Possible Transmission Failure in the works (again)
12-11-2009, 02:56 PM
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Possible Transmission Failure in the works (again) Yup...I might be headed down the path of yet another failed transmission. For mods I have a CAI intake, Superchips tune, flowmaster 40 mufflers, and a heavy foot.
I haven't taken the car to a transmission specialist yet and the car is still driveable (no Im not driving it). I'm going to take it to Chevrolet next week to see if they can do a "goodwill" fix since the transmission is less than 20k old and Im only like 2k miles outside of my warranty.
In any event, I have a few thoughts if Chevy doesn't want to help me...
Of course, the thought of a new car is running through my mind (read: G8 GT)...however, a new car is never the most financially beneficial route...especially since I just bought my first house.
My second thought is make any repairs I need to make with performance parts and possibly swap out any other stock parts with performance parts while they're in the tranny.
My third thought is a pre-built tranny or rebuild mine like this one:
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/alto_2.htm
or
http://www.3800performance.com/Merch...ode=TEP-TRANNY
or
http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_p...=150&catid=105
My goal:
A transmission that will last well beyond 20,000 miles with my current configuration and spirited driving....who knows possible turbo later.
What do you guys think?
I haven't taken the car to a transmission specialist yet and the car is still driveable (no Im not driving it). I'm going to take it to Chevrolet next week to see if they can do a "goodwill" fix since the transmission is less than 20k old and Im only like 2k miles outside of my warranty.
In any event, I have a few thoughts if Chevy doesn't want to help me...
Of course, the thought of a new car is running through my mind (read: G8 GT)...however, a new car is never the most financially beneficial route...especially since I just bought my first house.
My second thought is make any repairs I need to make with performance parts and possibly swap out any other stock parts with performance parts while they're in the tranny.
My third thought is a pre-built tranny or rebuild mine like this one:
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/alto_2.htm
or
http://www.3800performance.com/Merch...ode=TEP-TRANNY
or
http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_p...=150&catid=105
My goal:
A transmission that will last well beyond 20,000 miles with my current configuration and spirited driving....who knows possible turbo later.
What do you guys think?
12-11-2009, 03:33 PM
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If you go with a pre-built transmission I'd go with Triple Edge Performance. Dave is a great guy and knows his stuff.
http://www.tripleedgeperformance.com/New_Home_Page.html
-Mike
http://www.tripleedgeperformance.com/New_Home_Page.html
-Mike
12-11-2009, 04:12 PM
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x2 for TEP
I'm new to this site, but over at grandprixforums.net and in the grand prix community at large Dave has a great reputation. One important thing to know about LS4 powered cars is that they have a different transmission case that accomodates a trans mounted starter. You can't just buy a regular 3800 transmission and bolt it right up. The guts are the same, though, and the 3800 guys start blowing transmissions when they get much above 300HP at the crank, so blowing up a transmission with a few bolt ons isn't a total suprise.
I'm new to this site, but over at grandprixforums.net and in the grand prix community at large Dave has a great reputation. One important thing to know about LS4 powered cars is that they have a different transmission case that accomodates a trans mounted starter. You can't just buy a regular 3800 transmission and bolt it right up. The guts are the same, though, and the 3800 guys start blowing transmissions when they get much above 300HP at the crank, so blowing up a transmission with a few bolt ons isn't a total suprise.
12-11-2009, 04:31 PM
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x3 for TEP.
My transmission is getting upgraded right now by Triple Edge Performance. I can't wait until I get it back. I hope everything does well for your rebuild choice.
x2 for the turbo. Should join the ranks this spring.
My transmission is getting upgraded right now by Triple Edge Performance. I can't wait until I get it back. I hope everything does well for your rebuild choice.
x2 for the turbo. Should join the ranks this spring.
12-15-2009, 11:22 PM
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More news...looks like my TC and 2nd gear have taken a dump according to the dealer. I requested a goodwill warranty replacement of the transmission. The service guy said I have a pretty good case and that he'd talk to the factory rep and get back to me in the morning. He said he'd try to see if he can get the full replacement, if not at least a partial reimbursement.
12-15-2009, 11:41 PM
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What caused it to go? Were you beating on it/driving spiritedly?
I'm worried because the trend is to go hard on the first tranny, gets replaced with XX,XXX miles, then a warranty replacement is dropped in and it doesn't hold up at all...dies within two or three thousand miles afterwards.
My tranny is just about to go I think, it sounds fishy on hard 1-2s and the TC seems lost sometimes.
I'm worried because the trend is to go hard on the first tranny, gets replaced with XX,XXX miles, then a warranty replacement is dropped in and it doesn't hold up at all...dies within two or three thousand miles afterwards.
My tranny is just about to go I think, it sounds fishy on hard 1-2s and the TC seems lost sometimes.
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12-16-2009, 06:43 PM
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Yeah I get on it a bit. Not nearly as bad as the first transmission though... =P Both transmissions lasted a little less than 20k miles each.
