Transmission Swap: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re into car maintenance or if you’re a careful driver, then your transmission system may last for 200,000 miles or more. But, most drivers start experiencing transmission problems a lot sooner. Besides regular maintenance, the condition of your transmission will largely depend on the type of car you own, where you drive it, and your overall driver profile.

Once your car goes over the 100,000-mile point, it’s advisable to do a check-up and see how your transmission is holding up. In most cases, a routine change of transmission fluid will do the trick, but it’s better to be safe and let professionals have a closer look. Don’t wait for your wheels to stop turning, a high-quality transmission swap job will cost a lot less than buying a new car.

Even if you have no problems with your gearbox mechanism, an Orange County, CA classic car transmission swap will give your car a lot more oomph on the road. It also represents a great investment because your ride will have a higher trade-in value lowering your future car costs.

Is it hard to do a transmission swap on a classic car?

Transmission swap is not the most complicated job, but it requires great know-how and attention to detail. If you’re not a seasoned pro with a lot of space to work and modern tools, it’s best to let experts handle the process. The whole procedure has multiple steps that have to be done in a specific order and a lot of parts have to be inspected and reassembled with great care.

Another important factor is the type of vehicle in question. In general, automatic transmission (AT) systems are more complex than manual transmission (MT) since they have more parts and an intricate computer-controlled mechanism. Newer models are highly computerized with a bunch of electronics, which requires specialized knowledge besides your regular car prowess. However, vintage rides have hydraulic automatic gearboxes that are easier to swap.

How long does a transmission swap take?

Again, the most important factor is the type of car and transmission in question. If you have a stick shift you may wait less, since AT requires more work. Another thing to keep in mind is whether you have a rear-wheel or a front-wheel drive engine.

Swaps in rear-wheel drive cars last less because there is no need to remove the engine and the whole job requires fewer steps to complete. If there are no major issues and other parts of the transmission mechanism don’t need repairing or replacing, then the entire process usually takes 2 days, but in some cases it may only last a day.

On the other hand, front-wheel drive cars require more work and could last for 3 to 4 days, and even more. In front-wheel drive vehicles, the mechanic has to unbolt the engine and motor before removing the transmission mechanism itself. This complicates the job because more steps are needed and the whole process is much more labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Still, in the right pair of hands, a proper transmission swap procedure doesn’t have to take long and usually lasts a couple of days. You’ll have just enough time to enjoy the white sands of Capistrano Beach lying in the shade or soaking up the sunset while the barbecue is crackling, and your ride will be ready.

Where can I find the best Orange County, CA classic car transmission swaps?

Whether you want to shower your wheels with a bit of TLC, you just want to spoil yourself with an upgrade of your vintage beauty, or you’re wondering if it’s time for transmission swap, Chimera Motors is the top spot on the Coast and beyond. Our specialists have a wealth of unsurpassed experience working on classic cars of all types. A transmission replacement or a full gearbox rebuild, tell us what you had in mind and we’ll deliver the ride of your dreams.