I have a '91 Nissan 300ZX N/A. Just recently and suddenly, my reverse gear dissappeared. I could not even get it into the slot... nothing. Brought the car to a local Cottman transmission and they told me, they could not find out what the problem is until they actually take it off and open it up. ($385). With their pior inspections, everything else was working good. 1st- 5th gear was flawless. The fluids showed no contaminants (metals and stuff). So i was thinking it was something minor.

When they called me back a day later, They told me what they thought the problem was, but the only thing i could remember about what they told me was it was gonna cost me $2511 and some change. I felt like my ***** were getting ripped off.

Anyways, I need some advice. I saw a remanufactured manual tranny for $850.00. with 3 year warranty
(http://usedautoparts.everdrive.com/P...archid=1642821)
Does any one have a step by step instructions (with pixes)on how to swap tranny or have any idea on how much it would cost to have it installed by professional?
I am not a professional, but i have done minor work on the care. (replaced combination switch for headlights, replaced stock air filter with pop-charger, replaced brake pads, replaced power antennae, oil changes and stuff like that.)

Did i make the right decision on not going with Cottman's price, or is that a common price for that kind of work? Any advice would be appreciated.
I love that car and do not want to get rid of it.

 

$2511 is a rip off. you can get a brand new factory fresh 98+ spec (better synchros) for like $1800.

you might as well do the clutch while you have the transmission out, and rear main seal as well.

check the Tech section on this site for a detailed writeup.

http://www.ttzd.com/

 

that is what i thought, u have any ideas where i can get that 98+ spec. and excuse me for being a noob, but any advice on what brand clutch kit i should get... was looking at exedy, centerforce, ACT?
Appreciate your response

San Antonio Texas

 

http://conceptzperformance.com/Cart/...324.19.201.171

and for a stock NA, go with the OEM clutch kit. no need for anything else.

 

before i bought that new tranny, i'd pull the old one apart at least a little. i've seen a problem just like this come from a simple problem in the shifting mechanism, the gears were fine. this was an older car, but its worth a check before you buy that transmission.

 

check your shifter and the little u-joint before you replace the trans, is it grinding or jerking around when you try and put it in reverse?

 

Cottman already pulled the tranny apart and told me they were gonna replace a lot of parts... they never really told me why it wouldn't go into reverse, or what the exact problem was... that's what pissed me off. I told them to just put it back together and i will take it back.($385.00)

Hoov.. there was no grinding or jerking around. It just seemed like the whole slot disappeared... nothing

I really love that car... and i appreciate all your inputs. I will find out what's up tomorrow... Hopefully they'd at least be able to put it back to the way it was before... working 1st-5th gear.. if not, i'd be really pissed..

 

thats strange, it was either the clutch not getting fully depressed, or the tranny is actually shot. a re-mand tranny should be fine, he isnt putting down heavy numbers and wtih an NA never will be. so you dont need the 98+ spec tranny. its to much money for this cars use. and oem clutch setup is fine, replace it though while its all out save you time later. and get the flywheel resurfaced of get a new one. and if ur the type of person that WILL NOT go stock on the clutch setup, even though its pointless, go with ACT clutch setup and a findanza flywheel. but you will never put any of it to use making 222hp. lol.