Greetings to you all. The Firebird I purchased needs some transmission work. It does leak some tranny fluid. It was stored and not driven for over 3 years.
I bought it as is. I was really unable to drive it prior to purchasing it and the family of the estate said they had it up to about 30mph and it maxed out. ( I think maybe it was slipping) I have not personally tried this because my house is a long ways up a hill and I am not about to get stranded. I drove it on and off a flatbed trailer and it seems to shift into forward and reverse just fine. They thought driving at very slow speed would be ok to get to a repair shop. Seller was not able to offer much information other than they said you just have to assume it needs rebuilt or replaced which I full expected prior to purchasing.
This brings me to the question of "what should I do"
I know the 2 speed is original, but just seems like a rather odd gear system. A transmission shop told me on the phone to throw it away and that the 2 speed is crap. Said to put a modern transmission with an overdrive and minor modifications would have to be made. So that is one option but probably spendy & I would do it myself if it is feasable.
I have also read from other owners that they have swapped out for a th350 which is a direct fit and you get a new shift linkage inside with an extra indenture. Sounds logical as a second option.
Then there is the 3rd option of just pulling the tranny and getting it rebuilt. Perhaps it is not real serious. I am thinking that it works fine full of transmission fluid. When it runs low it begins to slip. I think maybe a bad seal or something. I do not really understand auto transmission alot but have redone several manual transmission install and clutches. Leaking is only my theory. I think that because the family says it never had a problem before storgage. The car was not moved for 3 years and then they decided to sell it to me.
So I would appreciate others opinions and input on my tranny options.
Anyone else had these problems?
Is the 2 speed tranny really a pile?
Does changing it over effect the value because it is not original anymore?
If you did upgrade would you go with totally new type 4 speed tranny or just do a straight swap for a th350?
Lastly, is the tranny worth rebuilding and what should it cost me? I have never pulled an automatic transmission but would definetly do it to save every dollar I am capable of.
