want to rebuild trans dont know what route

[David Husek]

Dave you dont know me or my business. You know nothing about my character or anything else about me. Your response above is laughable.

BTW thanks for correcting my mis spellings.

You are correct; I don't know anything about you and at the same time you do not know anything about me or my business. You don't see me taking shots at anyone as you have, so the only thing that is laughable would be your demeanor. I am done......

I know why I missed some calls now

Lets put the thread back on track:smile:

Shane, maybe you should put a leash on this vendor. This is why I PM those who need help. There is always someone trying to discredit you. Now they found a way to prevent a PM too. I don’t get involved, but when someone whom I hear has a great product and support acting out at my expense and character, I must voice myself. I don’t hold grudges, don’t really care too. This is all pointless, but I will leave everyone with this statement to ponder for the day….

"Don't argue with idiots. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience."

 

[David Husek]

extreme automatics is like 13-14 hundred

its gonna be a daily car barely track passes

te44 alky like 23 psi have no idea the horsepower thats gonna be at, but would a stock rebuild be enough for that or do i absolutely NEED something heavier than that?

considering a stock rebuild from a very reputable and always hundred percent quality precision work for my cost around 500??

In light of this thread and to get this back on track, “liv4gnz”send me your transmission and I will build it for the $500.00 you want to spend. Contact me to discuss the terms of this offer. Being the first vendor to build a reliable ten second BR-F 200-4R transmission, I think what your looking for is not a problem, and drivability will not be sacrificed…..Let me know. Now I am a salesman.... damn…..I would do it for free, but I have been legally instructed I cannot do so….sorry<O</O
<O</O

Let’s see what happens now......<O</O

 

[Dutchboy]

^^^^ Great guy to Deal with and knows his Buicks!

 

[liv4gnz]

thanks for all the input and i know most people on this site have alot of expereience way more than i do and im not saying its a bias thing but i just like to deal with some one that i know has a good reputation and proven results.

i wasnt going the cheap way when i asked about a stock rebuild i was just asking if it will hold because this trans has lasted what 20 somethign years but i guess for the added power a stocker will not cut it any more all i was asking believe me everything is out the engine is getting rebuilt and the last thing i wanna do is cheap out on the trans i was just asking.

i have nothing against and vendor nor want to start any problems between them i just want the best proven bang for the buck becuase i have to ship it out any way and want the best possible combination and to get my moneys worth.

i know you pmed me dave thank you and you have in the past as well i would like to just hear others opinion rather than just send it to the first person to pm me or first person to reply to my thread nothing personal but there is alot of reading and feedback i would like to go by before making this kind of purchase for something so important.

thanks

 

[quickt]

Dave,
Nice to talk to you today. Glad we could work it out.

 

[Ttype6]

I guess for the added power a stocker will not cut it any more.

I would like to just hear others opinion rather than just send it to the first person to pm me or first person to reply to my thread nothing personal but there is alot of reading and feedback i would like to go by.

The very thing that Dave was trying to avoid is happening. Your big dilema liv4gnz is that you don't know how to repair your transmission,I'm assuming. Because of this I would ask you this question. If you don't know how to do the work,how will you recognize the person who does? What If the first person to offer their services is the best person for the job? Because your trans lasted 20 years I would guess it's one of the good ones,in which case any of the reputable trans guys would probably have success with your trans. Do you understand that Dave is one of those guys? It looks like you've just turned down a $500.00 rebuild by one of the few people on this earth who know how to make a 2004R work hard and live long. What reading and information gathering exposition led you to make this decision? Your comment about a stocker not being able to cut it is actually not true. The transmissions that Dave builds are rediculously close to stock. You don't need extra clutches or a bigger servo. I think these are just two of the things he was trying to prevent someone from selling you. Don't allow name calling to take your eyes off of the fact that one of the best has offered to do your trans for $500.00. Do you think It would be better to have one of the other reputable builders do it for $1500.00?

 

[Thumper]

It looks like he may have made the best choice IMHO.

I would actually be scared of someone building a trans for that cheap of money.

I have dealt with Lonnie and have no need to go anywhere else, and with great service to a lot of turbo buick people I would strongly recommend him anytime.

Thanks
Bill

 

[IrvJr]

I think if he wants to make an informed decision and gather more info then more power to him. No slight to any vendor here.

 

[jakeshoe]

The very thing that Dave was trying to avoid is happening. Your big dilema liv4gnz is that you don't know how to repair your transmission,I'm assuming. Because of this I would ask you this question. If you don't know how to do the work,how will you recognize the person who does? What If the first person to offer their services is the best person for the job? Because your trans lasted 20 years I would guess it's one of the good ones,in which case any of the reputable trans guys would probably have success with your trans. Do you understand that Dave is one of those guys? It looks like you've just turned down a $500.00 rebuild by one of the few people on this earth who know how to make a 2004R work hard and live long. What reading and information gathering exposition led you to make this decision? Your comment about a stocker not being able to cut it is actually not true. The transmissions that Dave builds are rediculously close to stock. You don't need extra clutches or a bigger servo. I think these are just two of the things he was trying to prevent someone from selling you. Don't allow name calling to take your eyes off of the fact that one of the best has offered to do your trans for $500.00. Do you think It would be better to have one of the other reputable builders do it for $1500.00?

