As I am looking to rebuild or replace my transmission, I can't help but wonder which is best for my car.
I am looking at adding quite a bit more to the power of it over time, but I am wondering
99 monte carlo z34 3800

4t 60, 4t65, 4t65hd?
Is there possibly any other that will bolt up to the 3800?

If I rebuild it, im looking at getting the more stout parts so it will handle the power and changing the gear ratio while im at it.

 

I believe you have the 4t65e, just make sure the gear ratios are the same depending on the donor car

 

You have a 4T65E non HD. You will want to have a built tranny if you're going to be making any real power with the Monte (which you can do ). I've been saying this a LOT lately, lol, but check out this place: http://tripleedgeperformance.com/

They have a great reputation.

 

I guess I should have clearified, I know I have the 4t65e, I was wondering which trans would be best to use if I were to go with moar powar. I know the 4t65 in general is a bad design, so I was also wondering if any other trannys would fit up to the 3800. Also, if I were to convert to a manual, which route would I go?

Im more than likely going to keep it an auto since a manual will me much more costly and the labor would be very intense, but im asking still just to keep my options open.

 

Then I would just contact TEP and see what he thinks.

 

If you change to any tranny other then the 4T65E, it is going to be much more costly whether it's an auto or a manual. TEP will give you the tranny that you need, which will be a beefed up 4T65E with an HD conversion.

If you go manual, the choices IIRC are the Getrag 282 and 284 which were found in the early 90's W-body's.

 

As far as autos go, the only other GM FWD trans that can handle more torque/weight is the 4t80, but thats not a direct bolt in. It has been done on a wbody; but I don't really think its all that great, some of the parts are much bigger (like the diff) and it will rob even more power. IMO for autos a built 4t65 is the way to go.

As far as manuals, I wouldn't even consider it. Too much work- and many of them came behind much weaker engines- especially if you plan to make some big power. Lots of people say they want to do this, but never follow through- I'm sure there is a reason for that.

Before we start jumping into all kinds of crazy trans build ideas- what is your planned build first? I see your mod list now- I'm just wondering what the goal is- are we talking a 500 whp slicks/track only turbo build, or a simple top swap or something?

Its hard to say how much you need built or what you should be looking to swap to without knowing your actual plan.

 

Im not too sure power wise, what my ultimate goal is, I do want turbo, maybe a mild cam, but swap gear ratio more for mileage sakes. I do still want a bit of driveability, like take it to gm nationals and other stuff like that, and since I live in tennessee, that is a very long haul. (Im not into trailer queens one bit).

Im thinking maybe the upwards of around 400whp, maybe a little less. Im not wanting to get too wild with it, just have something nice and like I said earlier, the ability to drive it regularly (maybe on nice, summer days)

 

Not trying to be rude- but honestly, how likely is that? I mean are you buying parts or saving for it now- or is it still off in the future? I'd just hate to see you spend $4k on a built tranny, and never really get to the point of needing it- you know?

Also, is there currently anything wrong with your trans? If its not currently broken, maybe its a better idea to save your built trans money until you get the funds to do your cam and turbo and such, and do it all at once. That way if you do change directions with the car, or with life in general- then you're not stuck with a half built car.

Honestly, I would think changing the chain ratio with any of the aftermarket sets wouldn't be very cost effective to save gas. I think even the cheapest sets are $400, plus the gaskets and fluid needed to get to it, for a minimal mileage change- that would take awhile to gain back the money in gas savings.

 

Currently, im saving for the parts, but I do need trans work done to my car. I currently do not have any overdrive.

There isn't a trans shop that can tell me what is actually wrong with it, so I figure im just going to get one and have it rebuilt to handle up to 400 hp so im not stranded with having rebuilt one that I would have to do so again when I actually do have more power.

Actually, I have a no o/d thread going right now to help diagnose what is really wrong with it. Believe me, if I can fix it without being without a car more than a couple of hours or rebuilding it, I definately will... it still shifts fine and smooth, just doesn't have o/d.