I got an 83 sport coupe camaro w/ the 2.8l v6 and the 3 spd auto
The transmission is busted. Second gear and reverse are gone.
My dilemma; should I rebuild it or swap it?
Rebuild Pros
It should last a good long time with proper care, the car will be numbers matching, and it will be easy to do the removal and reinstallation if a pro rebuilds the trans.
Rebuild Cons
Could be very expensive if done professionally, and the original transmission has as many miles as the motor.
Swap Pros
Much cheaper if I do the work myself, can find a lower mileage trans, could swap to a 4 spd auto or a manual trans.
Swap Cons
Trying to find a trans that will fit, possibly require longer or shorter driveshaft or tail shaft, computer may not recognize the new trans, trans could very well be a lemon, or I might not be able to swap it if it's a later model trans.
This is the way I'm seeing it right now. I know a local guy who can do the work for me. I should think that if I pop that transmission out, buddy rebuilds it, and I pop it back in then there should be no computer malfunctions or anything to worry about right?
The transmission is busted. Second gear and reverse are gone.
My dilemma; should I rebuild it or swap it?
Rebuild Pros
It should last a good long time with proper care, the car will be numbers matching, and it will be easy to do the removal and reinstallation if a pro rebuilds the trans.
Rebuild Cons
Could be very expensive if done professionally, and the original transmission has as many miles as the motor.
Swap Pros
Much cheaper if I do the work myself, can find a lower mileage trans, could swap to a 4 spd auto or a manual trans.
Swap Cons
Trying to find a trans that will fit, possibly require longer or shorter driveshaft or tail shaft, computer may not recognize the new trans, trans could very well be a lemon, or I might not be able to swap it if it's a later model trans.
This is the way I'm seeing it right now. I know a local guy who can do the work for me. I should think that if I pop that transmission out, buddy rebuilds it, and I pop it back in then there should be no computer malfunctions or anything to worry about right?
Junior Member
rebuild it. better than ending up with a not so good one. computer should still read the same... no problems. but it is a task trying to remove it yourself.