FAQ: What transmissions swap into our Rivieras? ('97-99)

Am trying to install a GTP trans in the Riviera. I picked up for a good deal a 'built' low milage tranny from a '97 GTP. It was a good enough deal that I can resell it if it won't fit.

Axle outlets the same splines, etc?

It has 3.29 gears, lots of other stuff (LSD, 3000 stall converter, etc). I've decided the 3.29s will be more appropriate for my mostly city driving anyway

Thanks
-Derek

i believe so............ dont quote me on it but i say yes..........

I belive it's the same but I'd wait for someone sure..

The only things I would be concerned with is the side cover etc to ensure things fit in. Otherwise, the connector etc should be the same.

The answer is a clear and resounding NO NO MAYBE.

The webbing and case reinforcements on the G-body cars is there for a reason. It is not on most GTP cases as I learned the hard way (but it is on some). Do NOT use a GTP trans UNLESS it has the webbing and 4 bolts for the rear mount. You WILL break the case.

Figured I'd clarify in case someone was searching and found this thread.

-Derek

deekster_caddy wrote:

The answer is a clear and resounding NO NO MAYBE.

The webbing and case reinforcements on the G-body cars is there for a reason. It is not on most GTP cases as I learned the hard way (but it is on some). Do NOT use a GTP trans UNLESS it has the webbing and 4 bolts for the rear mount. You WILL break the case.

Figured I'd clarify in case someone was searching and found this thread.

-Derek

THANK YOU FOR TAKING ONE FOR THE TEAM

I will be swapping my trans with a low mile replacement that I may be getting from morad or classifieds or who knows. I need to know what will and will not DIRECTLY fit. I can't afford any suprises when I go to do the swap myself. While browsing morads, I found this:

Link

2002 park ave ultra - "FCB" code trans. My understanding is that the GTP, regal trans is not directly swappable with ours. Plus My car is a 97 - how does that come into play. I'm assuming 97-99 should be identical.

ohh you go ahead turtleman.Just make sure the trans. is 4T65E HD (heavy duty) which i see it is -`cause if it's not who knows...it may not fit well.Again ask and make sure that the transmission is 4T65E HD.
Goodluck and let us know how you progress with it (photo step by step)

Make sure it has the webbing on the back with four mounting holes. Ed will know which one will work on our cars.

Ed will know, but I believe the PA has the same transmission mounting/subframe as the Riv, so it should have the webbing on it.

Ask for a picture of the rear mount on the trans for confirmation if you can.

Ed's reply to my question is:

"I do not believe that one will work in a 97 Riviera. The later year Parks have an internal range switch where as the Rivieras have an external one. I do have a 97 supercharged trans here with 150k on it for $425. I do not believe it has 150k on it though. The fluid that came out of the trans looked like it was being poured straight from a brand new bottle."

That sucks! I really don't think i'm down with getting another high milage trans. Anyone can throw new fluid into a trans and sell it. I could try to offer a price. Any thoughts?

When you say pour new fluid in an old trans to sell it, let's say I hope you aren't trying to suggest Ed would do that. Ed has a great reputation on all forums I've ever found or visited for providing awesome parts with honest and accurate descriptions. Ed would never treat someone wrong.

That said.. wtih 150 on a trans and the fluid looking good, the only thing you can assume is that it was serviced. Maybe it was rebuit...but there's no way to know for sure and I'd probably pass on it.

I think Codith meant the previous owner put new fluid in and sold it to Ed. That's a possibility, isn't it? Doesn't make Ed a bad guy. There's no way for him to know.

Well, hmm I need pretty much need this trans situation done and over with in the next 6 weeks. I might have to go with that one. I'll ask if he has anything else that will fit my riv but if not, I might be offering a price on that one because I really can't wait too long. If it lasts me at least another year, I should be able to handle the cost of a rebuild & hard part upgrades.

With the reputation Ed has, I didn't think he would try to fraudulently sell anything. I meant I can change the fluid in my trans right now and get into an accident and you know the rest.

That's what I figured you meant. Which is actually good, because it shows someone cared about that trans.

I'd buy it.

