Uziguy18

iTrader: (1)

I just went and bought a 1998 Camaro z28 auto for 4100$ out the door with tax tag and title. 3 test drives and everything was perfect. On the way home you have to floor it and let off to get into 3rd. Would rev up to 5500rpms before it would grab in 3rd and would Max out at 90 before it would get to rev limiter. Will not shift into 4th. Also a friend was following me and she said it would kick out smoke when this happened and smelled awful.

Car was as is no warranty. Luckily the dealer said they will fix it for me at no charge.

I've seen many post where people have this issue and the rebuilt tranny just fails again.

So what options do I have to be able to make sure it's built right and done to where it won't repeat the same issue?

Will be used as daily driver. 121000 miles.

mrvedit

Pretty clearly a worn out 3/4 clutch.
Ask the dealer to use a 4L65E rebuilt kit as that has the better 7-friction 3/4 clutch and will fit any 4L60E.
Remind them to replace the 3rd accumulator check ball cartridge by the servo.
If they are willing ask them to also install the Sonnax 4L60E-LB1 boost valve. This will raise line pressure across the board, both giving you firmer shifts and actually extending the life of the trans. If they are not willing, it is easy to do yourself later.

With a reasonably good rebuild and the "enhancements" I mentioned, I'm confident it will last longer than your engine.

Uziguy18

iTrader: (1)

Ok I just called them and let them know when they find the shop they are going to use to let me know who they are. Also he said if it's any extra to do the add ons that I will have to pay for it. Do you have any idea what I might have to spend out of pocket vs should I just let them do their thing for free?

mrvedit

The 4L65E rebuild kit is barely $10 more than a 4L60E kit.
The Sonnax 4L60E-LB1 is $22 at Summit.
For $32 you will get a huge benefit and stronger trans.

bbond105

This is a used car lot. I would be willing to bet that they don’t rebuild the whole trans. They most likely will only patch it up enough to get you out of there hair.

Uziguy18

iTrader: (1)

I talked with the guy that will be doing the rebuild. It's wholesale performance transmissions. He said it would be 500$ more to drop in the 4l65e parts. Otherwise they use their parts which he claims are better then stock. So idk. I don't really have the funds to be spending 500$ on it but it would be better for the longevity.

Also he says the standard rebuild is 1000$ which the car lot will pay.

mrvedit

No, no, you don't need the complete 4L65E conversion.
Just the 4L65E rebuilt kit. This is what rebuilders buy from their distributor. It costs about $130 for a 4L60E and $140 for a 4L65E. The only, and I mean ONLY difference is that it has 7 frictions for the 3/4 clutch.

Uziguy18

iTrader: (1)

I talked with the guy there named Scott. He said everything is cheaper since its at the dealers cost. He said for the stock rebuild its 1000$ and is normally 1500-2000$. Then he said it wouldn't be the 4l65e parts. It would be their performance racing parts. Heavy duty bands. clutches. Shift kit. Everything. For 500$ that would come out of my pocket.

So I'm thinking of doing that 500$ extra for a "bulletproof" transmission vs getting a free stock transmission rebuild. Figure Id have to pay 1000$ or so in a year if I get the stock one.

Any thoughts?

mrvedit

The few parts I mentioned would give you 70% of the benefit of the $500 option. It is time consuming to install a shift kit.

My real concern is the "kicked out smoke" which indicates a worn engine. It doesn't make sense to build a premium trans when the engine is already burning oil.

Uziguy18

iTrader: (1)

Oil pressure never got below 30 or above 60
Engine temp stayed normal
Only smoked for a second when the transmission gave me issues
First white when I started to notice it. Then black when I knew there was an issue.

Says after transmission is rebuilt he will have it taken to an engine mechanic as a precaution

mrvedit

It sounds like they are giving you pretty good service.
I'm not trying to discourage you for getting a premium trans build, just sharing my thoughts. Only you can make the final decision.
Good luck with everything.

Uziguy18

iTrader: (1)

Yes. And I appreciate it. Do you think that's for sure what the smoke would be or you think it could be the clutch in the trans that burned up?

bbond105

It could have come from the trans.

mrvedit

The trans is almost completely closed, just a small vent. I think the trans will only vent if it is overfilled or seriously overheated. Or course if things are slipping badly, it will overheat.
With different color smoke I would look for oil in the coolant, which likely means the coolant is leaking into the cylinders and giving you white smoke.

Uziguy18

iTrader: (1)

Also the weird thing is it was white the first 3-5 times it would rev to 6k trying to get it to shift. Then the last time it was black smoke. Then there was 2-4 other times that there wasn't any smoke


Also I don't know if this is relevant. When I was looking at the car it sounded like a pump would turn on under the hood on the driverside. Fuel pump would sound in the rear. Oil pump the pressure would be off. My best guess would be air pump? But thought it only came on when it's cold? I'm in Florida and definitely isn't cold haha

Uziguy18

iTrader: (1)

Here is the car

Uziguy18

iTrader: (1)

Will difintely need paint

Uziguy18

iTrader: (1)

First thing that's going to happen is rip out the floor mats haha