I don't want to knock any vendors here BUT I will say this as an experienced 200-4R builder myself.

Guys like Lonnie, Chris, Bruce, Mike Kurtz, Mike Ridings, Brian Bissonette, Biran Hofer, myself, and a handful of others have extensive experience with the 200-4R.
I have a handful running 10's, many in the 11's, and many many more in normal cruisers that might run a high 12 on a good day but more than likely close to stock GN power.
Almost everyone of the vendors on here is going to suggest similar parts at similar power levels. Some variation but for example, I would bet that all the ones I listed would want something better than the stock 694 servo for anything greater than 550 HP...probably anything greater than 450 HP.
Most will recommend an improved forward drum on anything running better than 12s.
Extra clutches.. Not necessary in many cases but on a 10 second car, not installing an extra OD friction would be pure laziness IMO. I cut the pistons in the lathe in about 5-10 minutes and they are a PITA but 5 mins on the lathe and a $2 friction is nothing in the scheme of things to do one of these things RIGHT.

Anybody that has played with them often has popped a fwd drum...
Sometimes they pop on a STOCK trans pulling up the driveway, no good reason, they just fatigue and go.

Any GN has probably led a spirited life, so re-using the stocker drum is always a gamble, even in a stock application.

You truly do get what you pay for most of the time. I easily spend $300 worth of parts to rebuild one to without any billet. Master kit, both sprags, thrust washers, bushings, band, filter, TCC solenoid, pump rotor, vanes, guide, rings, stator, sun shell, a direct drum half the time, TV cable, boost valves, fiber pan gasket, etc.

That's not including shop supplies, overhead, and my time.

If the man can build a righteous 200-4R for even a stock GN for $500, my hat is off to him because I couldn't even do it for myself and it be done "right" where I would be happy with it.

 

[JDSfastGN]

I don't want to knock any vendors here BUT I will say this as an experienced 200-4R builder myself.

Guys like Lonnie, Chris, Bruce, Mike Kurtz, Mike Ridings, Brian Bissonette, Biran Hofer, myself, and a handful of others have extensive experience with the 200-4R.
I have a handful running 10's, many in the 11's, and many many more in normal cruisers that might run a high 12 on a good day but more than likely close to stock GN power.
Almost everyone of the vendors on here is going to suggest similar parts at similar power levels. Some variation but for example, I would bet that all the ones I listed would want something better than the stock 694 servo for anything greater than 550 HP...probably anything greater than 450 HP.
Most will recommend an improved forward drum on anything running better than 12s.
Extra clutches.. Not necessary in many cases but on a 10 second car, not installing an extra OD friction would be pure laziness IMO. I cut the pistons in the lathe in about 5-10 minutes and they are a PITA but 5 mins on the lathe and a $2 friction is nothing in the scheme of things to do one of these things RIGHT.

Anybody that has played with them often has popped a fwd drum...
Sometimes they pop on a STOCK trans pulling up the driveway, no good reason, they just fatigue and go.

Any GN has probably led a spirited life, so re-using the stocker drum is always a gamble, even in a stock application.

You truly do get what you pay for most of the time. I easily spend $300 worth of parts to rebuild one to without any billet. Master kit, both sprags, thrust washers, bushings, band, filter, TCC solenoid, pump rotor, vanes, guide, rings, stator, sun shell, a direct drum half the time, TV cable, boost valves, fiber pan gasket, etc.

That's not including shop supplies, overhead, and my time.

If the man can build a righteous 200-4R for even a stock GN for $500, my hat is off to him because I couldn't even do it for myself and it be done "right" where I would be happy with it.

agreed 100% I read a few that claim to have stock stuff running so fast but for the most part its luck of the draw and is not the norm. Im not saying David could not build one for 500, especially if he ate a lot of labor cost, but a 500$ rebuild is just that... a 500$ rebuild.

 

[liv4gnz]

I think if he wants to make an informed decision and gather more info then more power to him. No slight to any vendor here.

thats all im doing


im not going to blindly spend pretty much any amount of money on something before i look things up about it

im sure every one of you spent time on that too before you even pulled out your credit cards.

im not giving any excuse to not spend the amount of money that is needed i just wanted to know if its going to be spent in the best way possible, if the better one is more and it is proven better with all positive feedback from experienced users than i will put the extra cash and go for it but if the closer to stock trans will still be just as strong and not overkill than i will do that but thats just an example and now i know its pretty much not haha

cmon its nothing out of the ordinary or nothing to make a huge deal out of just another person looking for the best bang for the buck and we always want to hear good things about the product we are interested in buying.

all i wanted to know was

1. what transmission will be most cost effective to me and not overkill and pay extra for things i will not need or have the power to ever make any use out of?

THATS IT!

thanks didnt mean to complicate things or get any one into any arguements over this question but as for any part i liek to hear your opinions on what works and what doesnt because more than one time i changed my choice right away after really asking around on something.

