I know there's a ton of these threads around here already, so bear with me if I missed something but I didn't quite find what I was looking for with the search. I've been looking at buying a friend's 84 Z28 with a bad transmission as a project, rebuilding the tranny, and possibly reselling it. My question is what would my estimated total cost be to rebuild a 700R4 as a DIY project including the required tools and what rebuild kits should I be looking at? I've noticed the ProBuilt kits come highly recommended but they sort of sound like overkill for what I'm trying to accomplish. This rebuild does NOT need to hold up to street/strip duty or anything else too strenuous. It just needs to do its job and get down the road without being a POS. However, if I could incorporate some stuff into the rebuild to strengthen it (like some of the 87+ upgrades) without breaking the bank too much I would/will. Any help is appreciated!

 

No way to answer that question, until you have it apart, and determine exactly what parts are needed. They all tear up differently. If no serious damage, $300 buys alot of rebuild parts, and is sort of a typical number. As far as tools, I have over $1500 invested in 700r4 tools only. Buddy up with a local trans shop, and let them do small tasks that require specialty tools, if they are willing.

 

Makes enough sense. Are there any particular rebuild kits you would recommend?

 

i'd start with a 1987 up core.

 

Are they stronger? Whats the difference?

 

Yes, they are slightly overkill. You want your transmission to last.... Just match what you have to what you need.