Reputable T5 Rebuilt Transmissions?

[SuxToBeMyTires]

I'll be replacing my trans in my 89 5.0 LX and I wanted to know if there were any reputable transmission builders I should be going to. I checked out modern driveline and emailed them exactly what was going on with the car and he said I'd be better off give him my core (worth about $100) and just buying a new trans at $1295 (about $90 for shipping). Now I'd like to avoid getting a new trans if I can save 500 or 600 bucks by going with a good rebuilt unit. However, Brothers Performance sells new Ford Racing Tremec World Class Transmissions w/ the input bearing and a short throw shifter for $1295 (free shipping), which I think is a VERY good deal...

I don't have time to rebuild my own with a kit, nor do I think I have the transmission expertise to do it, so I'd rather just get a reputable shop to either rebuild mine, sell me a rebuilt unit, or just buy a brand new one if I should go in that direction. I live in the North East Philadelphia, PA area.

 

[BTS]

Go with brothers performance

 

[2000xp8]

What you should do depends on what's wrong with your current trans.
Would i drop $1300 on what is basically a stock replacement? Not if mine was rebuildable.
If your trans only needs a small parts rebuild, price is probably about $500-$600.
Now if you need major internal parts, the new one is the way to go.

 

[SuxToBeMyTires]

well that's the thing, I'm not sure how bad it is in terms of it being worth rebuilding or not. Like I said, I was told I'd be better off just buying a new trans. That was the only opinion I've gotten, and that was through an email...

My other option is to just exchange my core for an already rebuilt one. I was just wondering if anyone could tell me who a reputable re-manufactured transmission seller is. Whether they would rebuild mine or just take mine as an exchange for an already rebuilt unit.

 

[ID89GT]

There is a place local of me that exchanges rebuilds for cores and only charges 695

 

[2000xp8]

well that's the thing, I'm not sure how bad it is in terms of it being worth rebuilding or not. Like I said, I was told I'd be better off just buying a new trans. That was the only opinion I've gotten, and that was through an email...

My other option is to just exchange my core for an already rebuilt one. I was just wondering if anyone could tell me who a reputable re-manufactured transmission seller is. Whether they would rebuild mine or just take mine as an exchange for an already rebuilt unit.

Why don't you describe what's wrong with your trans.
Usually popping out of gear or grinding when going into gear isn't that bad to fix.
If the trans is whining badly, then usually it's not worth fixing.

 

[SuxToBeMyTires]

Okay. Yeah, sorry for not describing. Trans is not whining. In my opinion, and this is coming from an IT person, not someone with an auto technician background, I don't think the trans is in bad enough shape to where it wouldnt be worth rebuilding. It has 105k on it (I bought the car at 78k) and it grinds and/or bangs when putting into first/reverse. You absolutely can't get it into first/reverse without a violent bang or grind without first having the car at a complete stop and without shifting the car into 2nd first. After the car is moving, it will bang into second if you are getting on it and shifting fast through the gears and/or you don't have the clutch to the floor, completely engaged for at least 1 whole second. As for 3rd through 5th, it usually up-shifts and down-shifts perfectly through those, only with the very seldom grind or bang.

There's no whining, no burning, you can't hear anything of an ill-nature going on in the trans other than the grinding and banging when shifting to 1st/reverse and sometimes 2nd. So it's not like the trans is throwing medal or anything.

I told this exact story to the guys at Modern Driveline (which by doing a few searches, it seems to be a reputable shop), and I was surprised to get such a quick response of "just get a new transmission," but I am no transmission expert so I can't make judgements, I can only go with my gut. IMO, if my trans is to far gone for a rebuild, then what trans does qualify for one lol.

 

[2000xp8]

Try giving these guys a call. They will probably give you a preliminary idea of cost over the phone. Obviously things can change once they pull it apart.
Not sure how far from phili they are.

Home | www.hanlonmotorsports.com

 

[Mike 87stang]

I have to agree with 2000xp8. I've dealt with Hanlon Motorsports in the past and they were great to deal with and a huge help when I rebuilt my T5. There shop probably isn't to far from you either. I f you know were route 23 and 100 intersect he's right off of route 23 a few miles from that intersection. Give him a call.I think you'll be happy.

 

[NIKwoaC]

Also check out Astro Performance Warehouse. See what they can do for you. My current T5 is an Astro-built unit. Mine isn't anything terribly fancy, but it's stood up to some decent abuse. They are also really good about talking to you on the phone and giving good tech avice.

 

[SuxToBeMyTires]

Yes, once they crack it open, that's when you know EXACTLY what's going on, so I know I can't expect an exact diagnosis over the phone/email. I'll give these guys a call. Thanks!

 

[f8tlfiveo]

+1 Hanlon motorsports.. It's a 1 man shop and he is a genius. I live 45 minutes from there. I took my t-5 down there and he had it apart in 15 minutes right in front of me and explained everything as he did it. I had the g force gearset put in mine..