Worth Keeping or part it out???

[Black VS]

G'day all,

have a 1996 VS series 2 commodore, had a new engine put in it 1.5yrs ago and all the extra's for gas, been running on gas ever since I got it, and works fine, today it burnt out the torque converter and was quoted $2150 to get it all done with reco box and special valve fitted to stop the converter problem occuring. (unlucky to break down in regional victoria)

Question is, at that price considering I've got a new engine in it, although only paid $2000 initial purchase price, would I be better off selling it as is, parting it out and selling the parts, or just getting it fixed????

I also have the option of bringing it home on a trailer and then maybe getting a box from an wrecker, then selling it, but just wanna know what people think.
It's my daily driver and second car, so I can use my 4wd whilst it's off the road, dont really need to keep it that bad if it's only going to keep costing me lots of money, was a fuel saving and cost saving exercise that seems to have gone all wrong......

any thoughts??????

[hingo1983]

Such a dilemma. To be perfectly honest, if you want to go to the time and effort, you are going to get the most value from selling the parts. That being said, commodores are tough cars and although it is a lot of money, getting it fixed should at least get it to last for many years to come. I got rid of my old VR because its air con compressor packed it in and even that seemed like to much of an expense to fix. That's why I upgraded. I traded in my old VR Calais for $1000 just because I couldn't be arsed trying to do a private sale and explain what work needs to be done to it.

[FstStig]

Have to agree with hingo1983, if you really feel it is worth doing it, then for sure go for it. But as you said you have already put a new engine in it. Selling it in pieces will get you more money then selling it as a whole, as not many people will want to screw around getting it fixed etc etc. Although selling it in pieces can sometime be a hassle, there will always be people out there that need parts for their VS. If it was me I would be selling it off, saving the $2000+ and upgrading to a newer model. Just my Personal Thoughts

[davway]

just go to the wrecker and get a $300 box and be done with it.
dont know why you believe that its a $2000 job to start with - you need to get a new mechanic if he is charging that much.

put the replacement box in and keep using the car - pretty simple really.

[Black VS]

thanks for the replies, the price is what I was quoted, so I didn't know anything better at the time.

Now I'm heading back into pick up my car on a car trailer and bring it home and work out what to do next, is the gear box a simple change over with a 2nd unit? Like just undoing bolts and lining it up?

Otherwise this car's just costing too much to maintain as a 2nd vehicle and I'd be better off spending the money on fuel for the 4wd. After all $2150 gets u a long way even in a petrol 4wd....

[FstStig]

I wouldn't imagine they would be all that hard to replace. But having another person there certainly helps alot. I think its just unbolting it, giving everything a clean and putting in the new one. Making sure it all lines up. Can take you a few hours - a day depending on your mechanical knowledge/skills and how many people you have helping.

[Chris E]

Changing the Auto box isn't difficult if you've got some mechanical experience and the tools. I've had to change mine several times. It's a Vr but I dont think there is much difference. You need basic tools and a trolley jack at minimum. I'll probably miss a few tools but the basic list is

19mm spanner (box to block bolts)
14 & 15mm spanners (tailshaft to diff bolts)
Socket set for the guard at the end of gearbox and the mount itself.
17mm socket for torque converter to flexplate bolts
A spanner for the shifter to box connection
Spanner for the oil cooling lines

So basically a spanner set, socket set with a ratchet and breaker bar.

You will need to jack the car up a fair bit. Car ramps would probably do it.

I start with taking the tailshaft off (4 bolts at the diff), the guard over the tailshaft/ output shaft connection, and then the mount at the CV.

Then I undo the 19mm bolts at the bellhousing. One of these has the dip stick on it, the dipstick simply pulls out of the pan once the bolts off.

Then undo the shifter connection.

On the bottom of the gearbox at the bell housing there is the torque converter cover, this is a heavy piece of steel which has four bolts holding it on. You need to take this off.

Once this is off you will see the torque converter which has three bolts attaching it to the flex plate. I usually take these out using a breaker bar and a 17mm socket (pretty sure its 17). You will need to turn the motor twice to reach each bolt.

Then take the oil cooling lines off.

Next you need a trolley jack and a piece of wood to take the weight of the gearbox. I find that the near the front of the pan is a good spot to balance the box.

Once you've taken the weight undo the four bolts on the gearbox mount.

Now slide the jack slowly back and down at the same time so that the torque converter/gearbox comes off the motor.

Drop the jack down very slowly just enough so that you can get your hand on the top of the box. There is one large electrical connector on the top of the gearbox you need to unplug. There is also a small electrical connector towards the back of the gearbox you need to disconnect.

Now drop the box down and your done. Installation is reverse of the above. However lining the gearbox up to slide on smoothly is alot easier with two people.

I've probably missed a step somewhere in there so if someone sees anything please add it. If your keen on doing the swap yourself I'd recommend getting a gregorys manual for your car as it outlines the procedure in detail.

[FstStig]

Black VS where abouts are you located? It sounds like fun and very easy to do.

[Black VS]

thanks guys for the help.

Was quoted $440 for a box from the wreckers with 3mth warranty, so I'll go and get one of them eventually and had an auto transmission shop say he'll fit it for me for $300 so not to bad a deal I think considering what's involved, I can just go and work and earn that money to pay the bloke.

Cheers for the help