Hey guys, I just realized my car has a 3 Speed auto. I dont know jack about this trans, can you guys tell me about its reliability record and such??? Also, I need to replace the valve cover gasket and thermostat housing gasket (when I replace the thermostat). I looked for torque specs on this site and can not find any. Can someone tell me what to ft or in lbs is for the 2?


thanks!!
Ralph

3t40 is not a reliable trans at all if you plan on building the car or getting on it at all that will be your weak link and just tighten the thermostat down till it looks tight if it leaks its too loose tighten it up a bit more and as for the valve cover gasket it is very easy, and just tighten it up till the ratchet feels tight then let it be dont reef on it

What he said. We've circle track raced a few 3spds( 3 cavys and a grand am) .If you leave em alone change the fluid and filter should last a long time, but there slow. Had one with over 200,000 miles and the engine finally blew before the tranny showed any signs of dying and we ran it in low gear for 4 seasons. I would say thier damn near bullet proof if mated to a 2.2 thats stock.

Good! because this is my economy car. I aint modding anything unless it helps with the fuel usage! thanks!!

well the 3 speed wont help you there either



JBO since July 30, 2001

got one in a 97 cavvy here and when we got the car it was around 110k miles and the trans was like stuck the car would not creep in gear it would just sit there stuck

i dropped the pan and also put in a bottle of seal conditioner and it came out of it within about 10 mins of driving time.

and now it has aroudn 160k miles on it and just a tiny bit of drag in gear but is doing great still.

so id have to say these little 3 speeds last just as long as any other model(4t40, 4t60, 4t65, etc)

i highly recommend the bottle of seal conditioner if in doubt,

works wonders.. i use it in almost every vehicle i get and i have never had a trans failure, and most of them have been closer or over 200k miles

including my 91 s-10 2wd pickup with 700r4, just rolled over 200000 miles a few days ago..

wellllllll beyond the average normal life span of the 700r4 trannies..


running strong every day for the three years ive had it now,, the wheels driven off it literally,

no isses ever..


good luck

-96 cavalier 2.2 auto 143k miles