Transmission rebuild Preference?
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 12,605
From: Mentor, Ohio
No problem Tadd!
TEP has a strong rep and anyone I read from that worked with them (like Amanda/SnakeBite and John/Turbo_Monte), all of them had good things to say.
Michael/MAMONTE, had a trans rebuilt, problems and eventually went the SERTA route. He was thrilled with it (but traded the Monte in well before the warranty was anywhere close to done).
Honestly, there are so many variables to this situation, it's tough to make the call. I think I know what path I would have chosen, but my variables in this equation are different.
Again, I just hope we keep reading more happy stories then sad stories for the Deuce!
TEP has a strong rep and anyone I read from that worked with them (like Amanda/SnakeBite and John/Turbo_Monte), all of them had good things to say.
Michael/MAMONTE, had a trans rebuilt, problems and eventually went the SERTA route. He was thrilled with it (but traded the Monte in well before the warranty was anywhere close to done).
Honestly, there are so many variables to this situation, it's tough to make the call. I think I know what path I would have chosen, but my variables in this equation are different.
Again, I just hope we keep reading more happy stories then sad stories for the Deuce!
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 122
From: Buffalo, NY
No one wants to be told what they should spend there hard earned money on, however in this case it's a fragile and prone issue with these rides. Everyone has an opinion, no one will deny that a new crate tranny is better than a broken one, but from the looks of Tadd's deuce, it's not some trashed up beatdown ride, forum members were thinking of a bulletproof solution. So I hope you have nothing but many happy trouble free miles on the new unit. Enjoy..
Last edited by KillerB; Aug 7, 2015 at 05:55 AM.
I'm reading this and so many people are giving Tadd crap for not going with TEP. Here's a few things that enter my mind:
- If I recall, the 4t65e is not a GM trans, but actually a Volvo trans.
- I'm not sure if GM is still using that trans in current cars (or when they stopped). But I'm sure since any of our Monte's rolled off the assembly line, the parties involved in building the 4t65e have been making improvements to them. I don't know that for fact, it's just an assumption.
- Even if the people building the trans are not improving it, when GM has them rebuilt, it is possible since they may control the rebuild process, perhaps improvements have been made.
- Many of us don't like the "dealership", Tadd has a long standing and to my knowledge extremely positive relationship with the dealership that services the Deuce. I admit, I have trust issues with other people working on my cars, but Tadd has built a relationship with people he does trust, that goes a long way.
When I look at TEP, I see a company that specializes in the 4t65e. I've read about many very happy customers. Heck, I saw John at the GM Nationals less then 24 hours from him putting in that TEP trans he has. ANd yes, he was happier then heck with Dave's service.
I actually contacted TEP for some general info once and got a fast reply.
If my Monte trans goes, I admit, I will give TEP a big look, but I don't know if that is where I will end up. There is a local trans shop here that has done wonders for people on all transmissions (they rebuilt the one in my '84 Camaro). For all I know, I may have them rebuild the trans when that day comes. I don't know.
I'm not saying Tadd made a wrong choice or a right choice, but he chose what he felt was the best choice AND what he was most comfortable with. In all honesty, if the SERTA trans turns out to be 100% crap, he has 100K warranty on parts and labor, nothing out of pocket for another 100K miles. Plus, again, he has a different relationship with the business that is servicing the Deuce then most of us have. So, let's say he finds the SERTA trans doesn't work out, say they warranty it with another SERTA trans, I am sure if there are problems, he can get satisfaction one way or another.
Considering how many miles all of us have put on our Montes, I think it's safe to say, that's a nice warranty and peace of mind. Maybe it cost more, maybe it cost less, but Tadd is willing to accept that cost and he's getting a peace of mind that 100K miles, he does not need to worry about the trans again.
So if you read my entire rant, I guess what I'm saying is, it's fine to hold an opinion about what Tadd chose, but stop making the guy feel like he has to repeat himself and justify his decision. Instead, feel free to share your opinions (considering that is what this thread was originally about) and wish Tadd and the Deuce many miles and lots of smiles!
