Just Bought a 88 TPI
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Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Green Bay, WI , U.S.A
Just Bought a 88 TPI
I just bought a 1988 Formula 350 from this guy in Illinois. I am so pumped. I have a V6 92 Firebird and a 96 STS Caddy already, but I always wanted a F-body with a TPI, and a 350 doesn't hurt at all. The engine has been rebuilt, but the guy doesn't know about the transmission. About how long does that transmission last for you guys. The guy told me the car has 144,000 miles. I saw some pics and its not too bad. I only paid 1,700 dollars for it. The guy just got divorced. Sucks for him, but good for me. Please help me with any suggestions about the transmission.
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 5,183
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From: Oakdale, Ca
Car: 89 IrocZ
Engine: L98-ish
Transmission: 700R4
Tough to tell...could last another 60-80K miles, or take a dump on ya before you back in front of the TV to watch the Pack beat up on the 49'ers.
But with that kinda milage on it, I don't think I'd beat on it too far from home. If the fluid doesn't smell burnt, and seems clean, and the tranny shifts fine, you should be okay for many, many more miles.
But with that kinda milage on it, I don't think I'd beat on it too far from home. If the fluid doesn't smell burnt, and seems clean, and the tranny shifts fine, you should be okay for many, many more miles.
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 151
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From: Green Bay, WI , U.S.A
Thanks, I hope the pack does kick the 49ers *** and I hope the car was treated right. I do not plan on beating on it. I'm just gonna store it until June and get some work done on it.
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,089
Likes: 125
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Those 700R4's are all junk.. Best wishes, of course. But you may want to start reading up on a haynes or chiltons manual.
-- Joe
-- Joe
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 7,386
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From: In a mint Third Gen!
Car: Red 87 IROC-Z28 T-Top
Engine: 5.7 Tuned Port Injection
Transmission: 700R4 Auto
Axle/Gears: BW 9-Bolt 3.27
Not really. I've heard lots of people having good experiences with them, the later the year the better. It all depends on how it was driven and maintained.
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 172
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From: Gresham, Oregon
700R4 tranny's
Word is the early years of the 700R4 were weak, like up to '86 or so..........then the factory made changes/improvements and the later model ones (like your '88) are much better. Figure this - they put that same basic tranny in full size 4 wheel drive Blazer's that weigh in the neighborhood of 5500 lbs and they last. Lots of guys say to put an external tranny cooler (in front of the radiator) and don't tow in overdrive (not an issue for a thirdgenner), as well as the usual keep the fluid changed/tranny serviced.
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,089
Likes: 125
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Ok lemme re-phrase.
They tend to hold up to a stock 200-220hp motor if grandma drives your car. This is assuming she stays out of overdrive.
-- Joe
They tend to hold up to a stock 200-220hp motor if grandma drives your car. This is assuming she stays out of overdrive.
-- Joe
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