OK..the tranny in my K5 is a gimp. I bought it for $50 so it has done its job. I am getting a "new" rebuild from a reputable guy around here. he wants $700 for the whole thing:

$500 for rebult 4WD TH350 w/ shift kit (he says it will help with the bigger meats)

$125 for the HD 6-bolt torque converter (again, for bigger tires)

$58 for a 6-bolt flywheel (going rate)

So $700 + exchange, is this what I need? He also sells the plain rebuilt unit for $410 w/o shift kit.

So what would yo do? Are shift kits worth it??

TIA:beer:

i have a kit in my C4 and it really tightened up the shifts... almost too much. 1st to 2nd is a jolt, 2nd to 3rd is better. but it WILL make it last a while longer, and besides, its cool bein able to leave rubber at a shift point :smokin:

even if it is just a little patch :D

Originally posted by 9-Volt
i have a kit in my C4 and it really tightened up the shifts... almost too much. 1st to 2nd is a jolt, 2nd to 3rd is better. but it WILL make it last a while longer, and besides, its cool bein able to leave rubber at a shift point :smokin:

even if it is just a little patch :D

so, in your opinion, it is worth the extra $90??

no its not worth the $90...go to the local parts store and buy a shift kit for $25-$30 and install it yourself...

IMO its worth the $90, because you are having it installed for you instead of worrying about if you will fawk it up yourself. just do it, why the hell not?

I would go with the kit. I would also have the guy building the trans put it in, so he won't balk if there are any warranty issues. The price sounds pretty good. I paid about $1000 for a built t350 a few years ago. It had the upgraded sprag, and I did not have a core. The convertor was not included, and it was built with all B&M parts. This was handed over the counter, not installed, like I guess your price is too. Who is building it?

Maybe it's just being from a different area but that seem kinda hi to me. I just had a dual pattern 4x4 th350 built for my flatty with shift kit and red packs for $350. That included a new th400 converter. I did have a 2wd th350 for a trade in though.

Keith

Originally posted by 440-fide Ramcharger
Who is building it?

The C doctor in San Lorenzo. I have friends that have his trannies and they are very happy with them.

Does anyone know if this 6-bolt torque converter really is stronger? or is he trying to sell me the more expensive version?

Originally posted by Keith Haw
Maybe it's just being from a different area but that seem kinda hi to me. I just had a dual pattern 4x4 th350 built for my flatty with shift kit and red packs for $350. That included a new th400 converter. I did have a 2wd th350 for a trade in though.

Keith

That what I was thinking! I got my rebuilt TH350 w/ new torque converter and a 203 tcase for $350.

Sounds kinda steep.......You might wanna look on Ebay there are a few guys on there I bet can build you 1 cheaper and be quality builds. 6 bolt converter......please:rolleyes: (sales pitch).....Shift kits worth the $$$-YES either you or they put it in. Look into having a 700R or Turbo 400 "sprag" being installed..... helps transfer power to ground better......Good Luck:beer:

FYI, my 700r4 cost $950 to give a heavy duty rebuild and install. all internals were shot...no 2nd gear or o.d. were working at all. :eek:

They guy I used to work for says shift kits are a definate no-no. He builds trannys for a living, including high performance and racing trannys, and says shift kits are really hard on parts. If you want to talk to him about it, give him a call at (307) 721-4007, ask for Smiley. Sorry no email.

What kind of clutches is this guy putting in? I think if it were me that's where I would spend my money.

You may want to ask what he means by a "shift kit".
I had a 350 run for over 250k with a home built shift kit in it. It had a cut accumulator spring and a drilled out valve body plate.
For the extra $90 he may be adding extra clutch plates too.
Most guys who I know who build tranny's don't buy shift kits, they just make thme up themselves so I find $90 a little high if he's just slappin' in a B&M kit insted of stock parts.

Depending on how radical the shift kit is it can make the trans last longer. Cleaner shifts lead to less clutch slippage which in turn means less wear and heat.

$125 for the TC sounds like a really good price though!

I would say it isnt a great deal, I wouldnt spend the money on the 6 bolt BS (have you ever heard of problems with a normal converter? didnt think so) The shift kit isnt a bad deal as they run for $30-75 in the box so $90 installed is great because if you have any issues it can't be blamed on you! If you can't find any other shops that you can get opinions from customers I would go for this one, a good reputation is worth alot expecially with trannies.