Transmission Replacement - DIY or Shop?

[coreseller]

I went through what you are describing earlier this year. I also did the IMS retrofit while in there along with replacing the clutch and RMS. If you take your time and follow the Bentley Manual it is not too tough of a job. Rebuild through Gbox will run $2400 to $3400 depending on what needs done (for an "S" 6 speed, yours may be less) plus shipping.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?/topic/32315-ims-rms-tranny-r-r-tips/?

[crios]

Thanks guys for all the help!!! I'm 99% sure I'll be doing it myself so this info is great!

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by crios

Thanks guys for all the help!!! I'm 99% sure I'll be doing it myself so this info is great!

Cesar, if you were in OC I would offer my help, sounds like a fun project.

[Cloudsurfer]

Due to the notion "you never know what you're going to get," I would strongly consider rebuilding your gearbox than just buying a used one. Not only will you know exactly what you're going to get back, it will likely work better than new. This is also a great time to consider swapping out the factory open diff for some form of limited slip.

As to the difficulty of the swap, it's not too bad. Rear bumper removed, exhaust removed, then pull the gearbox. I'd swap the clutch, replace the RMS seal, and do an IMS upgrade while you're in there, have a good look at your CV joints, then put it all back together and enjoy life for a while

[crios]

I plan on getting it rebuilt. I want to keep my car forever

Spent a couple hours working on it tonight. Jacked it up 2 feet off the ground (all fours), took the rear tires off, braces off, sway bar, and partial exhaust.

Tomorrow, buy some more tools, 10MM Triple square and Transmission Jack adapter, then at night (kids asleep, wife out of town) take off the total exhaust and some more support bars as well as CV Joints.

Tuesday, tranny comes out!

Wed, wife comes home, yikes

[Tranlm]

Please keep us updated! I'd like to know how it comes out. Also, those guides should be REALLY useful.

Originally Posted by crios

I plan on getting it rebuilt. I want to keep my car forever

Spent a couple hours working on it tonight. Jacked it up 2 feet off the ground (all fours), took the rear tires off, braces off, sway bar, and partial exhaust.

Tomorrow, buy some more tools, 10MM Triple square and Transmission Jack adapter, then at night (kids asleep, wife out of town) take off the total exhaust and some more support bars as well as CV Joints.

Tuesday, tranny comes out!

Wed, wife comes home, yikes

[crios]

Tranny is OUT!!! Gbox here I come!

Total time spent - 7 hours

Difficulty...harder to find a 10MM Triple Square (12 point) socket!! With patience and faith, anything is possible. I would rate this as hard as changing out my brake discs, but a lot longer.