Question about Swappable Auto Trans

[Charless1]

I have an 89 Corsy with the 2.8MPFI was wondering if there was a trans I could swap in Auto that has an OD gear Mine only has 3 gears and just want to try and squeeze out a bit more MPG's (and HP's if Possible)

[bob442]

http://wot-tech.com/shop/all/fast-tr.../prod_101.html is one option

i think a 4t60e will swap, but you will have to swap computers and a few pins, that you could clarify with ondemand5 and look at wiring diagrams, see whats different, because corsica's came with the 4t60

[mickaz]

he can swap a 4T60 ( with no e at the end) and keep everything else stock.

but did you know an engine swap can actually increase gas mileage? newer technology and be flowing head will make your car more fuel efficient and powerful

[bob442]

i guess being a 89 it wouldnt be electric eh?
MICKAZ: you are absolutly right, how ever i look at it as making more power is better fuel economy (to a point) if the motor doesnt have to work as hard at X000 RPMS to keep the vehicle moving, it will have better fuel economy.

[Charless1]

Thank you all for the responses.

bob442: that is exactly what I was thinking. Low RPM to produce the same speeds = Less fuel used = Better MPG. More HP is good but if I can use the stock engine (Only has 85k original) and just uprate the trans to a 4 speed I would be in heaven!

[robertisaar]

IIRC, no V6 l-bodies got the 4t60, all the autos were 3 speeds until 1994, when they went straight to the 4t60e...

regardless, i believe some mount and mount bracket modding/swapping would get one in there from an A or W body... it would be smart to at least compare reluctors as well to keep the speedo accurate, or have a tune done to account for it.

[mickaz]

he can use the 4t60e supports and if they don't mount then he can swap casing to a 60e L body

[Charless1]

Well Looks like the Trans Swap is gonna be a necessary Item now was hearing a odd noise and looked underneath only to find the Trans where the Dog-bone mounts is completely Cracked and Broken. So what Years, Makes can I get a Trans from. Trying to find something with similar miles to my car as it only has 90k original miles on an 89 which is just insane. Not many mid 90's cars with that few miles!

[Charless1]

When swapping Trans is it easier to pull motor and trans all t once or drop the sub-frame and just swap the trans

[Charless1]

This is now a Non-Issue. Case was so far gone I was almost spending more in Trans fluid a week than I was for Smokes. Decided to ditch the Corsy and trader her in on a 09 PTCruiser with 36k miles and a Warranty. Got 1k for the Corsy though. Thank you all for your help while I was on here!

[boomofdoom88]

Ditch the smokes and save even more money!

[1988GTU]

You could go with a 4t45e and controller. The swap is pretty easy and the mounting is simply a couple pieces of flat stock.

If not that then go with the 4t65e. Same amount of work as a 4t60e just about and you will still need a controller to make it right. I wouldn't use a 4t60/e if I were to swap in a trans. It would be a 45 or 65 or just go 5 speed. the 60/e is kinda like buying those mini cans of soda that are 7.5oz... kinda pointless.

[robertisaar]

what's wrong with the 60E? i've had absolutely no trouble with mine, even after the trans cooler line split and drained the entire pan within 60 seconds. then the fact that no one changed the filter on it until 150K miles...

i'd say it's held up pretty well. the earlier models i'm not so fond of, but the late 94 up versions have been pretty reliable for me.

[1988GTU]

what's wrong with the 60E? i've had absolutely no trouble with mine, even after the trans cooler line split and drained the entire pan within 60 seconds. then the fact that no one changed the filter on it until 150K miles...

i'd say it's held up pretty well. the earlier models i'm not so fond of, but the late 94 up versions have been pretty reliable for me.

You tell me why it would make sense to use a 60e over a 65e if your starting out with a late 80's corsica that comes factory with a 3t40? If anything I'd rather have a 45E or a 65E, the 60E is pointless to SWAP IN when you have better choices.

[robertisaar]

since the 94-up 3100 L's had 4T60Es, wouldn't that allow for nearly a direct swap if you use one of those?

the 60E is beefier than a 4T40/4T45, so that's clearly not the reason, and unless you grab a HD 4T65, the strength difference there is slight.