So right now i have a m21 muncie that needs a rebuild. The only parts of the m21 that do not need replacing is the hub and case. Right now its at a transmission shop who is quoting me 1500 to 1900 to rebuild it. They also said something about machining the input shaft (would be included in that price) Option 2 is, I could also get a saginaw 4 speed for 750 with a 1 year warranty, shifter included. I would also be getting some money for the core, 100-300 depending on the condition. Option 3 is to get a t-10 for 800, 1 year warranty, but as i understand that would need a new yolk. The transmission shop is charging me 500 for taking the old tranny out, inspecting it, and putting it back in. If i rebuild the tranny then this fee is waved, so just 1500-1900 for the rebuild. The other two options would need to add the $500 fee. Plus doing the input shaft (not sure on that price alone). My questions would be, if i go with the saginaw would i need to make any other adjustments? (drive shaft length, bolt pattern, clutch plate...etc) i found this website that says "The pre-71 Muncie has the same dimensions as the T-10 and the Saginaw. The post-71 boxes are 3/4-inch longer and will swap directly with the Super T-10 http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/60978_transmission_swapping_tech/#ixzz2rw5nwq Does that mean the saginaw will fit right in? The cars a 63 buick special with a 215, well built, intake and crosley cam, maybe 210-230 hp tops. And all the transmission would be pre 65. I paid 3500 for the car last week so now that the tranny is maybe 1900 im not happy at all. Trying to keep costs down on this car, cause im definitely not getting most of this money back. Thanks, and i really appreciate any help.
Thanks for the reply No clue why all the parts are bad, ive only had the car for a couple of days, transmission sounded like there were marbles rolling around in all the gears, and the oil had this grey color when it was drained...maybe something about a snap on something that wasn't snapped on correctly? What i did get was that a "home mechanic" decided to rebuild it and replace the seals and didn't really do anything else/did a lot incorrectly. When the guy was talking all i was thinking was 1900 bucks. I'm in san diego ca.
Give Liberty Trans in MI a call 313 278 4040 you will be better to sell trans you have and buy new from them my m22 with super duty cas,iron mid plate, super duty tail shaft, and lot more advancements over a stock muncie was like 2200. They know what they doin your quote of 1500 sounds high to me
I agree get another opinion if you can. I would try to find a working trans to replace mine and then take your time and either rebuild the Muncie or upgrade. The saginaw should have the guts for your combination.
Thanks for all the responses. Im a little stuck because no matter what i do i have to pay the shop 505 (pull tranny out, inspect it and put some tranny back in). Im now figuring this is a little high but im stuck with it. Luckily the place dropped their price to rebuild my m21 to 1300 out the door, which includes the 505. So im going with that options, not to happy about the cost but it comes with a 12 month unlimited mile warranty so i guess thats something.
That's not that bad then. A good rebuild is usually about $350 in parts and another $300 in labor, not including removal or replacement so with the $505 you were committed to anyway, the $1300 with a warranty is close.
Not sure where you are from but there is a fella in Vermont who rebuilds GM trannies as well as shifters. Here is his link from Craigslist: http://albany.craigslist.org/pts/4294410185.html States he can do them for $375 parts and labor.
$505 for remove and diagnostics isn't all that bad. $1300 for a rebuilt trans, installed, is a reasonable price, especially with a warranty. DON'T buy any Saginaw as a replacement. Muncie has it all over Saginaw. If you do this, and you have a lower power small block, go with the wide ratio gear set, since it appears that all the internals are scragged. You'll thank me later for your off-the-line performance.
