Anybody got one or tried one? For $1200 or so from Jegs, I figure it might be a good deal to replace my tired brf. The brf would cost that to rebuild right. With no core charge, I will still have the brf.
My car is modded to go mid 12's and I don't plan on going much faster.
Thanks in advance!
Joel
I tried that TCI trans a few years back. I took my GN up to Monterey CA (About 500 miles round trip)and it was lunched. TCI makes a good product, I guess I was just unlucky. I tried two other transmissions from local shops and after several outings at the strip, they were lunched. I ended up with a new 200r4 trans from GM and had an Art Carr 9 inch converter added. 43,000 miles and several track outings later, it still performs as it did new.
Chris:
Thanks for the response. What does your car run? I wonder if the TCI unit would hold up under more "normal" conditions. I plan to maybe take my car to the track once when the restoration is done just to see what it will do. Mostly it will be a weekend driver and driven about 2,000 mi/year.
Hell, maybe just a stock rebuild with a shift kit would suffice?
Thanks,
Joel
Joel, I wouldn't do it! For a couple hundred more you could get one from bruce @ pts 1-916-739-0510. You won't have to ask if it will last or not. It would be a shame to waste 1200 on a tranny that lasted 1 year (maybe) when for 1600 you could have one that keeps on taking abuse!!! Just call him what do you have to lose?
Russell:
I know Bruce whips up a mean tranny. He is the man for sure. I was just thinking that if the TCI tranny was = to a strongly built BRF, I could get one without having to pay a core charge and keep my car going with minimal down time.
When it come time... I will make the right choice!
Just like to do LOTS of reasearch! Thanks all!
Joel
Research is the key, hope everything works out!
Joel, look into buying a Century transmission (formally PMac transmissions). Speak with Mike Kurt's, one of the most knowledgeable 2004r technicians. You wont be disappointed.
Mario
Joel, my car runs consistent 11.30's on street tires. I now have about 27,000 miles on the stock trans with the 9" Art Carr converter. My buddy at the local Buick parts counter has told me that the stock GN transmissions have had several improvents made to them since the time they were installed in 1987. New type clutch pack, converter and second gear servo. He explained that they analyze the transission failures and make improvements on the weak areas. There have been alot of improvements since 1987. Anyway, I have 5 friends that have GN's and we have all tried differen't converter/trans combo's. So far, mine has the most miles and still works flawless. Oh yeah, don't forget that GM's warranty on the trans is 3 years or 45,000 miles. Not bad I thought.
Chris
Joel, my car runs consistent 11.30's on street tires. I now have about 45,000 miles on the stock trans with the 9" Art Carr converter. My buddy at the local Buick parts counter has told me that the stock GN transmissions have had several improvents made to them since the time they were installed in 1987. New type clutch pack, converter and second gear servo. He explained that they analyze the transission failures and make improvements on the weak areas. There have been alot of improvements since 1987. Anyway, I have 5 friends that have GN's and we have all tried differen't converter/trans combo's. So far, mine has the most miles and still works flawless. Oh yeah, don't forget that GM's warranty on the trans is 3 years or 45,000 miles. Not bad I thought.
Chris
Chris:
You got a gm replacement? How much did it cost?
thanks,
joel
Joel
The stock trans cost me about $850 out the door, but with a discount. I always made it a point to be buddies with the guys at the local Buick parts counter. I would imagine that it would go for around $1,100 or so out the door.
Be sure to brimg your VIN number or they won't sell you one. Good lucK!
Chris:
Thanks for the tip! My Buick dealer loves me! They give me cash wholesale prices as it is... doesn't hurt that I have spent over $1,500 with them in the last year on my 87T restoration!
I will let you know what I find!
Joel
BEWARE - I have read of others buying GM "GN replacement" trannies and getting a generic non-GN version.