my parents are looking at a 1995 roadmaster wagon this sat. what tranny did those come with -700r4 or the 4L60E? also anyone have any issues with these cars? they look very nice and the 260 hp, 330 lbs torque LT-1 is NICE! john
John, 4L60E. They do have some issues, nothing major in my mind though. Go to www.impalassforum.com to find out more. This wagon is near the top as one of my favorite cars. Mark
John, My brother has a 1994 Caprice 9C1, which was built at the same plant the Buick Roadmaster and Caddy Fleetwood were built at. They are basically the same frame with differences in sheet metal and interiors. It will have a 4L60E in it, which is the electronically controlled 700r4. I have the same transmission in my '01 Sonoma, and it is a smooth ride. I have been cautioned that these trannies usually do not make it over 100,000 miles unless well maintained. You will have some specials needs with a car with the LT1. In particular, if the starter dies, AutoZone wants to the tune of $150 for a replacement. BUT, if you take the starter with you, it can be crossed to a more common $35 dollar starter (I speak from experience). I would ask if the starter, water pump, thermostat, or Optispark (distributor) have ever been replaced. All of those are high dollar items, and it's better if a previous owner had to take the brunt of the cost. If not, make sure it has been well maintained. Other than that, just do usual checks like severe body rust, belt condition, look of fluids, etc. The Caprice's, Roadmaster's, and Fleetwood's are all tanks. Your family will not be disappointed. Joe
Just curious, who cautioned you about these trannies? I have had several of the 4L60E's and put well over 120,000 miles on them without incedent. The one I'm driving now has 140k on it and has only had one fluid change( I know, I know thats really stupid) As far as your '01 is concerned, I wouldn't worry about that trans going bad. I work at the Toledo Powertrain that builds ALL of the 4L60E's (8,000 per day) and our quality is the best in the biz bar none. 99% of the trans' that we build go 100k before they have their first service call. But you are right, maintaining them is always a good idea.
I used to work on these tranny`s when i used to be a tranny builder,they arent the best tranny`s but if they are well maintaned they should be ok,just dont beat on them cause they really are fragile type of tranny`s. Thanks
I think I have read most of the cautions about the 100,000 mile mark on 9c1 related web sites. http://www.technicalevolution.com/whtobuy.htm has this to say: "If I had to choose an American minitruck, or sport utility, or minivan, I would choose GM. The S10/S15 trucks and blazers, and the Astro Van, come with the 4L60E transmission, which is not designed for towing, but is adequate for what these trucks are designed for. These transmissions can be expected to last to around the 100k mile mark, if not used severely." I do think most of the comments about the 100,000 mile mark relate to those trannies that have been used as Police cars and Taxis. I am sure they get more wear and tear than a transmission in my Sonoma. My father had a 700r4 in his Jimmy, and it had to be replaced at the 130,000 mile mark even after regular maint. I do love my 4L60E, and hope to prove any comments wrong. I hope to get over 200,000 miles off my powertrain. (It has 40k now). Joe
