Reseal my Trans, or upgrade? (Page 1/2)
Threedog SEP 07, 12:18 PM
I have the stock 5-speed Getrag in my 87 GT w/ a 3800SC. The transmission is seeping fluid, it shifts fine but the seals are clearly shot on it. If I remove the trans and take it to a local shop, they said it would be about $1500 to rebuild it, including reseal (if the internals are find they would charge me about 1k to reseal only, but they didn't want to promise me anything so they said expect the higher quote). So, if I were to get a new stage 2/3 clutch and do this work, it would be about 2k after everything.

My question is, since I am really annoyed with 5th gear on the highway (way to high of an RPM for my liking), is it worth it to get a newer 5-speed that has better gearing at 75mph? Will I be able to swap a new trans in for less than 2k? I am thinking I will need new mounts, new clutch, but I am not sure about the shifter, axles, and speedo.
fieroguru SEP 07, 12:27 PM
There is no newer 5 speed that will drop your cruise rpm significantly. Only the F40 6 speed will do that.
Threedog SEP 07, 02:12 PM
And IIRC, the F40 is quite the endeavor in terms of a swap, right? Modified shifter, new axles, new mounts, etc..
theogre SEP 07, 06:20 PM
What size Tires? Bigger/Smaller Tires affect Total "gearing."
Could use different Finals but also affect all gears.

see https://web.archive.org/web...cast.net/~fierocave/ gear ratio

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(Jurassic Park)

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fieroguru SEP 07, 06:24 PM

quote
Originally posted by Threedog:

And IIRC, the F40 is quite the endeavor in terms of a swap, right? Modified shifter, new axles, new mounts, etc..



Yes it is complicated and more expensive it will be $3-4K.
If your goal is to have a newer manual transmission and significantly drop your cruise RPM, that is the only current solution.
Dennis LaGrua SEP 08, 10:54 AM
The other thing to consider about your Getrag transmission is that it is not ideally suited to a 3800SC swap. Many of the guys with this swap have blown out that light duty box. While going to the F40 is a solution, it is costly as Fieroguru has stated. The other option is an upgrade to the 4T65eHD auto. You should be able to do that conversion for less and not have to worry about it. If it is stock, your PCM already has the ability to shift it, except for the 03-up 4T65eHD unit that uses a different shifting protocol.
You may call me pessimistic, but except for light use, I don't see any Getrag lasting with a 3800SC.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
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Threedog SEP 10, 03:55 PM
Thanks for all the help y'all! I think I'll stick with the Getrag, I'm not willing to change wheel/tire size and the whole fun part is having a manual.


It's a bummer, but it sounds like resealing is way less involved than any swap. Maybe that will come in the distant future!
Patrick SEP 10, 06:18 PM

The longevity of any transmission is no doubt dependent on how the car is driven. Sure, the Getrag may fail with a 3800SC if you beat on it... but drive it responsively and the Getrag should last a considerable length of time... or drop the clutch at 6K RPM and red line every gear. Your choice.
edfiero SEP 22, 08:29 AM
What is included in this 'Rebuild' you are being quoted?
If the trans works fine, there is nothing inside that they are going to change besides the seals.
So what are we looking at: 5 bucks each for a seal from Rockauto and another 10 bucks for a tube of gasket maker. Couple this with 30 minutes of shop time and your bill shouldn't be much over $125 bucks.
theogre SEP 22, 11:51 AM

quote
Originally posted by edfiero:
What is included in this 'Rebuild' you are being quoted?
If the trans works fine, there is nothing inside that they are going to change besides the seals.
So what are we looking at: 5 bucks each for a seal from Rockauto and another 10 bucks for a tube of gasket maker. Couple this with 30 minutes of shop time and your bill shouldn't be much over $125 bucks.

Sorry but many shops now charge $150 - $200 just in Labor & often takes 2 Hours or more to take apart, fix whatever & reassemble on a bench when you delivered a stick trans. & Little or No Warranty because they only "rebuild" the unit & can't test it.

Example: Fiero & other GM stick cars have problems w/ final bearings that need adjusting or often replacing. Just setting bearing clearance take some Labor time. Also, Axle Seals "leaking" is often because the Final/Axle Bearings have Problems allowing the Axles to move more then design to make new seal leak too. Input shaft can have similar problems making that seal to leak.

Many shops won't touch 15-20 year old cars let alone Antique Cars like Fiero because of High Labor & added parts to deal w/ rust frozen hardware & worse. More so in states w/ high road salt or near the ocean etc w/ salt spray on everything.

Also Many YT "shows" say customer refuse repair is often showing only highlights of problems... Many simply refuse to repair for a lot less problems because of Labor Cost & High Markup of Parts. Add Sales Tax & other Taxes/Fees on top of that that can reach $100 more easy.