Z28SLPCAMAROZ28

So I've decided to to just do a torque converter install as opposed to my original cam+TC install. I'm going to wait for the cam post-college. My dilemma though is with which shop to take it to. I live in the middle of Illinois and the only F-Body speed shops are up in Chicago. I've got it down to two, Shops A and B.

A has all parts and labor cheaper. However they will not install shift kits which I originally had in the quote. I've been reading and really want the nice quick firm shifts the kits provide. However it will cost me about $600 more to go to B.

B will install the shift kit and all other parts, but as stated it costs $600 more.

I have to choose between one or the other but need help deciding from someone who has a shift kit. Would it be worth it to go to B.

mjs1012

iTrader: (36)

You dont necessarily need a shift kit. There are plenty of guys running converters with stock transmissions that are running fine.

LS-ONE_DAY

My thoughts exactly.

mrvedit

It does take a few hours to install a shift kit, but not $600 labor.
For now, I would suggest installing just the Sonnax 4L60E-LB1 boost valve (about $30) which will give some of the benefits of a shift kit and shouldn't take a trans mechanic more than 5 minutes to install. Some shops have it in stock, any can order it from their distributor for next day.

Z28SLPCAMAROZ28

It's not $600 more for just the shift kit. After re-reading my OP I guess I didn't clarify that. It's 300 more the shift kit+install (150 kit, 150 install) and $300 more on just the various parts. Every single parts costs more at B.

I just wanted to know if the shift kit makes that big of difference. I don't want to spend 2,000+ and not have the biggest difference possible in the way it drives.

I'll have to ask about that Sonnax part as to whether they will do that.

Thanks for the info.

farmington

iTrader: (14)

$2000 for converter install???? Should be maybe $800 for a great converter, $200 for cooler and install, and $300 for converter install. Where is the other $700 ???

Z28SLPCAMAROZ28

Yank SS3600 Converter-725

TC install A-350 B- 425

Deep Trans Pan A-165 B-190

Transcooler A-79 B-255 ??? I didn't understand the huge price difference there, however the 79 once comes with all the tubing and is the same rad so idk.

Trans fluid A-30 B-60

Rear End Girdle 160

Rear end fluid A-30 B-18

Rear End Girdle install A-50 B-85

Trans cooler install B-75

B only as A doesn't do shift kits

Shift Kit 150

Install 150

Basic Tune 150

Does that seem like a good price for everything?

lemons12

iTrader: (71)

PTC converter and a cooler... 525$ shipped... Install yourself for free..

lemons12

iTrader: (71)

Rear end girdle... 100$ used... Install yourself free.

lemons12

iTrader: (71)

Skip the basic tune, get a full dyno tune.. They can be had for 300.

lemons12

iTrader: (71)

If you were closer I'd do the converter install for 200... It isn't that hard, seriously.

Z28SLPCAMAROZ28

I'm set on the yank TC, and I cannot install a torque converter myself.

As for the rear end girdle, I'll look into installing it myself.

lemons12

iTrader: (71)

You're paying a lot of extra money for a billet front you don't need.. And it is an off the shelf converter.

Curiosity, what is keeping you from installing it yourself?

Z28SLPCAMAROZ28

I've read all to many times of people going cheap on TC's end up taking their transmissions out. When I buy something, I want it to last a long time. So if that means paying an extra $200 for a billet front end, I'll take that.

As for the install of the torque converter, I'm not a mechanic. I don't trust myself with it. I'd rather take the $350 hit and know it's done right, than do it myself and worry every time I'm driving it. This is my DD and I cannot afford to have it be out of commission. As per my OP, I'm not out of college yet and I'm doing this with some of my summer job money. I cannot afford to try this myself.

Z28SLPCAMAROZ28

Can anyone give me a recommendation as to which shop they would take it to, and why? I want to get this decided so I got an appointment scheduled before they're booked out for a month again.

lemons12

iTrader: (71)

Do you know when a billet cover is needed?

There are 2000hp cars running non billet converters.

It isn't needed.. Common misconception on tech.
Spend the extra cash if you're set on it though..

lemons12

iTrader: (71)

Difference between cheap price and cheap quality.

mjs1012

iTrader: (36)

Op, You don't need a deep pan, and the price for changing the gear oil is stupid. Seriously, 2 quarts of any 75/90 or 80/90, a bottle of gm additive, a hand pump, and 20 minutes you can do it yourself. Some of those prices seem a bit high to me but I've never had a shop do any work on my car so idk what things cost. N

high impact

iTrader: (5)

Impossible to make a recommendation based on price alone. Without knowing warranty, reputation, names of shops, etc...any guess is just a crapshoot. Seriously, pick up a slightly used converter here and there is no need for a deep pan or shift kit if you are on a tight budget. High price doesn't automatically mean quality but on the other hand low price doesn't mean inferior.

Z28SLPCAMAROZ28

I'm not looking for which reputable shop to take it to in terms of warranty, names etc. They are both good reputable shops. My question is should I take the $600 hit and take it to the place that will do a shift kit for me or is the shift kit really that necessary saving $600. From what I'm reading it doesn't seem like it so I will end up taking it to A. I will take the deep pan off if it isn't necessary. I'm not a tight budget, I just want to make sure it gets done right.

Thanks for all the replies.