I really need to get a new tranny SOON (well actually I'll be going with a used 93-96 tranny). I got to get my car back on the road. I think time is more of an issue than money...but both are a concern. Here are the options I can think of right now. Which would be the best in my situation....and whats a typical price ill be looking for?

Option #1
Buy a rebuilt tranny from a shop.....seems most places want about $1900 or so.....seem about right?

Option #2
Buy a used tranny from a junk yard and have it rebuilt. I got quoted about $250 plus parts to rebuild a t56.....and I called around to local junk yard and the cheapest place wanted $1000 for a tranny pulled from a car...90 day warranty

Option #3
Buy a used tranny from a junk yard and just put it in and hope it lasts

First of all....do those prices seem about right? Seems some people have gotten T56s for a LOT cheaper.

 

The prices you're quoting are about what thing are worth. If you can find one cheaper, more power to you.

But, you can't wait for that way cheaply priced transmission to show up when you need one right now.

Personally, I have no problem going with a used one.

 

depending on your money situation and how dependant on your car you are, i would probly go with options 3 and 2...

put the junkyard trans in... save for a bit..... then when/if it needs a rebuild, redo it.

it may be junk when you toss it in, but it may still have another 70,000 in it.. you dont know until you drive it.

 

I agree those things are pretty tough. I would put it in and wait for it to break, then rebuild it.

I would avoid a 93 T-56, those I have heard are weaker

 

Or you have Option #4 which is what I did.

#4 buy a wrecked 4th gen, take the parts that you need to do your T56 swap and then part out the rest of the car.

I was able to drive the car before I tore it apart and the tranny worked great so I had no worries about not rebuilding before the swap. And in the end I actualy made money because all the other parts covered the cost of the car, so I got the tranny for free pretty much.

 

Buy a used one and stuff it in. If a Junkyard is giving you 90-days, it's probably good. I worked in a junkyard for 8 years and we wouldn't stand behind something if it was a P.O.S. I just put one in my car, right out of a crashed car from a junkyard. If you buy on eBay, be careful, there are a lot of scams on there. One other thing to keep in mind, if money is a factor: all the little extras involved. After the cost of the tranny, it cost me about an extra $150-$200 to get it in, and I didn't change the clutch. There is the issue with the speedo (you'll need the buffer box), 4 quarts of oil (at $4.50/qt for Mobil 1 ATF), pilot bearing and a cross member. You can fab up a crossmember pretty easy, but it takes time to get it right. Add to that list anything that you break, mangle or otherwise render useless during the process (those things aren't included in the 150-200).