Albertj

Ok I'm going to buy this one tomorrow for 600 shipped.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=013&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBOFF%3AIT&viewitem=&item=230225695915&rd=1

I feel a little better getting one that I know has half the miles my current one does and will definitely fit. I may be mistaken but I believe the 98 has a slightly revised valve body from 97 but thats about it. It should be a direct bolt/plug swap. I'll be doing full sythetic trans fluid and a mild shift kit when I put it in.

I just bought http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=013&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=230225695915&rd=1
I'll putting it in myself in the next few weeks hopefully.
I will also be doing my cam at the same time. That trans just about wiped me out so I'll have to wait for my tax returns to come within a week to get the near $400 worth of cam install/support parts.

Hard parts for heads:
105# springs
zzp modified retainers
viton valve seals
rocker bolts

Service parts:
aluminum intake gasket
front cover gasket/seal
blower gasket
crank/cam bolts

Other stuff:
shift kit/filter
zzp oil volume kit

Stuff i'm gonna try to get away with reusing:
oil pan gasket
valve cover gaskets
rods
lifters
valve end stays

Already have the JP billet timing set and new dampener installed

paint it and clean it up good before your install!!!!!! good deal dude!

Codith, I will buy a digital camera and send it to you if you can take detailed pics of the trans install. If you could do the cam or gasket installs, that's great too, but just one would be awesome. If you don't want to mess with a write-up, just send me the pics and I'll help you out.

Thanks!

Aaron,

I don't have enough pics for a full write-up, but I do have many pictures from when I did my trans in January. I can send you a bunch if you want to piece them together.

Also, I'm going to be dropping my subframe again very soon to do my sway bar and wheel bearings, so I can take more pics of those steps.

Also, the procedure is well described in the FSM, I can send you all those instructions as well.

-Derek

deekster_caddy wrote:

Aaron,

I don't have enough pics for a full write-up, but I do have many pictures from when I did my trans in January. I can send you a bunch if you want to piece them together.

Also, I'm going to be dropping my subframe again very soon to do my sway bar and wheel bearings, so I can take more pics of those steps.

Also, the procedure is well described in the FSM, I can send you all those instructions as well.

-Derek

how long does it take YOU to drop the cradle??

Quick question. Anyone know where I can get a good reman or new stock torque converter? If I can't get another one, I'll just use the one thats coming with the trans. I figure if mines working right now, one with half the miles should work as well or better.

turtleman, I just reused my stock converter. There's no way to tell what shape any used converter is in, so I figured go with my own even though it's 130K miles, it still works just fine. Otherwise you could try any transmission parts supplier or auto parts store, or Intense or ZZP if you want a higher stall.

98riviera98 wrote:

deekster_caddy wrote:

Aaron,

I don't have enough pics for a full write-up, but I do have many pictures from when I did my trans in January. I can send you a bunch if you want to piece them together.

Also, I'm going to be dropping my subframe again very soon to do my sway bar and wheel bearings, so I can take more pics of those steps.

Also, the procedure is well described in the FSM, I can send you all those instructions as well.

-Derek

how long does it take YOU to drop the cradle??

The first time took about 5 hours to figure it all out, including a trip to replace a broken 18mm socket (broke it on the subframe to body bolts with my breakerbar). It's about 4 hours start to finish to get the tranny out if you have done it a couple of times. About 5 for the reinstall...

Turtle..

Just saw your parts list and things look good. A couple of suggestions though, reuse your cam and crank bolts. They are technically TTY but they should not be a problem to reuse because of the type of pressure asserted on them.

For the oil pan gasket.. You will want to do it with the motor out and clean. In the car requires you to remove the oil pickup tube, out of the car doesn't. I found that the lower conversion gasket sets at Parts America/Advance Auto was lower in cost than the oil pan gasket by itself and included waterpump, timing cover, oil pan, rear engine cover gaskets as well as front and rear main seals.

Being that I was a nearly professional engine cleaner last year (3 in under a month), it seemed easier to clean the motor right after it comes out and is still complete then to clean it in parts or as some parts have been removed.

Take your time and enjoy the build up. They can be lots of fun.