New 1990 GSX

[ilikespeeding]

I just bought a 1990 GSX and Im having a host of problems. First, my transmission took a shit on the way home. The car wont go into 1st, 3rd, 5th, or Reverse. To my understanding, 1st and 3rd share a synchro as do 5th and Reverse. 2nd and 4th are obtainable but pop out fast, making me think that the synchro is gone. Im thinking that maybe the 2nd/4th synchro shattered and the metal ####ed my transmission due to no filter. So, Im considering a few things, please let me know what you think is easy/cheap/intresting:

1) Buy a 2G tranny with filter and brand new synchros
2) Buy a 1G tranny without filter, and try to apply filter with new synchros
3) Try to maybe get a 3000GT VR4 6-speed tranny with new synchros
4) Buy a 1G tranny and put a 3G 5th gear for better highway MPG and new synchros

Theres a salvage yard near my house that has a sale on saturdays where anything you can carry out without assistance is $40. Im going to make one pass with the tranny and the second to carry out a few more items Ill get to in a second.

The next problem is the powersteering pump, not alot to say here. Just a simple replace and bleed. While Im there, Im going to bleed the brake system. The headliner is missing as well as the radio. Again, simple replacement. While Im in there, Im changing timing belts and accessory belts, convert to R-134a, and put in a new aluminum radiator with new fluid. Any other ideas?

 

[TheClaw]

Didn't you test drive it before buying? I'd think that a trans problem like that would surface on the test ride, no??

Either way, good luck. If it were me I'd buy a rebuilt trans from Shep or TRE.. That's what I did.. With such a huge part of the drivetrain - don't skimp.

 

[TC Mueller]

i just recently bought a TRE off the cassifieds. 1000$ but this tranny is probobly going to last as long as i need it too.

 

[fourreGsixty3]

TREs basic rebuild is 900$fwd maybe more for awd, best idea. Change engine oil, change rear end fluid, and flush all the old coolant out of the system before you change out the stocker for an alum rad.Change plugs, and verify that the new plugs are gapped .028-.029. Pressure test the coolant system, and compression test the engine. Do a boost leak test, any other basic maintenance checks.

Dustin

 

[joeybags7112]

If your tranny has NO gears sounds like it may just be shift cables ? just a thought.
Joe

 

[1990talon]

And to stick up for him my talons transmisson drove perfectly on the test drive then on the way home after fourty miles my tranny went just like that, so I would say no it might not appear as anything is wrong on the test drive.

 

[drewvr4]

go to tre...i have a shep tranny and even though he did a good job...for what i payed you get the same from tre with same results

 

[ilikespeeding]

And to stick up for him my talons transmisson drove perfectly on the test drive then on the way home after fourty miles my tranny went just like that, so I would say no it might not appear as anything is wrong on the test drive.

I made it 260 miles before mine died.

I have second gear, so its not like the cables dont work. I pulled on the up and down cable and only got it to go down, so its transmission I believe. My sychro was already on its way out, but not dead.

I dont really want to spend #1000 on a transmission for a stock vehicle. Im not really going to be pushing that much power nor am I going to be abusing the hell out of it, so I dont think Ill need a bomb-proof tranny.

Im thinking about the 2G swap since it has a filter. Can you retrofit the 1G trannys with a filter or must you have the 2G tranny?

 

[drewvr4]

god forgive me for saying this...have you tried somewhere like Aamco?

 

[ilikespeeding]

I have a setup now that might just work out. I work at a Honda dealership which really sucks but it is what it is. Anyways, I was going to flatbed the GSX there and do it this saturday. I was wondering about maybe a taller 5th. Has anyone tried to modify the gear ratio?

 

[Spoolin4Ever]

Yeah taller fifth is an option by the guys that rebuild them; John Shepaerd, TRE, etc..

I am not sure the 2G manuls came with a filter. The filter usually has nothing to do with it failing. The transmission is closed system, and uses thick oil, no filter needed IMHO.

Get a 93 or newer if you can, those are better built. But if you can get any good tranny cheap used that woks, the get what you can.

Use thicker fluid to stretch the lifespan; Redline MT90 (not thin stuff like the synchromesh fluids so many people here use).

Forget the 3000GT tranny, those won't work.

If you plan on keeping the car for a few years or more; it might be worthing spending more on a better transmission. Honestly the transmissions in these cars are kind of a weakness. As you just discovered.

 

[ixsaves13]

The more you do searches on transmission problems, you'll find that it's quite frequent. I've been considering rebuilding my tranny for a while, but it's a little lower on the list right now.

It may not be the right place to talk about it, but email me if you want a tranny, i got a spare 90 tranny w/ Tcase sitting around. I'm not sure if you want to deal w/ shipping though.

I don't think you'll have a problem finding someone closer to you who has one lying around. If you're just looking for one to daily drive, I'd look for a used one. Then again, you may end up at the same place just a little later. Pros and cons to every choice.... Most people here want to do it once and do it right. Complete rebuilds = $$$$!

At this point I'd at least mess around with the shifting cables, transmission flush, and maybe those bearings you could place at the ends of the shifting cables where they connect to the tranny (shift linkages).

Good luck!

 

[ilikespeeding]

Thanks for the info on the 93+, thats exactally what I was looking for. I really do want to do it right, but I dont want to drop the cars value into the tranny alone if Im not going to abuse it. Im already going to throw in new synchros and bearings. Thanks.