Q: I would like to replace my automatic transmission with a standard
transmission and wanted to know if you had a kit to assist me in this endeavor?
A: We would like to tell you that we have just what you need, but the truth
is.....there aren't any kits made to do a changeover. It's our opinion that
changing a vehicle from automatic to standard shift operation is a monumental
task. To begin with, the parts alone can cost from $1,500.00 to $3,000.00 on
average. Add to this the labor involved in the swap (20 - 85 man-hours), and you
have a real job on your hands. But, before you can start any of this, you will
need to scour the wrecking yards for every nut, bolt, bracket, pedal, bushing,
spring, retaining clip, & hose that will be required. It shouldn’t take more
than about 2 -3 weeks to gather all that stuff.
So, if you’re married to your car or truck and you can’t live without that
particular one, go forward… we’ll be glad to sell you any parts we can as well
as help in any way. But if ‘ole Betsy is a trade candidate, then see if you can
find a similar vehicle that already has a standard in it. It will save many
headaches.
Q: Do you sell automatic transmissions?
A: We only deal with standard transmissions here, but if you call us, we can
direct you to a reputable firm that has automatic experience.
Q: What information do you need to quote a price on a unit or the parts to
repair a unit?
A: As a general rule, we will need to know the make, model, year, & engine size
of the vehicle. On trucks, SUV's , etc., we need to know if it's 2wd or 4wd. If
there is a model number associated with the unit, that will also be extremely
helpful.
Q: Do you have a parts catalog and price sheet?
A: We have a catalog for the most popular types of transmission parts and
bearing kits. These are available to repair shops who are interested in
wholesale pricing. For individuals, we will be glad to fax you a parts breakdown
of your unit, if available. We do not have a published price sheet for several
reasons - prices change rapidly in this business, we have both wholesale and
retail pricing, and escalating printing costs.
Q: I have a conventional 3 or 4 speed transmission in my car/ truck. What will
it take to put an overdrive transmission in it?
A: The U.S. Government mandated that all vehicles meet certain emission
standards in the early 70's. The restrictions were tightened even more in the
80's, & by 1988, all vehicle manufacturers had begun using 5 speed overdrive
transmissions in most of their standard shift vehicles. While there isn't a set
rule for an overdrive swap, it's a little like the auto to standard change -
usually you have to change more than just a transmission. Most of the early 5
speeds are of foreign design and/or manufacture, and as such have clutch
housings made on the front case. With this design, almost all use hydraulic
clutch components so if you don't have a hydraulic setup, you'll need to find
one in a wrecking yard. The units are different in length nearly every time, so
you'll be doing driveline work. This is another big, expensive job, so be
prepared to spend around $2000.00 - $3000.00, depending on application.
Keep in mind that for RV applications and heavy duty truck work, there is a
better solution than some of the truck 5 speeds. That solution is an overdrive
unit that can be added on to the back of your existing transmission. There are a
couple different types of units, so you might check to see which would be best
for you. We know of two suppliers. One is Mose's Transmission at (817) 332-6415
- they sell the U.S. Gear Dual Range overdrive. The other is Ray's Automatic at
(817) 923-3041. The unit they sell & service is the Gear Vendor overdrive.
Q: Is there a procedure to diagnose a problem with a dual mass flywheel?
A: Check our dual mass flywheel page - it has a wealth of info on diagnosing
dual mass problems and/or eliminating the dual mass as a source of problems.
Q. My car is topping (pick a figure) 400,500, or 600 horsepower. Can you sell me
a set of gears for my (pick one again) T10, T5, Muncie, or T56 that will stand
up to the load?
A. The transmission that came with your car was built to hold up to whatever
factory horsepower specs are for STREET driving. Today's engineers are designing
equipment to be adequate for the engine. There isn't usually any room for excess
horsepower. If you have modified your engine to a much higher output, you will
probably be best advised to get a transmission that was built specifically for
racing to handle the torque & horsepower. There are a few exceptions - we sell a
Motorsport gear set for the Mustang T5 that sells for about $500.00. We also
sell a GM Muncie 4 speed "rock crusher" gear set for about $675.00. But keep in
mind that the manufacturer still isn't going to warrant any gear breakage. So
while you're putting all the money & effort in your engine, be aware that the
transmission will require some extra bucks.
