Anyone here rebuilt an ST trans?

[Polishmeatballpizza]

Just wondering how difficult it is. They can get pretty pricey on the rebuild cost.

[GS66]

I haven't done it myself. Had mine done at Aamco in Mankato. Cost was about $1200 including removal, rebuild, install, and new convertor. I must add that it's never worked better. I do know some Aamco's are better that others, our local one is owned by a car guy.

[Loren At 65GS]

I have done them.  Not too difficult, but does require a couple of specific tools. I needed to fabricate a couple of tools  to do the job.
The kits are getting more difficult to come up with.  The last two kits I got about 1 year ago required some searching for quality parts.

The service manual is real good about description for overhauling.

  Loren

[Dr Frankenbuick]

I did mine. It was not that hard. I had to make at least one tool for the drum. I used the Chassis Service  Manual and a good write up on V.8 Buick in the transmission section. I had the converter rebuilt and had to get a few bushings on the Internet. I think the rebuild kit came from NAPA.  It was about $300 with the converter rebuild and parts.  I had done several ST400s before. So , there was confidence from the start.


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[Polishmeatballpizza]

How can I tell which transmission or torque converter is in my car?

Is the "switch-pitch" just the torque converter or is it something else? And, if mine is a switch-pitch, how can I be sure they won't exchange it for something else when it gets rebuilt?

Just found this...
 http://www.buickperformanceclub.com/switchpitch.htm

My trans does not have the dimples or the heel.    

[Loren At 65GS]

The correct auto transmission in a '65 GS has a "NK" code tag. I think '66 GS had the same code, but not sure. Maybe Walt knows for certain on that.

 Also the transmission pan looks a bit different then the one shown in the article you referenced.

For identification of the torque converter, there are colored paint dots on them.  A '65 GS has a white dot on the converter. That "dot" can look more like a "dab" of paint sometimes.

 Loren

[Polishmeatballpizza]

So, more than likely,  I have an ST300 not an ST400?

[Loren At 65GS]

I will try to get pictures of the pan and tag of the correct '65 GS transmission for you.

 Loren

[nut465gs]

Just a slight change to Loren's post. The ST300 transmission for a 1965 Skylark Gran Sport should have a "NK" code stamped in the servo cover.

I had my transmission rebuilt for about $400. Of course, I had it already removed and I installed it myself. I also supplied the transmission shop with the rebuilt kit.

John

[Dr Frankenbuick]

If you have a servo cover on the Rt side and an NK code on that servo, it is a ST300. The 65-66 GS came with a ST300 with a Nailhead bolt pattern.


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[WkillGS]

You're using the 300 engine correct?
You might want to consider a 3 speed TH350 or even a  4 speed 200R4 trans. One with a standard BOP bellhouhing shape will bolt onto your 300 engine.

Here's a description on how to ID a switch pitch vs standard converter:
http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?143723-VP-converter-Trans-visual-ID-guide

[Polishmeatballpizza]

You're using the 300 engine correct?
You might want to consider a 3 speed TH350 or even a  4 speed 200R4 trans. One with a standard BOP bellhouhing shape will bolt onto your 300 engine.

Here's a description on how to ID a switch pitch vs standard converter:
http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?143723-VP-converter-Trans-visual-ID-guide

I do have a 300 engine.

I did consider the TH350 and/or 200R4, however, it seemed the consensus was to stay with the ST300. It's simpler and works well; less conversion cost. Now I'm wondering if i should consider an overdrive tranny? I do want to keep the cost down.

[Loren At 65GS]

Just a slight change to Loren's post. The ST300 transmission for a 1965 Skylark Gran Sport should have a "NK" code stamped in the servo cover.

I had my transmission rebuilt for about $400. Of course, I had it already removed and I installed it myself. I also supplied the transmission shop with the rebuilt kit.

John

Thanks for catching that John.  I changed it in my post.
The other mistake, is that I thought it was a GS big block.  It slipped my mind that George is using a 300.
That being said, it would be a "MJ" code trans for '65 and the converter would have a blue dot.

  Loren

[elagache]

Dear George and V-8 Buick lovers of luxury . . . .

I did consider the TH350 and/or 200R4, however, it seemed the consensus was to stay with the ST300. It's simpler and works well; less conversion cost. Now I'm wondering if i should consider an overdrive tranny? I do want to keep the cost down.

. . . Not to tempt you or anything . . . . 

I think you need to decide how much you are going to drive the car in order to decide.  I have driven my trusty wagon with a ST-300, TH-350, and a 200-4R.  I would rank them: 200-4R, ST-300, TH-350.  The TH-350 has a much shorter starting gear that gets ultimately little use but makes driving the car rougher.  That shift from 1st to 2nd is rough.  The ST-300 shifts more smoothly.  I have an Art Carr 200-4R and it does shift rougher than I would prefer, but it is hitched to a 500+ foot•pound engine, so that is necessary to keep the transmission from disintegrating. 

I can say that having a car with overdrive is a real joy!     It is so much quieter most of the time.  You can enjoy conversations and the radio or stereo.  Still, you need to use the car enough to justify the additional investment.  If you don't expect to use the car that much, you are probably better off with the ST-300 and that will be a more authentic experience to boot.

My 2-cent!

Cheers, Edouard 

P.S. Keep in mind that I'm more of a cruiser kind of guy than someone who likes to stomp on the car.  If you want to get the car moving in a hurry the low gear of the TH-350 will definitely give you a better launch.

[Polishmeatballpizza]

Thanks for the input everyone! Greatly appreciated.
I think I will initially use the ST300, I'm sure it will do just fine for the first year or so. I can always do the tranny upgrade at a later date. Just wondering, what would it cost to do the 200-4R? Is there one that will bolt right up?