So I have a 1998 trans am that had been sitting for about a year. My friend's car died and wanted to borrow it. I agreed on the condition that the all the fluids be changed. Long story short, the tranny fluid was low when I got it back and when I went for a spirited drive, I noticed that it was slipping at higher rpms. Being the idiot that I am, I tried it a few more times (I am the guy that picks at scabs I guess). Then it occurred to me that I am probably frying the tranny. I am probably about a quart short on fluid.

The best outcome would be that I fill it back up and everything is good as new but the pessimist in me would like to know what type of damage I can realistically expect?

 

Worst case, you smoked the clutches and it needs a rebuild. Top it off and see what happens. Hopefully luck is on your side this time.

 

Can you ballpark what such an endeavor would cost me?

 

I stock rebuild can range from $1,000.00 to $1,500.00 depending on what all is wrong.