- If I recall, the 4t65e is not a GM trans, but actually a Volvo trans.
- I'm not sure if GM is still using that trans in current cars (or when they stopped). But I'm sure since any of our Monte's rolled off the assembly line, the parties involved in building the 4t65e have been making improvements to them. I don't know that for fact, it's just an assumption.
- Even if the people building the trans are not improving it, when GM has them rebuilt, it is possible since they may control the rebuild process, perhaps improvements have been made.
- Many of us don't like the "dealership", Tadd has a long standing and to my knowledge extremely positive relationship with the dealership that services the Deuce. I admit, I have trust issues with other people working on my cars, but Tadd has built a relationship with people he does trust, that goes a long way.
When I look at TEP, I see a company that specializes in the 4t65e. I've read about many very happy customers. Heck, I saw John at the GM Nationals less then 24 hours from him putting in that TEP trans he has. ANd yes, he was happier then heck with Dave's service.
I actually contacted TEP for some general info once and got a fast reply.
If my Monte trans goes, I admit, I will give TEP a big look, but I don't know if that is where I will end up. There is a local trans shop here that has done wonders for people on all transmissions (they rebuilt the one in my '84 Camaro). For all I know, I may have them rebuild the trans when that day comes. I don't know.
I'm not saying Tadd made a wrong choice or a right choice, but he chose what he felt was the best choice AND what he was most comfortable with. In all honesty, if the SERTA trans turns out to be 100% crap, he has 100K warranty on parts and labor, nothing out of pocket for another 100K miles. Plus, again, he has a different relationship with the business that is servicing the Deuce then most of us have. So, let's say he finds the SERTA trans doesn't work out, say they warranty it with another SERTA trans, I am sure if there are problems, he can get satisfaction one way or another.
Considering how many miles all of us have put on our Montes, I think it's safe to say, that's a nice warranty and peace of mind. Maybe it cost more, maybe it cost less, but Tadd is willing to accept that cost and he's getting a peace of mind that 100K miles, he does not need to worry about the trans again.
So if you read my entire rant, I guess what I'm saying is, it's fine to hold an opinion about what Tadd chose, but stop making the guy feel like he has to repeat himself and justify his decision. Instead, feel free to share your opinions (considering that is what this thread was originally about) and wish Tadd and the Deuce many miles and lots of smiles!
I don't think anyone was giving him "crap" for not going with TEP. The thread is titled "transmission rebuild preference" so most here were just offering their opinions on what they would do in the same situation.
I really don't think anyone was trying to tell Tad what to spend his money on and no one really expected him to justify himself. That being said, I fully understand why Tadd went with GM, some people are just more comfortable with a warranty. I hope it all works out.
As far as what I bolded in your post, there are just way too many maybe's , perhap's and assumptions to be comfortable going with the GM /dealer -- for me anyway. No one seems to know if they have made any improvements for sure with it.
I second what KillerB said in his post. Most of the posts in this thread people were just thinking of a bulletproof solution for that Tadd's transmission. If he's pushing more power than stock now it I just thought it would be a good idea to go with something specifically built for more power to ensure it doesn't blow again anytime soon, especially since no one here seems to know for sure if any improvements have been made by GM.
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 12,605
From: Mentor, Ohio
I don't think anyone was giving him "crap" for not going with TEP. The thread is titled "transmission rebuild preference" so most here were just offering their opinions on what they would do in the same situation.
I really don't think anyone was trying to tell Tad what to spend his money on and no one really expected him to justify himself. That being said, I fully understand why Tadd went with GM, some people are just more comfortable with a warranty. I hope it all works out.
I really don't think anyone was trying to tell Tad what to spend his money on and no one really expected him to justify himself. That being said, I fully understand why Tadd went with GM, some people are just more comfortable with a warranty. I hope it all works out.
