Abaddon's Riv

Sweet. Can't wait to hear how that trans performs after the build.

Just some FYI about pricing to rebuild and upgrade this trans. Parts totals are as follows...

Raybestos Stage 1 HP module (all clutches and steels) = $172

ZZP 3.29 Gear set with single chain (included) = $356.49

GM seal kit, 2nd clutch piston, 3rd clutch piston, coast band, forward band, reverse band = $378.14
which was my price. List price on all of this is $663.43

We have a grand total of $906.63, and the labor is free!! Now I know why transmissions are so freaking expensive to build/repair. I'm hoping that there won't be anything else, but I won't know until I get it apart on the bench. I'll probably do a write-up on upgrading the gear set, being that you don't have to take the trans out of the car to do it...

I'm really interested to see the performance of the finished product.

Your list price discount is HUGE. DAMN.

J. Chris Davis wrote:

I'm really interested to see the performance of the finished product.

Yeah me too I'm anxious as hell. I go through tires now....

I'd also like to point out that you can find complete rebuild kits on ebay for around $225. Those kits include all the clutches (OEM), seals, and bands. I originally ordered one that came with Raybestos High Energy clutches because I couldn't find anyone who could get me the Stage 1's. After calling Raybestos and talking to Irvin (engineer), I learned that the High Energy clutches DO withstand higher temperatures, but also have a lower coefficient of friction, thus softening shifts. That IS NOT what I wanted. He also gave me the phone number to Transtar Industries whom he knew could get the Stage 1's for me. Through all of this, NOBODY, I mean NOBODY shows that clutch module in stock. They all show it in their catalogs, but it lists as "unavailable". Don't let that fool you, they can get it. They just have to SPO it direct from Raybestos. I have the P/N and the phone number direct to them if anybody needs it. It took almost 2 weeks for them to arrive at Transtar....kinda makes me wonder if Raybestos had to make them?

I think whenever my transmissions needs a rebuild I'd like to go this route.

I think whenever my transmissions needs a rebuild I'd like to go to Scott.

Transmission finally died on the way to work this morning. Stopped at a light, and it never went back in to gear. My second hoist still isn't fixed. Wtf. Who the hell knows when I can get around to fixing it.....

Hopefully you can get to it soon. Whenever mine goes out. I will have to have it taken somewhere. I do not have a hoist available to me.

Well. I dropped the pan and broke the filter open to have a look-see. No metal shavings, no metal flakes, just clutch material. Yay. Should have it done by Thursday night, possibly by tomorrow night. I'm planning on having it apart by 6:30 tonight.....

Hell yeah.

Abaddon wrote:

Well. I dropped the pan and broke the filter open to have a look-see. No metal shavings, no metal flakes, just clutch material. Yay. Should have it done by Thursday night, possibly by tomorrow night. I'm planning on having it apart by 6:30 tonight.....

If you can get a good TC you might should R&R it as long as you're doing the frictions and steels. Hope you can find the Raybestos blue frictions.

Unfortunately albert, Raybestos doesn't make the Blue Plates for our transmissions anymore. I talked to Irvin at Raybestos (his direct # is on Raybestospowertrain.com). They stopped making Blue Plates a few years ago. I was, however, able to land a set of Stage 1 HP Red Plates

Well, had some issues last night
2 of the cradle mount washers were non-existent, and the driver side rear cradle bolt didn't want to come out, just spun. We did get it out though. Fortunately, those cage nuts in the body are serviceable, and the new washers and nuts will be here tomorrow.
I also found that with headers, it's impossible to get the steering rack bolts off from under the car. I had to make about a 3-1/2 foot long extension and snake it down through the top to get them out.
But, it's all loose now. I've got 2 more cars to work on here, then I should have about a good 3 hours of solid time to work on it.

Hopefully you don't run into to many more issues there.

Abaddon wrote:

Unfortunately albert, Raybestos doesn't make the Blue Plates for our transmissions anymore. I talked to Irvin at Raybestos (his direct # is on Raybestospowertrain.com). They stopped making Blue Plates a few years ago. I was, however, able to land a set of Stage 1 HP Red Plates

My transmission guy turned some of the RB plates up NOS when my trans grenaded last year. I think he felt bad, it might arguably have been his assistant's fault (put in DEX III in a fluid change after I'd already gone to DEX VI and told him not to).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4T65E-Raybestos-Blue-Plate-Special-Clutch-Module-/8063858662

They may still have the 2002-back Blues you have to call.

But...

All that said, Stage I Reds are Niiiiiiiice. I am told they are made by Raybestos too.

Yessir!!! Irvin hooked me up with a direct # to a sales Rep for Transtar Industries (Raybestos supplier). They had to special order them, have them shipped to Transtar, then shipped to me. They sure are purdy. I have pics of everything. I'll post them when I have some time, along with p/n's and such. The guy at Transtar said I could give out his direct # as well if anyone is interested in more of these,.

Sweet.

Quote :

I also found that with headers, it's impossible to get the steering rack bolts off from under the car. I had to make about a 3-1/2 foot long extension and snake it down through the top to get them out.

It wasn't easy, but I was able to do mine from under the car with 2 engine mounts removed and the engine hoisted slightly. Seems like a bit of work, but the headers remained attached.

In my case, I'm tryin to LOWER the engine and trans lol.

Well, not touching it anymore until the new cradle mounts get here. I'm surprised the cradle is still attached to the car at this point. I've got trans jacks holding the entire cradle assembly up right now....We'll see what happens tomorrow

UPDATE

Trans is totally apart. I still have to pull the Accumulator off, but all the guts are out. It was the forward band that did me in. It broke. I have pics of stuff that I'll post later. My 4th shaft splines were almost wasted too. Fortunately, We have a 75,000mi trans sitting here I can steal parts off of. I'm going to grab the pump shaft and the 4th gear shaft. Everything else looks great.

I'll keep y'all updated.

BTW, I feel there's no need to do a Write-up on changing the gear set and chain. I don't see anybody trying to attempt this in a driveway or garage....Just to get the valve body off I think there's like 30 bolts, all ranging in length and sizes. What a pain....

Scott, sorry to hear about your transmission, but at least if it is going to happen to anyone I guess it is good news that at least you have the shop and tools to work on it!

The S/C looks great too. I did some simple stripping and edge polishing on some wheels for my Moto Guzzi a few years ago, and that was a ton of work. So I know you have really killed yourself with that. But it will look great for sure.

I wanted to ask you about your suspension though. I looked through the "Aftermarket Springs" thread:

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/t265-aftermarket-springs


..... and I didn't see anything about the Buick F41 suspension you have in your signature. If I missed it , my apologies.

Anyway, I was curious if the Park Avenue Ultra F41 (Grand Touring) suspension was a direct bolt-on, especially the springs and bars. If not, what was required to make them work, and was it worth doing? What year PAU Grand Touring parts did you use?

Also am very interested in your thoughts on the results.

I am looking at the Addco bars, and AA's end-links, but since the Eibach STS springs are no longer made and lower the car an inch or two, something like the F41 springs might be a good alternative depending on your experience.

Thanks!
Al

Scott, you are super cool.
I'm ultra jealous of your skills and knowledge. Dang.

charlieRobinson wrote:

Scott, you are super cool.
I'm ultra jealous of your skills and knowledge. Dang.

Me too! I am ezpezially jelly of the lift!