700r4 rebuilding questions (Long)

[GeoffP]

I've been looking around and reading a few misc mag articles and have noticed that GMHTP prefers Level 10's rebuild and shift kits. Does anyone here have any experiences with Level 10? I'm also wondering what special tools I'll need to attempt rebuilding my 700r4 myself. I consider myself to be a fairly decent mechanic (obviously if I'm building my own 383) so I feel pretty confident that with the right reference materials, tools, and a good kit that I can do this myself. I'm also thinking that because my trans doesn't actually have anything wrong with it, that I have a better chance of a successful rebuild. I know some of ya'll are more knowledgable than others about this (Bernard especially). Plus I have a friend locally that just left the local Chevrolet place as a reference just in case something goes wrong. So with all that said, can anyone recommend a good reference manual, the correct tools I need to buy, and let me know of any potential "gotchas"? Thanks in advance...looking forward to hearing what everyone has to say on this.

[Jeremey]

I have a ATSG manual for 87-93 700r4's that seems to be very detailed in the teardown and going back together of the tranny. It has very detailed illustrations and diagrams. It also has a long list of special tools that are needed for the job. After looking through the book I decieded I would never build enough 700r4's to make the cost of the tools worth the effort. If you would like the manual I will sell it to you for $10.00. That is what I paid for it. Shoot me an email if interested.

[WS6 VERT]

Going by the book is a great way to do it, but I've found that there are alot of "tricks to the trade" that you can't get from a book. There are alot of things I've picked up along the way, that can only be taught by another person or picked up by yourself.

As for Level 10, I did a 200-4R w/ a level 10 kit, and I feel there are better kits out there. I think the mag you read has a contract to sell there stuff, because I don't think its "all that".

[RobP]

Speaking of 700R4s Bernard, when ya thing we can look at mine?

[WS6 VERT]

They way things have been going lately, you may have to wait in line...

[ragtop88]

i think they use Level 10 mostly because they are both in NJ. Hey Andrew Rogers had like 3 level 10 tranny's in his car and kept blowing them up so....What I've heard around though is that the parts aren't bad its the installers.....

[GeoffP]

Okay, so based on bad replies about Level 10, that's out. I'm also guessing based on your reply Bernard that you wouldn't be able to rebuild my trans any time soon, so what kit would you recommend? Also, can you point me in the right direction as to what special tools I'd need? I'm already very familiar with the in's and out's of a 700r4, just never have torn one completely apart or tried to put one together. I've installed several shift kits in them and a 'Vette servo, so I'm pretty confident I can do it... I just don't want to mess up my trans trying to "jimmy" it apart... Thanks for any help ya'll can provide!

[ July 08, 2002, 11:45: Message edited by: GeoffP ]

[WS6 VERT]

Are you really strapped for cash, or are you just trying to save a buck or two? Cause you can get a complete Pro-built tranny for chicken scratch, and they have a very good reputation, plus you won't have to send in a core. You can try and do it yourself, but you will still end up paying between $550-800 depending on if you do it yourself, or you pay somebody. A probuillt is like $1100.

[GeoffP]

I definitely don't have the cash to go for an $1100 transmission since I'm needing a convertor too. I was looking at a new Northern Auto Parts catalog last night. They have a TransGo trans kit for about $115.00 or so and a shift kit that includes the servo and accumulator parts for around $50-60. I may call Superior Transmission though...I like their shift kit as it's very complete (to me) and doesn't seem to cut any corners to make a 700r4 to shift firmer. Plus, it's not near as harsh as B&M's kit...(don't like B&M's at all).

[ July 09, 2002, 09:48: Message edited by: GeoffP ]

[GeoffP]

Is this the company you're talking about? http://www.pro-built.net/

[WS6 VERT]

Absolutely! Thats the one.

[Kat]

and to get the parts that Pro Built uses go here www.delta-transparts.com (http://www.delta-transparts.com)

Thats where I got all my stuff to rebuild my tranny fer arround 700 bucks with a tc included and 300 for labor to the guy that rebuilt it.

Kat