My Z-28 has recently dumped 3rd and 4th gears as so many others here have done. I was wondering and could not find much info on what vendor most guys are using to replace their busted tranny. Online there are a couple of highly marketed companies like Monstor and Dog but also Trans. Depot says they have one for under $700 + shipping (around $200) Summit says they will sell one for $1395.00 + shipping but they offer a rebate. Looks like I will have to spend around $1000 to get back running. I have also checked with local shops, their price so far has been $11-1200. What company do you think I should buy from if I have to spend $1000 minimum? All this is if I remove and reinstall myself which is not a problem.

 

Never heard anything good about any tranny's EXCEPT Pro Built Automatics. He is a member/sponsor here on TGO, and I never heard a bad word at all about him or his products. Cost more, but worth every penny compared to all the problems I've read about with any other names out there, especially Raptor and Monster.

No one is going to ship a $700 tranny that's worth it - pass on anything under $1200.

I didn't have the money for Pro Built - maybe someday. But I found a local tranny shop tech that rebuilds on the side - got a good rebuild for $500, and it only took a week. Might ask around about anyone local that does good work like that on the side. Email any local Chevy club etc. - even the "classic" cars guys are running 700R4's in there 1960whatever cars these days.

If you need to "buy time" until you can get what you want, used 700R4's around here go for $350 with a 90 day warranty. Might last a week, might last 3 years - they are just take-outs from JY cars - but will buy some time to save if needed.

Just my opinion mind you, from reading here and alot of other boards - never actually owned a "new" tranny from any vendor. But if it were me, and I was just buying one straight out, I'd not ever consider anyone but Pro Built Automatics.

 

Thx for the info. I think the best way is to check w some of the local guys. They have a car show the first Sat. of every month. I will check with them then. I did look at PBA but noticed their prices seemed kind of high. Like to do it for 1k or less like you did.

 

if you are doing the removal re-installation yourself then you should be able to get the unit rebuilt for under $1,000.

If all that it needs is a rebuild kit, you should also consider replacing the sprags, boost valve, torque converter and possibly go beefier on the sun shell.

maybe you could find a shop who will do the labor and you could buy a kit from pro-built

 

There's no such thing as a "new" 700; so that part of it at least, is answered for you. Any one you find, will be a rebuilt.

That said, there are plenty of decent trans builders in the world, maybe some in your own area, although in a sparsely populated area with no major metor areas like the E coast of S FL who knows. Be aware AT ALL TIMES though, that in rebuilt transmissions more so even than most things, you get, AT BEST, what you pay for. Meaning, if you buy it from the low bidder and pay the least, then you get AT BEST, ..... ,,,, ...... , I'll let you do the math and fill in the blanks.

I would say, as far as what to expect to pay, that unless it's some kind of a brother-in-law deal, if it's below about $1000, it's likely to be crap; and your car (being a basically unmodified TBI) doesn't sound like it needs one that could ever cost more than about $1400 anywhere. So a reasonable expectation would be, around $1200. If you're getting quotes in that range, they're relatively believable at least. As to their quality, you'll have to be the judge of that; your local BBB might help you out with your local people.

 

pricing varies by regions and also the economy has brought some sanity back to some shops. The OP may well be able to find a shop to do a decent bench rebuild with a few new parts for under $1,000. I know that I did.

When I did my 4L60E last year on my 95Z, I went beefier and it was $1600 for the bench job.

 

Thanx for the info. I have gotton one rebuild price in West Palm Beach for around $1250. Had to do some work for the last few days, unable to get more prices. A reputable shop in Stuart wants to R&R and rebuild for $1800-2000. I am a contractor so I know what Sofa is saying. You absolutely do get what you pay for! I guess I want to make sure that the right things are being done when they do rebuild it. Thanx torque for giving me a list of items to make sure of. This car is not my DD so I have some time to shop a little more. I will keep you posted.

 

West Palm

that explains a lot. It's as if some of the shops haven't gotten the memo that not everyone in that area is a millionaire. I also live in an expensive county on the gulf side and had to bring both my tranny and engine to the next county to find sanity in prices. Honestly, I saved $300 on the tranny and $700 on the engine. It was worth the 30 minute drive each way

good luck

 

You have given me an idea I did not think of. If I get a recommendation from some friends I have in Okeechobee County, I am sure I could get it for less. Thanks!