Personally, I am nervous to have ANYONE put any tools to my cars. I'm my own mechanic. If the job is not done right, I look in the mirror and know who to blame. I don't intend to change that either.
If my trans were to go south, odds are I am pulling it myself. Now, rebuilding it, eh, I'll take it to one shop local to do that OR source a replacement (like TEP or a SERTA, but doing the work myself may impact some warranties on some of my options).
But Tadd's relationship with his dealership is like some people have with a private mechanic running out of a shop. Not all dealerships are the same. We all have to do what we are comfortable with.
Jason, right I have purchased several of my cars from Shaheens, When my Deuce threw a wheel one of the Shaheen brothers personally came down to console me.
When I first took the car in about the transmission they did not try to sell me a new transmission. The tech told me "wait and see lets open the pan up first" a lot of dealers would have jumped on the chance to sell a new trannie.
When I take a car in for an oil change or what ever (I have 4 GM cars now) they know me by name and always ask about the Deuce. I dare say that the Shaheen brothers know that I am active in the show car community and if our good relationship fell apart every car enthusiast in Lansing area would know about it.
When I first took the car in about the transmission they did not try to sell me a new transmission. The tech told me "wait and see lets open the pan up first" a lot of dealers would have jumped on the chance to sell a new trannie.
When I take a car in for an oil change or what ever (I have 4 GM cars now) they know me by name and always ask about the Deuce. I dare say that the Shaheen brothers know that I am active in the show car community and if our good relationship fell apart every car enthusiast in Lansing area would know about it.
Last edited by Tadcaster; Aug 9, 2015 at 05:09 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,215
From: New Orleans
Agreed you have to make good relation with the dealer. Like I did here I get my parts at the dealer as if I were a shop at a discount price. Also my cars which are all GM go to one guy at the dealership he is the only one that works on my cars when I can't do it myself. So I love warranty's so I would do what Tadds doing.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,943
From: Mountains of Utah
Congrats on your new tranny! Why did your last one fail, just finally wore itself out? Hope you never have to use your warranty. Bet the dealership took their time and did not hustle in the sense that they would do any unintended damage to your Monte's exterior. Bet the boss put out the word to be extra careful as you are a valuable customer to them.
Congrats on your new tranny! Why did your last one fail, just finally wore itself out? Hope you never have to use your warranty. Bet the dealership took their time and did not hustle in the sense that they would do any unintended damage to your Monte's exterior. Bet the boss put out the word to be extra careful as you are a valuable customer to them.
Trannie faied on the way home from the Monte Nationals just as I was entering Michigan. Would jerk at about 75 when going up a slight incline, and grind when acceleration from 70 MPH.
Ya still in the shop. GM doe not just have the Serta trannie sitting on the shelf, I belive they are assembles as ordered. Deuce is still in the shop. Hope to get her back by the week-end
Just an update on my new trannie
Shaheen's did a fantastic job. I took the Deuce to the Woodward Cruise here in Detroit the week-end after the install.
So far the Serta Tannie is better than I can remember the Deuce ever being even since the day I brought her 9 years ago
They cleaned up after themselves on the Deuce. No scratches in the paint in the engine bay, fenders or hood, no greasy finger prints ...ect..
They came in UNDER the estimated price at $3,800 rather than $3,900 I also got $250 loyalty bucks toward any next services needed on any car I take in including oil changes
Shaheen's did a fantastic job. I took the Deuce to the Woodward Cruise here in Detroit the week-end after the install.
So far the Serta Tannie is better than I can remember the Deuce ever being even since the day I brought her 9 years ago
They cleaned up after themselves on the Deuce. No scratches in the paint in the engine bay, fenders or hood, no greasy finger prints ...ect..
They came in UNDER the estimated price at $3,800 rather than $3,900 I also got $250 loyalty bucks toward any next services needed on any car I take in including oil changes
