is it better to rebuilt or re manufacture a transmission?

Question

about how much does it cost for either? we have a 95 Pontiac grand am and the transmission is going bad.

Answer 1

A remanufactured transmission is defenitely better but the price is higher than a rebuilt transmission. Price for a rebuilt transmission varies from state to state and it also depends on the location and the shop u take it to. Here in california in the Los Angeles area it would cost from $1,000 to maybe $1,200 dollars installed, with 1 year or 12,000 mile warranty. On the other hand a remanufactured transmission would cost from about $1,200 to $1,400 dollars plus installation (which is about $200 to $300 dollars) with a 3 year or 75,000 mile warranty.

Answer 2

You can price a rebuild at Autozone. Rebuilt means they replace everything that's worn. If you want the best, look at a Jasper remanufactured at Jasperengines.com. They not only replace everything that can wear but they perform many upgrades to make the transmission better than factory new.
But, for a 95 Grand Am, I'm not sure if you want spend $3000 to fix a transmission on a $2000 car.

Answer 3

I totally agree with the other guys concerning a used transmission from a "good" auto re-cycling yard. The trouble with re-building your own transmission is you're at the mercy of the doctor doing the work. Some are very highly talented and others may slap in only enough parts to get you going again.
Re-manufactured transmissions sold by Joe Sh*t the Rag Man parts stores may not be there to back up a very short warranty issue. You never know if the internals are the best parts out there. Remember this: These transmissions are mass-produced with the least expensive parts and who knows who made the parts or more importantly where they came from.
There is a very good third choice. Go to your Pontiac Buick or Chevrolet dealer and ask what a replacement GM re-manufactured transmission would cost. It'll have a great warranty and the final price will be actually lower than hiring someone to split yours apart, replace bad parts with up-dated parts and get you going again. The independent guy cant match GM's warranty.
My sister had her Grand Prix trans. repaired by an independant and it wound up costing her $1,430.00 more than if the local Chevrolet dealer did it, (our Pontiac dealer as in the process of being sold).

Answer 4

Aint true. I used to own two transmission shops. Remanufactured and rebuilt is the same thing. There are hard parts and soft parts in an automatic transmissions. The soft parts, seals, gaskets, O rings, clutches and such are always replaced in a reman. But the hard parts that are within tolerance are used again and again. You are basicially relying on the skill of the builder. You likely have no choice though as the warranty probably states that the dealer can do whatever they want to get you going including a used transmission.

Answer 5

If you have yours rebuilt then they crack open your transmission, they look at a gear and if it is visibly worn they replace it, then they throw all the old parts and gaskets back in the case. If you buy a rebuilt one from the parts store then those are rebuilt in China and you know how good China is as far as quality.

Answer 6

your best bet would be to look for a used and fuctional transmission on another Trans Am. And that transmission may go out fast, your car may become a hungry tyrant for tranny repairs.

Answer 7

You should call some of the local trans shops.Some will be higher than others.Make sure you get a good warrenty for the work.Replacement will also be a lot more than a overhaul.Hope this helps.

Answer 8

Re man and rebuilt are the same thing. I would just look for a used one on a vehicle that old. Try here for a used one.
http://www.car-part.com/index.htm

Answer 9

rebuilding is cheaper and they use the same transmission but remanufacturing is more like buying a new one.