Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2003 22:39:26 -0500
From: "Nick McDermott" <eire1274@cox.net>
Subject: Team3S: Used transmission

Odd question, but I'm looking at a couple 5-speed Getrags for my VR-4 project, and I'm just a little iffy about buying them due to not being able to see it firsthand prior to the purchase. Both guys assure smooth operation, no grinding.

Problem is, the cheapest transmission I can find, used, not even reconditioned, through a "reputable" dealer is around $1800. I do not have $1800 at the moment. A $300 tranny left over from a 6-speed swap or parted out from a wrecked car is very appealing at this point.

Any advice on if it is possible to be this much of a tight-wad and still get something I can drive without fear? Or, for that money, should I just chance it?

Annoy your local parts store. Call in and ask for piston rings for a Mazda RX7. Try not to laugh until after you hang up.

Nick
At a loss... a rebuilt GM Turbo 400 automatic only cost me $450? "Timing belt? You mean chain, right?" ;)

Date: Sat, 7 Jun 2003 07:51:15 -0500
From: "Matt Jannusch" <mjannusch@attbi.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Used transmission

> Problem is, the cheapest transmission I can find, used, not even
> reconditioned, through a "reputable" dealer is around $1800. I do not
> have $1800 at the moment. A $300 tranny left over from a 6-speed swap
> or parted out from a wrecked car is very appealing at this point.

I don't think you are going to find a working used tranny for much under $1500 at the low end. If you blow one up and want a new one, $2500+ is often the answer. On these cars, there is no such thing as a $300 tranny - not even a broken one. Luckily at least now we can get internal parts, about a year ago the only choice was to buy a completely new tranny from the dealer for many $$$$.

> Nick
> At a loss... a rebuilt GM Turbo 400 automatic only cost me $450?
> "Timing belt? You mean chain, right?" ;)

There are a bazillion GM trannies in the world, and not a whole lot of Getrag AWD trannies. Rare cars = expensive parts. Trannies and transfer cases are the ugliest part about owning these turbo AWD cars, unfortunately.

Date: Sat, 7 Jun 2003 06:46:58 -0700
From: "fastmax" <fastmax@cox.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Used transmission

Your comments are generally correct --- however --- you can find a cheap gem, I did. The trouble is you probably won't know what you bought until you put it in your car and by then it's a little late.

There is a thread on the 3SI.org site about a guy who bought a low price tranny in 'good condition' on Ebay --- output shaft is shot !!! He didn't go
through an escrow company so he's out his $$$.

Date: Mon, 9 Jun 2003 11:13:32 -0400
From: pvg1@daimlerchrysler.com
Subject: Team3S: Our mirrors on a Viper?!

I was studying today a new-age style piece of automotive artwork here at the Chrysler headquarters. It was a Dodge Viper exhibit. A proud display of American sportscar marvel. Among the parts of the exhibit were the V-10 intake plenum, two beautiful red-painted and shapely doors with sporty side mirrors, all stapled to the wall in a random abstract manner.

I approached the display and tried to twist one of the mirrors off. It made a painfully familiar soft click and turned 90 degrees. Oh my... It looked like a 3/S mirror! Sure enough, I glanced underneath it and it said: MMC, blah-blah, Made in Japan. :-) The Viper has our mirrors, guys!

End of Team3S: 3000GT & Stealth V2 #175
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