KA tranny rebuild cost? - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

don_bagz · 12-10-2008, 01:24 PM

whats up guys,

i was just wondering how much it would usually cost to get a ka tranny rebuilt? i have a crappy one right now and i just bought another one.. if figures are worth it, i might just get the tranny rebuilt that way i would have a fresh start with the transmission... has anybody had experience getting their tranny rebuilt?

thanks guys

*NemeGuero* · 12-10-2008, 01:33 PM

its money.

Just take it apart since you already have a spare.
Replace all necessary bearings n stuff..

You'll be fine

Om1kron · 12-10-2008, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NemeGuero

its money.

Just take it apart since you already have a spare.
Replace all necessary bearings n stuff..

You'll be fine

Yes easier said than done with someone with little to no experience with rebuilding a transmission. You will a few special tools which will run you a pretty penny, the shit will add up basically. Depending on how many transmissions you plan to build in your lifetime. You can coin it up and have it rebuilt by a shop with new parts, or you can take on the task of rebuilding it yourself and maybe offering rebuilding services to other people in the area to make it worth your while for getting clamp pullers and bearing thing a magics...

If there is one area of my car I absolutely don't want to tread waters with, it's a transmission. Not only is it a bitch and a half to get off and on the car, forgetting to put something back or tq something down only to have to do all of that again would aggravate the fuck out of me personally.

no pressure though. lol.

gunluvS14 · 12-10-2008, 02:12 PM

i'm thinking about the same thing. I have a crapped out one that I switched 4 years ago, i have a another project that needs a fresh transmission, I'm wondering where and how much it would cost to pay someone to rebuild it.

I don't want to buy a used transmission that already has weak syncro and worn out parts

murda-c · 12-10-2008, 02:20 PM

Anyone know where to get rebuild kits for a ka/sr tranny if i can rebuild it myself?

my synchros are getting old

projectRDM · 12-10-2008, 02:21 PM

A full rebuild kit is right around $380. I posted a link a few days ago but you can google it too.

Labor depends. Local place near me charges $900 parts and labor, so with them getting a break on parts that's maybe $600 in labor. Do it yourself for nothing, a manual box is really easy to teardown and rebuild if you have an FSM.

holemilk00 · 12-10-2008, 02:24 PM

Anywhere from $750-$1100 depending on the shop and their hourly rate.

bl3ujay07 · 12-10-2008, 02:25 PM

when i had an accord, someone who works in their garaged estimated 1200 for a rebuild. Ridiculously expensive, for someone like me.

don_bagz · 12-10-2008, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by projectRDM

A full rebuild kit is right around $380. I posted a link a few days ago but you can google it too.

Labor depends. Local place near me charges $900 parts and labor, so with them getting a break on parts that's maybe $600 in labor. Do it yourself for nothing, a manual box is really easy to teardown and rebuild if you have an FSM.

yeah, i saw that link when i was trying to search the forums for answers... so, that rebuild kit that they sell, thats all you need to be able to rebuild the tranny?

projectRDM · 12-10-2008, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by don_bagz

yeah, i saw that link when i was trying to search the forums for answers... so, that rebuild kit that they sell, thats all you need to be able to rebuild the tranny?

I forget what all they list but their master kit is everything that wears. I don't think it includes the mainshaft or big parts, but that stuff is near impossible to damage.

don_bagz · 12-10-2008, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by projectRDM

I forget what all they list but their master kit is everything that wears. I don't think it includes the mainshaft or big parts, but that stuff is near impossible to damage.

ok.. so its like 200 somethin. close to 300 bucks for the kit.. now its just a matter of labor

xsparc · 12-10-2008, 03:55 PM

When i did mine, i think i paid around 200 - 250 for the kit.

