Can you do an auto yourself?

[Mirkz]

Hey all,

Just curious as a recent quote to have my auto reconditioned and fitted with a shift kit, which they added a stall converter to the quote also.
was about $5500, way out of what I'd want to spend on that alone.

I'm wondering how difficult it'd be to freshen up the transmission myself or with some friends, putting the shift kit into it at the same time (dont know if I'd want to do stall or not yet). And would it be a hell of a lot cheaper to do this ?

Would this be something I'd be able to do myself with some mates or is it something that should definitely be done by a professional for a kidney ?

Cheers!

[Mirkz]

OR, is it better to buy a recond transmission or something?

Just looking for ideas/opinions on the best option for the right price..

[Blakvsexec]

It all depends on your mechanical ability, and wether or not you can follow a manual.

I have done a couple myself, i have the complete manual for the 4l60e, first time around it was a bit daunting but the second one was a lot easier.
I got all my parts out of the US, a full rebuild kit with a few other upgrades and a shift kit comes to around $500.

Just need a table, the bigger the better and keep everything super clean when you reassemble and follow the instructions.
There is a few special tools you need but you can get then all from ebay in the US, They are not too expensive.

If you feel confident go for it, if not just go get a second hand box and have a shop fit a shift kit to it, should only cost around 200 to 250.

Cheers.

[Mirkz]

Mechanically I'm not too bad, but I'd do it with my brother most likely, who is very mechanically savvy.
The only downside is that I'm not sure what exactly is needed to do a full rebuild, is it something I should be speaking with a transmission shop about and where would I get a hold of a manual to rebuild it ?

I've never under taken something as 'big' as a rebuilding something like this so I'm not sure where to get things from, what's needed and so on.

[Dangerous Dave]

Have a read of this and then see how confident you feel...

GM 4L60E Transmission Rebuild Guide with Pictures, Tips, Pics and Tricks

[VR38]

Why don't you start off with just a basic service and fitting the trans kit, if you tackle it successfully and the box starts to show weakness you can then consider the bigger job of a rebuild.

[Blakvsexec]

Most places that supply transmission parts will be able to advise you on what you'll need to complete the rebuild.

[acarmody]

Crickey $5500??? I got quoted $2500 for a 500hp build and a stage 2 Transgo shift kit, and Brissie is more expensive than down south.

[Mirkz]

wow.. see I was expecting around the 2-2.5K mark or so.
not 5k...
Maybe its because I went to a 'performance' shop rather than just a normal transmission place ??
I might have to contact them instead to see what they think.

VR83 - the only reason I asked about the rebuild is because I was asked by the guy I got the quote from what mileage the car had done (260k), and he said with that sort of mileage it'll need a rebuild otherwise I'll fit the shift kit and the trans will fail and I'll have to do it all again anyway.

Dangerous Dave, thanks for that link, very interesting.
I've never seen the inside of a transmission before... definitely looks slightly daunting but I'm sure if I took my time and worked on it with my bro it'd be achievable if I really had to do it.
Preferably I'd like someone who knows what they're doing to do it though, and will do it myself as a last resort/cheaper option.

[acarmody]

These guys quoted about $2500 and they build some Drag Strip trannies so I think they qualify as a performance shop, Automatic Transmission Specialists | service l repairs l rebuilds l hi-performance

[Mirkz]

Thanks acarmody, will definitely hit them up to see what they can do for me, maybe they can send it over and be cheaper in total than if I was to get it sorted here in Perth!

I've also contacted another workshop who seem to have a number of parts available for the transmission here in Perth, called Chris Mills Performance.
I'll see what they come back with to have it freshened up or rebuilt with a shift kit through it!

[acarmody]

If Chris Mills sells parts then they will definitely know some good rebuilders, hit them up for info.

Also hit up some shops in Sydney and Melbourne, there is more competition down there so rebuilds are cheaper.

[rb26dett]

These guys quoted about $2500 and they build some Drag Strip trannies so I think they qualify as a performance shop, Automatic Transmission Specialists | service l repairs l rebuilds l hi-performance

These guys rebuilt my auto in my VT back in 2007, a mild version. Lasted just over 2 years with the charger added to it.

[ephect]

i dont like doing this, but there is a buy on SC forum povertypack his thread granny wagon reincarnated has rebuild his auto and added performance parts, he may be able to give you some helpful tips.

otherwise if you want a shop to do it, ring around a few places until you find a joint for around $2500, they should also give you 1-2years warranty, i had mine done by fuilddrive with 2 year warranty.

[Mirkz]

Appreciate all the input guys, greatly appreciated.
waiting to hear back from 2 different places, will advise what the result is when I know!

[Mirkz]

Received one quote back from sure shift.
$2500 for built 500hp trans with stage 2 shift kit
$200 ish for shipping from perth to brisbane and back.
WOOHOO!
need to do my exhaust first tho