1978 Chevy Corvette transmission rebuild estimate

Tiny
DREWBE510
  • MEMBER
  • 1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Transmission problem
1978 Chevy Corvette V8 Manual xxxxx miles

i am looking to buy a project I found one and everything about the car is goiod I even went to look at it engine runs great interior is good it just wont shift into gear if I were to pull the trigger on it how much it would cost to have the tranny rebuilt (can use estimate to negeoate sale price) thank you !
Monday, March 15th, 2010 AT 4:22 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,871 POSTS
First of all, don't assume the transmission must be rebuilt unless it has been sitting for many years. That can allow the fluid to drain down and let the clutch plates dry out and crumble. Seals can dry out too and become hard and brittle. If they crack, the clutch packs won't apply properly.

Do you plan on doing the rebuild yourself? Chrysler automatics from this era require one special $3.00 tool and are very easy for a novice to rebuild. GM transmissions are also fairly easy to rebuild, but require hundreds of dollars worth of special seal installers and other tools that you might never use again. Rebuild kits for both run around $150.00 - $200.00. If you've never rebuilt a tranny before, you can buy videos that walk you through the process step-by-step. The main thing with GM and Ford transmissions is everything must be perfectly clean when you assembly it. It's not quite as important on Chryslers.

If you remove and install the transmission yourself, and take it to a transmission shop, they would be the fellows to ask about cost and warranty. Most guys can do these in their sleep. Cost should be much less than the newer front-wheel-drive transmissions which are very picky. My guess is you will find someone who can rebuild a Turbo Hydromatic for less than $1000.00, maybe even less if business is slow.

Caradiodoc
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Monday, March 15th, 2010 AT 4:57 PM

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