 

[jakeshoe]

I'm going to make a really rough guesstimate that your car will be a mid-high 11 second car from the amount of boost, turbo and what I've seen come through the shop.

Your trans would get a MINIMUM of a deep pan ($200) billet servo ($120), billet fwd drum ($400) and what I consider to be a std rebuild with all new frictions, Alto band, hardened stator and sun shell if it doesn't already have one, chromoly pump rings, new rotor, guide, and vanes in the pump with heavier spring, valve body mods (shift kit), new sprags, new thrust washers, bushings, etc. (The $300 worth of parts previously mentioned).

As you can see I would be installing over $1000 worth of parts at my cost and haven't even gotten into any labor costs. That's just to give you an idea of cost.

Where are you located at? Shipping is a consideration also.
It's about $150 to ship one anywhere in the U.S. That eats up $$ of the budget quick.

 

[wickedtt]

I'm going to make a really rough guesstimate that your car will be a mid-high 11 second car from the amount of boost, turbo and what I've seen come through the shop.

Your trans would get a MINIMUM of a deep pan ($200) billet servo ($120), billet fwd drum ($400) and what I consider to be a std rebuild with all new frictions, Alto band, hardened stator and sun shell if it doesn't already have one, chromoly pump rings, new rotor, guide, and vanes in the pump with heavier spring, valve body mods (shift kit), new sprags, new thrust washers, bushings, etc. (The $300 worth of parts previously mentioned).

As you can see I would be installing over $1000 worth of parts at my cost and haven't even gotten into any labor costs. That's just to give you an idea of cost.

Where are you located at? Shipping is a consideration also.
It's about $150 to ship one anywhere in the U.S. That eats up $$ of the budget quick.

I think the real question is are these parts needed with a car that is only going to be in the mid-high 11's. Does he really need a deep pan ($200) billet servo ($120), billet fwd drum ($400) at his power level or would he be better off not overbulding the trans and put that saved money elsewhere.

 

[SGRIM]

This is an interesting discussion...

I personally have not tired a trans from Dave. Before taking him on as a sponsor of the board I did as much checking as possible. I have yet to hear a bad complaint about one of his transmissions... He has been very honest and up front with me from day one! That is a big plus in my book!

When purchasing a new trans I would take several things into consideration. My first would be a comfortable relationship with the builder. Call and talk to them... HP goal, and the worst I plan to beat on the thing would be what I would shoot for! There are huge differences between a 10 sec, an 11 sec, and 12+sec car...

I have gotten transmissions from about every vendor on this board. So far I have not been let down. I am sure the day will come when I tear one up, but so far so good! I would buy from any one of them again no questions asked!!!! Bruce, Lonnie, Brian, and Chris have all built me some nice pieces! Lonnie even built the monster for our Race Cars and our TSM car!

I will say this, if Dave offered to build me one for $500 I would be on it like stink on

Good luck and let us know your outcome!

 

[quickt]

I will say this, if Dave offered to build me one for $500 I would be on it like stink on

x2

 

[Ttype6]

a 500$ rebuild is just that... a 500$ rebuild.

He's not offering a $500.00 rebuild. He's offering to do what he does,as one of the few 2004R specialists in the world,for $500.00. HUGE DIFFERENCE!

 

[Ttype6]

I think the real question is are these parts needed with a car that is only going to be in the mid-high 11's. Does he really need a deep pan ($200) billet servo ($120), billet fwd drum ($400) at his power level or would he be better off not overbulding the trans and put that saved money elsewhere.

Good Questions! I would also add that in order to run mid 11s you need to hook and leave hard. In reality this car will probably never run Mid 11s. Certainly never on the street. A good ET is a result of traction.

 

[Chuck Leeper]

"well i dont know **** about transmissions lol".
That being the case, I'd FOR SURE, let someone w/ experience do the job. Hipo parts or not.. putting them in and not knowing WTF U R doing gets the same results...Only, this time, the basket is full of EXPENSIVE, junk parts.
Performing this exercize is akin to being a carpenter, and doing your own dental work... Best be left to someone that knows

 

[IrvJr]

He's not offering a $500.00 rebuild. He's offering to do what he does,as one of the few 2004R specialists in the world,for $500.00. HUGE DIFFERENCE!

Exactly! I'd say give him a call and talk to him. Tell him your goals and work it out. You did get alot of feedback about him and a look into his character.

 

[jakeshoe]

I think the real question is are these parts needed with a car that is only going to be in the mid-high 11's. Does he really need a deep pan ($200) billet servo ($120), billet fwd drum ($400) at his power level or would he be better off not overbulding the trans and put that saved money elsewhere.

In my experience, yes at high 11's the deep pan is absolutely mandatory. I had a mid 12 second car that over a years time glazed the directs due to the pan and it never saw track time, pure street.
Billet drum, it's a big gamble. I've "heard" of stock ones lasting into the 10's but IME it will break on a 3-2 downshift on the street.

Servo, it's the cheapest part to upgrade. A stock GN 694 servo could be made to work in an 11 second car, but the pump will see more wear due to the pressures involved.