RCpilot

So I called around to get quotes on rebuilding my 150k 99 4 spd TL transmission. It's slipping between 1st and 2nd. Still very driveable, but I know my mileage is suffering, and it's only a matter of time before it goes out completely.

Here's my options:

1) Local Acura Dealership: $4500 - 3yr unlimited mile warranty. 2-3 days turnaround. They have trannys on the shelf they just swap in.

2) Local Honda Dealership: ~$3500 - 6mos-12mos warranty. 3-5 days turnaround. Sent out to have rebuilt I believe.

3) Local Transmission shop. $2800 - 2yr / 24k mile warranty. 5 days turnaround. Never used the shop, but they've been around forever and the mechanic says he's very familiar with the tranny and was currently rebuilding an '03.

Although I like the piece of mind that comes with the Acura warranty and service, that's a lot to replace the tranny and is practically the value of the car.

Any thoughts on these options?

ErickUa5

Look here before attempting 1 2 or 3 : https://acurazine.com/forums/second-...n-swap-905115/
Use this site to help you locate the trans :http://www.car-part.com/

RCpilot

1999 model uses a 4spd auto which is a MUCH more involved conversion when doing the AV6 swap. Not practical or cost efficient.

This is one of those cases where I wish I had the less reliable 2000 and up 5 speed tranny.

ErickUa5

Sorry I missed that part, However car-part should show if 99 trans are available nearby your area.
If going the rebuild route make sure to ask if they are installing the shift kit to correct the common problems.
Look around for different quotes and make sure to ask if the price is subject to change to avoid surprises.

thender

Bummer!

if you like the car and want to keep it for 5-plus years... Pop for the Acura trans.

If not, a junkyard may be the best option if you have an indie mechanic that can handle it.

im on borrowed time with my '02 TL; 185k on original trans.

-Tom in SoCal

Buzzman996

I was in the same predicament in 2012, with my 2003 TL- S. I did not do the AV6 swap at the time as I was not educated enough at the time. I had your 3 options though, but did not like the transmission shop I was at because he was crook and had it apart to evaluate it. What I did do was have him install a Willow Creek rebuilt transmission which I paid $1,700 for, including delivery and the guy charged me $1,300 for the swap. At the end of the day it cost me 3K, This was almost 4 years ago and 65k miles later with zero problems. Being a 99 and the complications of the AV6 swap. I would look into Willow Creek Transmission website as a donor source. They provided a 2 year unlimited mile warranty. If I was in your shoes, I would really think about the condition of your 99 overall and putting the that dollar amount into it, like 3 k, unless you plan on keeping her for 3 plus years, because if you don't you will not get your value out of the investment, at all. The private party value of a 99 in good condition is only like $1,500 bucks, maybe a little more with getting the tranny work done. I love my second generation TL, and If were to rebuy and I had some freedom of not needing a car right away. I would search for a great condion 2003 TL-S, w/ a bad transmission and buy it for a steal and then do a AV6 swap, with a trusted shop. The problem is most people do not have that kind of time the mess with it. Good luck with whatever you decide to do, I just thought I would share my experiance. I would still be a little leary of the local shop, every transmission shop seems to tell you they can fix all of them. What I liked about Willow Creek is they at least seem to rebuild to address some of the design flaws, my proof is in my pudding, as I still run my TL pretty hard 4 years and 65K later. On the maintenance side, I do a 3 quart drain and fill of DW1 transmission fluid every 8k miles, when I change my oil with Mobil1.

RCpilot

Thanks for the replies all.

I do plan on keeping the car for 3-5 more years. it's in great shape, and I still love the car. I suppose putting another couple of grand into it is still cheaper than 3-5 years of a car payment.

SuperGreg

The dealer price to replace a tranny is always insane. Is DIY totally out of the question? You can get a reman for $1,250 Acura TL 1999 Remanufactured Automatic Transmission B7VA | eBay.

RCpilot

Had to watch a youtube tutorial on the tranny removal before answering your question.

Yeah, a DIY is out of the question. I'm very handy on moderate jobs, but I often get into projects and end up knee deep in parts and grease saying to myself "$%&!!!, sounded like a good idea at the time....". My youtube videos would probably involve a lot of cussing, bleeding, stripped bolts, wrong tool for the job, etc

I'm willing to pay a competent shop to do the work. If I mess up the install, or the mail order tranny just happens to be that 1 of 100 that didn't get rebuilt properly, I'm on the hook for removing it for a warranty claim.

ErickUa5

Wow that TL definitely looks worth it, Id go ahead with another transmission.

SuperGreg

Haha, yeah understood, it's not a small project. Good luck, hopefully you can get it done for a reasonable price.