Where can I get an aftermarket tranny?
 

Velocity Resources used to sell the upgraded trannies for our car (do they do the 99 trannsmissions too?), but they aren't around anymore. SpeedDistributors seems to be meant for wholesale purchases, and doesn't list an aftermartket tranny (or any product really).

is there anywhere to purchase the kevlar clutch pack + everything else for the upgraded tranny? Is that something a local shop can get ahold of? I really just care about the 3rd gear clutch pack since that's what fails on the 99, but I'll buy the whole thing if I have to (still cheaper than the dealer).

Call Speed Distributors, they can still get it for you.

http://www.dreviltransmissions.com, you will have to call them, they are slow to reply on email

No, you got it mixed up...the 3rd gear clutch pack tranny failure is related to the 2000 and up TL with the 5-spd tranny. The 99 TL with a 4-spd tranny failure, while infrequent, is due to weak bearings. Totally different issue that the 3rd gear clutch pack.

If your tranny is dying, I recommend you take your TL to the dealer. We are covered for 7 years or 100,000 KM, whichever comes first. If you are out of luck, I'd recommend an aftermarket tranny shop in your area that is capable of upgrading your OEM tranny to a performance one. If you are in Vancouver, BC, let me know. I can recommend you to a tranny shop that may be able to help you.

Are you sure about that? Everyone else on the forum seems to be saying otherwise. I don't claim to know for sure, but I thought the clutch pack failure was the main issue the 99 TLs were having...

I am fairly sure. Tranny problems for 2000 and up TL is totally different that the 1999 TL. Different transmission, different problem. The reason everyone is saying otherwise is because they don't own a 99 TL. Majority of people complaining about their tranny problems own a 5 speed TL for the model year 2000-2003.

get it rebuilt

I have a newspaper article (in jpg file) that proves the 99 TL tranny failure is due to bad or weak bearings, and the '00 and up TL is due to 3rd gear clutch pack. I quote:

"The four-speed models were afflicted with a bad bearing that could break apart, scattering fragments of metal that clogged fluid pasageways in the transmission, causing it to shift erratically, he said. *

The five-speed models typically were damaged by premature wear of the third-gear clutch pack. As the clutch friction material abraded, it scattered bits inside the transmission case, clogging fluid lines and causing erratic shifting."

~ quoted from Los Angeles Times, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2002. page G1 and G2 of Highway 1, Autos California Style. *Person quoted in article is Mike Spencer, spokesman for Honda/Acura.

Anyone who wants a copy of this newspaper article, feel free to PM your e-mail address. I'll e-mail it to you.

Read

Just something to run by your mind, and anyone else wondering...

SEARCH :tongue: