Question : manual and auto tranny options are for my2k gagt?

[grandamnut]

I find myself needing tranny repairs and wondering if a manual swap or automatic upgrade would be better. So I have a question I hope some of you can help answer. What transmissions -if any - will bolt right up to my 2000 grand am gt (3.4l sfi) manual or automatic? What transmissions would be the easiest swap? would the 4T80E work? The 4T60/65E? I know a transmission guy willing to do the work to upgrade and install whatever unit I choose and an auto would be easier and cheaper generally speaking but if there is a manual out there which would be easier than most and not cost me a ton of money in extra parts I would seriously consider it because manuals are more fun and my GF wouldn't be able to drive it...lol

I think this place is awesome and am glad I joined. I am seriously looking to learn and would really appreciate any and all thoughts on this.

[bszopi]

4T80 is too big to fit inside the GA bay. 4T65E has been done, and is a transmission with a lot of potential. For manuals, you can do a Getrag 282 from the older Beretta/Cavalier and similar cars, as it is easy to find and parts are relatively cheap. There is also the F40 6-spd, which has also been done in a GA, and there is even a write-up on how the guy did it over on GAGT.com.

[robertisaar]

another somewhat modern 5 speed is a F23, but i believe it's capabilities are less than a 282.

[grandamnut]

4T80 is too big to fit inside the GA bay. 4T65E has been done, and is a transmission with a lot of potential. For manuals, you can do a Getrag 282 from the older Beretta/Cavalier and similar cars, as it is easy to find and parts are relatively cheap. There is also the F40 6-spd, which has also been done in a GA, and there is even a write-up on how the guy did it over on GAGT.com.

Thanks for the great responses guys! I knew I could find the help I need here... thank you!

I know about the F40 swap but the work involved was more than I want to go through. Will either the getrag 282 or 4T65E bolt right up? or can a 4T45E, which I beleive is the model in my car, be built up to handle more that 300ftlbs of torque? if so would that be cheaper? What ever I decide to do, will any of these require work on the front end?

Thanks again guys!

[bszopi]

Building up the 4T45E to handle 300ftlbs of torque would most likely be the easiest and cheapest route to go. The 282 would be right up there close, but I'd recommend getting it built up as well. And then there are the issues of the computer (possibly not hard to overcome with a tuner).

[gar70614]

if u decide to i have a 282 for sale. shoot a pm if ur interested.