• The site migration is complete! Hopefully everything transferred properly from the multiple decades old software we were using before. If you notice any issues please let me know, thanks! Also, I'm still working on things like chatbox, etc so hopefully those will be working in the next week or two.

PSA: Transmissions DO NOT run off magic smoke: Proof inside! (DIY Rebuild time guys)

ADrugDealer

ADrugDealer

Schooner Tuner
Well, as some of you know I am going to DIY a transmission build with my good friend Frosty. As far as we were concerned a transmission ran of magic smoke that somehow transferred motor to wheel. We are doing this for two reasons. Money and Learning. This thread will, from now on, be my show-you-whats-going-on location:

7/3/14
Talked to Dave @ TEP and Ordered parts... lots of parts.
Ran to local Junkyard and snatched a cheap 86k miles 4t65 from an 04 Impala
Started tear down!!
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He just can't take a nice picture can he....
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I also ordered a 1200hp GMR shaft, 1in Gear set, chomaly pump shaft

7/7/14
Built a trans mount adapter for an engine stand (Thanks bill for the idea and pics!) and pulled the rest of the trans apart using my super special tool.... (Flat head with a notch cut in it).

Finished stand, not the best welds but hey it holds together.
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Still gotta pull out the last bit (I think its park)
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My super special, super expensive, super rare One-of-a-kind tool for pulling out the snap ring that holds park in! :th_laugh-pointup:
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The bastard ate my hands alive but it came out. GM says you need a "J-XXXX" tool. I say no.
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Well theres your problem, you have no guts!
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Packed up for the night Checkered blanket is parts, Blue is trans and mount stuff, yellow is drying lol
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Just some random shots of the work space and shop in-case anyone is curious.
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Old diff (non-hd That will never do) and side cover
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Looks great! I literally JUST did this, it's actually a lot of fun, lol. I just put mine in, are you adding an extra steel in the second clutch stack? What all are you doing to it while it's out?
 


Nope, this was my first. It was easy IMO. Your build is a lot stronger than mine thought, lol. I just went with the hardened GXP chains and such. Yours will be damn near indestructible.
 
http://www.grandprixforums.net/threads/42428-Trans-info-links?highlight=trans+info+links

the bottom link mainly, then I downloaded another pdf. I can't seem to find where I got it though. Putting the input drum\3rd sprag\sun gear in was a pain because the sprag\sun gear want to fall out. I ended up putting all three together, then holding the sunger\spring in with one hand I flipped it over then lowered it into the trans. I have the differential installed already with the output shaft in there. There's room for your arm in the casing (to hold the gear\spring up in the drum) where the parking arm runs down to the back. I had my transmission vertical for the build, I bolted the bellhousing face down to the bench. Did that make it easier? I have no clue, because this was the only time I had done it. That was the only frustrating part of the entire thing, the rest was just an adult erector set. Just make sure you use a lot of transmission lube on everything. Soak all the clutches\steels in transmission fluid overnight before you assemble it all, and pour about a quart or more into the torque converter before you install it on the transmission. Filling it will take awhile, pouring a little at a time...you'll see. I normally start filling it about 15-20 min. before install.
 


Bill is a wealth of info, and I can share anything I've learned if you have any questions. Search for threads Bill has created, if you don't find your answer, then search for threads Bill or Trannyman95 have posted in. Since these cars have been around awhile a lot of questions have already been asked and answered. I'll have to check out that TEP kit, does it include a valve body\channel plate?
'

I used Petroleum jelly.
 
sent bill a text, about headgaskets just to confirm in not using my mind and that I had them right. Got a phone call back in less than 5 min. Only a few other guys around come close to that kind of willingness to help out the community......

BillBoost = your EVERYTHING 3800/trans related guru.

Have a few threads saved from bill and greg just to name a few this one on boobas added now too Im bound and determined to do engine trans and tune all myself if it all grenades into a parts riddle trail of flames oh well I bet it will look cool!

Also thanks for the pics and trans info so far. A lot of good trans info and turbo builds floating around in the last few months!
 


Awww, so cute guys...I remember rebuilding my first transmission.

Now that we got that out of the way if you have questions let us know......there are a few that have been brave enough to attempt.
 
Sorry... But white shirts and flip flops while working on a car is just off-the-shelf fail! Hahaha, had to say it.
:D

otherwise... Cool thread
 
I've worn a white t shirt and gone shoeless swapping motors/transmissions. What's wrong with thinking you can move faster than parts fall onto your toes?
 
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