So far, the dealer said that the factory rep said no. I'm going to set an appt to talk to the service manager myself to see if they can try again. If not, I'm going to try and call he factory representative myself....I'm not through with them yet.
So far, the dealer said that the factory rep said no. I'm going to set an appt to talk to the service manager myself to see if they can try again. If not, I'm going to try and call he factory representative myself....I'm not through with them yet.
12-16-2009, 06:50 PM
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Yeah I get on it a bit. Not nearly as bad as the first transmission though... =P Both transmissions lasted a little less than 20k miles each.
So far, the dealer said that the factory rep said no. I'm going to set an appt to talk to the service manager myself to see if they can try again. If not, I'm going to try and call he factory representative myself....I'm not through with them yet.
So far, the dealer said that the factory rep said no. I'm going to set an appt to talk to the service manager myself to see if they can try again. If not, I'm going to try and call he factory representative myself....I'm not through with them yet.
But yeah, the faces have changed around here for sure. 
i think it woulda helped if i had one of these before i posted 
12-16-2009, 11:32 PM
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How's that working for you? Who did you take the car to in order to get your core out? What upgrades are you doing? Cost? You thinking of running turbo or are you already? Any information on the steps your taking would be helpful. Sorry so many questions but I'm new to this and I want to make sure this is done right.
12-17-2009, 10:39 AM
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I had a local shop take the transmission out for me. He's charging $450 to take it out and reinstall. Shipping was covered by Triple Edge Performance.
My car's still sitting up, but hopefully I'll get the transmission back next week. If not, I should be up and running before the end of the year. TEP comes highly recommended (on several forums) so that's why I chose him.
Here's the build I got:
-4T65E High Performance street/strip rebuild with 12 clutch 3rd and upgraded input shaft $1949.94
-7/8" single chain upgrade, (3.29) ratio $274.95
-Custom built performance stall converter with billet cover (3000 rpm) $724.95
-Total cost for above rebuild and parts $2949.84
-Total cost minus 15% discount ($442.48) $2507.36
-Freight shipping 2-way $350
Total cost with discount and shipping $2857.36
I don't have the turbo kit yet. I wanted to redo the transmission first. I should be ready to get it by this Spring if all goes well. This build should be very durable. The 1" racing chain is no longer available, so I went with the 7/8" chain. Dave from TEP said the chain is usually good for about 400-450 whp. The turbo kit in its shipped form is set to 505 hp which translates to roughly the safe range whp, so I should be good. I'm not going all out like supercatxr7 did. I also purchased the finned transmission pan with drain plug from ZZP. I figure it help cool it a bit, and the drain plug makes for easy transmission oil changes.
I posted some info in this thread as well:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/ls4-front...uild-info.html
The only thing I'm trying to do now is find a local shop/person that has an HP Tuner so I can tune the transmission for the new 3.29 gears. I don't want to shell out $500 for the tuner if I can just pay for the credits and use someone else's.
Note: the discount on the transmission rebuild is only to the end of the year. He did say prices will probably be going up, so you might want to lock down the cheaper price. You can email Dave at TEP for more info. Just let him know what your trying to do with tha car. He gives good advice and know's his stuff.
My car's still sitting up, but hopefully I'll get the transmission back next week. If not, I should be up and running before the end of the year. TEP comes highly recommended (on several forums) so that's why I chose him.
Here's the build I got:
-4T65E High Performance street/strip rebuild with 12 clutch 3rd and upgraded input shaft $1949.94
-7/8" single chain upgrade, (3.29) ratio $274.95
-Custom built performance stall converter with billet cover (3000 rpm) $724.95
-Total cost for above rebuild and parts $2949.84
-Total cost minus 15% discount ($442.48) $2507.36
-Freight shipping 2-way $350
Total cost with discount and shipping $2857.36
I don't have the turbo kit yet. I wanted to redo the transmission first. I should be ready to get it by this Spring if all goes well. This build should be very durable. The 1" racing chain is no longer available, so I went with the 7/8" chain. Dave from TEP said the chain is usually good for about 400-450 whp. The turbo kit in its shipped form is set to 505 hp which translates to roughly the safe range whp, so I should be good. I'm not going all out like supercatxr7 did. I also purchased the finned transmission pan with drain plug from ZZP. I figure it help cool it a bit, and the drain plug makes for easy transmission oil changes.
I posted some info in this thread as well:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/ls4-front...uild-info.html
The only thing I'm trying to do now is find a local shop/person that has an HP Tuner so I can tune the transmission for the new 3.29 gears. I don't want to shell out $500 for the tuner if I can just pay for the credits and use someone else's.
Note: the discount on the transmission rebuild is only to the end of the year. He did say prices will probably be going up, so you might want to lock down the cheaper price. You can email Dave at TEP for more info. Just let him know what your trying to do with tha car. He gives good advice and know's his stuff.
Last edited by Tempest790; 12-17-2009 at 10:48 AM. Reason: Add info