bolton's on street tires. Since then i added a ory/ws6 lower air box and 160 stat( all that might get me a tenth?)I'm confident I could run a 12.7 with drag radials. I have 3:42 gears

98CayenneT/A

Ya I have a ory also, I'm running the NT05r drag radial with 1.7x 60'