Auto transmission rebuild or convert

vcrush · Post by **vcrush** » 29 May 2011, 09:55

Although my automatic transmission is working (so far) on a 1997 850, the question
has come up from a friend regarding a 1995 850 non-turbo and 1995 850 turbo
which have auto transmissions that are not working. This is in the San Antonio,
Texas area where it gets hot in the summer.

1. Rebuilding the automatic transmission.
I have heard so far that because the production run of the auto
trans on these cars was not real large relatively speaking (compared
to, say, GM or Ford), parts are not readily available to rebuild.
To get a new one (if they are even available) or a remanufactured
one appears to be prohibitively expensive, around $3,000+.
Or can these auto transmissions be rebuilt by a local re-builder
who otherwise knows automatic transmissions?

2. So, what about converting the car to a manual transmission?
With electronic automatic transmissions with sensors, there would be issues
involving computerized engine components that receive data from those
sensors that would not be if the transmission was changed to manual.
Then there is the interface to the engine, and the fact that it is
a front wheel drive.
Some BMW's were designed to allow for a conversion to a standard
transmission, with room for the pedals, and so forth. A Jaguar
repairman here who has a shop converted his 1970's model V12 to
a standard transmission which he still drives.
But is this possible on a Volvo?

3. Buying a used automatic transmission.
The problem here is that you don't know what you are getting and the
history of it.

Post by **JRL** » 29 May 2011, 12:03

This is an easy tranny to rebuild and parts are available all over the place.
You've been getting some very poor information.

Manual conversion too is easy IF.......you can find all the parts
Not many used 5 speeds available

Post by **jblackburn** » 29 May 2011, 13:09

I found places that would rebuild it for around $2000-2500.

But, get the parts and do it yourself - apparently they're not that complicated inside. I rebuilt a Honda's transmission, and you save a TON of money if you're able to do it yourself.

Alternatively, used transmissions (manual or automatic) can be found for $500 or so. If he's gonna go that route, find a manual for the turbo if at all possible - it's got to be a blast.