Transmission Slipping

[EveryQuarterMile]

I did search, so please don't freak out. There were a few topics, but not super specific at all. Just looking for some second opinions here!

My transmission (automatic) has recently started slipping. I mainly notice it when I'm taking off from a light and hit the gas, and the car just revs for a whole second or so before actually going. This doesn't happen all the time, but it is increasing in frequency. The fluid isn't burned and it is full and seems fine. I'm about to have it changed just in case. But after that the repairs are bound to get expensive...

I know, I know... I should just do a 5 speed swap! I want to very badly. However, I wasn't planning on doing it for awhile yet and I don't have the space, tools, or knowledge to really do it. So if I did go this route, how much would it cost in labor from a shop? I hate to not do it myself, but I know I don't have the experience for that :(

So, basically, the question is if I should pursue fixing the auto trans or just go ahead with the five speed swap? And if I go ahead with the five speed swap, how much should I expect to pay in labor?

Also, is it worth it? I've put a lot of money into this car and haven't even begun to modify anything. I bought it for $1800 and have out about that into repairs and such. Is it worth doing another big fix, or should I try to pick up a different ride? I love my car and would hate to do this, but I'd like to know the opinions on the matter.

[bmaddock]

Can you go about a week without driving this car? The tools needed for a 5-speed swap aren't special and you should probably already have them. If you have all the tools, all the required parts, and a place to store the car for a week or so you shouldn't have a problem swapping transmissions in that time frame.

My most recent swap I did for $300 including a new clutch and resurfaced flywheel. If you can shop smart and get some deals it can be cheap. A 5-speed swap really isn't that bad.

Happy to see a new owner pumping money into maintenance instead of joining the jalopies in the "doing it wrong" thread

[EveryQuarterMile]

Can you go about a week without driving this car? The tools needed for a 5-speed swap aren't special and you should probably already have them. If you have all the tools, all the required parts, and a place to store the car for a week or so you shouldn't have a problem swapping transmissions in that time frame.

My most recent swap I did for $300 including a new clutch and resurfaced flywheel. If you can shop smart and get some deals it can be cheap. A 5-speed swap really isn't that bad.

Happy to see a new owner pumping money into maintenance instead of joining the jalopies in the "doing it wrong" thread

I can, if necessary. It is my daily driver but I have another ride I can use. But I live in an apartment, so no garage or anything to do the swap in. I figure that means if i did do the swap, I'd have to do it in a day or find someone with a garage to keep it in. It makes things much more difficult when you have to work on a car in a parking space!

I actually saw someone selling (as they claim) everything needed for a 5-speed swap for $400 recently. It's all still on the car, I believe. I'm sure that if I search I'll find a thread for everything I'll need, which would help. Maybe I could manage to get someone to help? I don't know many people who would be willing, unfortunately.

But yeah. I've been doing maintenance and refuse to mod the car at all until I'm sure it's in good shape. And then I'll be doing the suspension and brakes and moving from there. It sucks to put so much time and effort into one problem just to have something else happen when the end is in sight! Then again, I learn more about my car along the way.

[bmaddock]

Try joining local forums or car clubs and I'm sure someone will be willing to help you out as long as you're not just blatantly using them for their garage/experience. I've met some of my best friends through clubs and going to events, don't be afraid to go out there. I'm in VA so can't really offer any help other than give you my opinion.

[EveryQuarterMile]

Try joining local forums or car clubs and I'm sure someone will be willing to help you out as long as you're not just blatantly using them for their garage/experience. I've met some of my best friends through clubs and going to events, don't be afraid to go out there. I'm in VA so can't really offer any help other than give you my opinion.

I've recently joined the autocross group in my area, so maybe I'll meet some people who'd be willing to help :) For now I've decided to let the trans be... I plan to do a swap in the future anyway, and unless it gets to be a regular problem it ought to be okay until then. Maybe by then I'll have a garage? We'll see! Thanks for the help!