Transmission replacement

[spleen_merchant]

Looks like my transmissions on the way out (slipping in third and fourth). What are our options for repair/replacement with our Australian SVX's? Anyone had any experience with refurbishment or even 5mt swaps? will components from other 4EATs be of any use for repair?

[BRADY]

Hey there mate.

I paid about @,500 for my transmission to be totally re-built by a specialist here in Newcastle.

I wanted to keep my car a 4 speed auto.

I have no idea about the 5 speed swap here in Oz, but I am sure it can be done.

Mike

[spleen_merchant]

OK, that's not too bad. I'm getting a proper diagnosis next week and will go from there. I'm a bit iffy about manual too as you'd lose the RWD bias of the SVX, which I think helps counter it's nose heavy handling.

[BRADY]

I did mean to type $2,500. The SVX has a very complicated tranny and coupled to the VTD AWD, it becomes uber complicated.

I prefer it as an AUTO - it is a GT car, after all.

Keep me in the loop mate!

[spleen_merchant]

Haha, yeah I realised you meant $2500. And I agree the tricky VTD auto is part of what makes the SVX an SVX.

[McTaff]

There are a couple of 6MT swaps here - myself and Desert Runner.

What is the 6MT like? It's awesome. The car is a lot thirstier, and in traffic it is a cast iron ***** to negotiate the stop-starts. On the plus side, the car handles well, and you find yourself spanking the engine a lot more due to the immense 'fun' aspect. But, it's a considerable investment in time and money, and the car completely changes. Mine cost nearly ten grand in total once all the parts, labour and sundries were worked out. A 5MT is a little cheaper due to the cost of the 'box, but in my opinion it waters down the car a lot.

It's been nearly a year since I started, and with the help of several forum members ('E', Desert Runner and my own dad are the chief among them), and there is still further work to be done on the centre diff and the interior trims. Lots of custom stuff to be made, modifications to be made and extra parts which are more or less unproven in some respects means you have to have deep pockets or a very firm grasp of car maintenance.

Honestly, as much as the 6MT is awesome, it is a lot easier and a lot nicer to simply get it overhauled (don't forget to check/replace/upgrade the tranny oil filter, add a cooler if practicable and check your wheel bearings while you have it up on blocks) and the car will be working as it was intended all along. It's a GT cruising car, and having a lazy lope along a nice bendy road is still pretty good in the 4EAT.

[andreoz]

I had mine done by Automatic Gearbox Service in Artarmon and very happy. Certainly Alfie Russo who is the owner knows his stuff. His number is 9436 3565.
Unfortunately it is not a cheap exercise.

As a check make sure you have plenty of oil in the transmission as I have just also had leaking hoses which caused slipping in 3rd!

Good luck!