But it didnt have everything. There were a few of bearings missing and some other minor stuff. The main thing s you will need are all new syncro parts, main shaft bearings, seals, maybe shims, and most likely a new reverse gear. Every KA tranny ive driven/seen had a worn out rev gear.

bo2o · 12-10-2008, 03:59 PM

just get another ka tranny that has lower miles. i have sohc with 140k

whiterps13 · 12-10-2008, 04:05 PM

Back when I was younger I broke off the gate between 3rd and 5th.
I also needed a new clutch, synchros, and various parts that broke.
I paid like $1500 for the rebuild and everything from the best transmission shop in the area.
That was like '03 before I even knew about swapping and such.

The guy is rediculously talented and has worked on soo many cars. He said the KA transmission was one of the most difficult he has ever worked on. He told me he would not do it again, no matter how much I paid him. I obviously wouldnt touch it.

xsparc · 12-10-2008, 04:10 PM

Uh, i did mine in my garage in about 4 hours... its not that hard

SochBAT · 12-10-2008, 04:54 PM

Find a lowmile SR tranny for that price.

Rebuilding is a bitch. For the technically inclined.

*PBucch* · 12-10-2008, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whiterps13

Back when I was younger I broke off the gate between 3rd and 5th.
I also needed a new clutch, synchros, and various parts that broke.
I paid like $1500 for the rebuild and everything from the best transmission shop in the area.
That was like '03 before I even knew about swapping and such.

The guy is rediculously talented and has worked on soo many cars. He said the KA transmission was one of the most difficult he has ever worked on. He told me he would not do it again, no matter how much I paid him. I obviously wouldnt touch it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xsparc

Uh, i did mine in my garage in about 4 hours... its not that hard

We have a pretty big difference of opinion here...

top for more experience

don_bagz · 12-10-2008, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bo2o

just get another ka tranny that has lower miles. i have sohc with 140k

i have a 98 s14... so, i need an obd2 tranny.. thanks tho

Quote:

Originally Posted by xsparc

Uh, i did mine in my garage in about 4 hours... its not that hard

i wish i had your experience.. but, its so hard to find an s14 tranny now a days that i dont want to risk ruining the tranny instead of rebuilding it..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soooshi

Find a lowmile SR tranny for that price.

Rebuilding is a bitch. For the technically inclined.

first off, i dont think the sr tranny would fit the KA.. plus, the car being my daily, there is no way in hell im gonna go SR especially in cali.. i know alot of people has em in cali, but, im not gonna risk getting beef from cops, and paying 150 everytime i need to smog the car..

projectRDM · 12-10-2008, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by don_bagz

i have a 98 s14... so, i need an obd2 tranny.. thanks tho

You've been long enough to know better. I'm ashamed. There is NO SUCH THING as an OBD-II transmission. None. All transmissions are the same internally, from 89-98. Same.

Quote:

Originally Posted by don_bagz

i wish i had your experience.. but, its so hard to find an s14 tranny now a days that i dont want to risk ruining the tranny instead of rebuilding it..

Again, pointless. Buy an S13 unit, swap the bellhousing to accept the CPS, swap the VSS. Done. The transmission is identical. Doesn't matter where it came from.

Quote:

Originally Posted by don_bagz

first off, i dont think the sr tranny would fit the KA.. plus, the car being my daily, there is no way in hell im gonna go SR especially in cali.. i know alot of people has em in cali, but, im not gonna risk getting beef from cops, and paying 150 everytime i need to smog the car..

SR transmission is also the same. Just swap the bellhousing. KA, SR, CA, RB20, VG30E, ALL use the same transmission. The bellhousing is an easy swap from any unit to another. Switches and/or sensors are equally as easy to swap.

VanduzerLancerES · 12-10-2008, 06:58 PM

I personally think tranny work is pie..
Its not hard at all. Ive done 5 240s JUST tranny work..
its not difficult if you know something about them,
The first one i didnt i didnt know anything.
If your careful, and you get the tourque specs, youll be good.
MAKE SURE TO TOURQE EVERYTHING DOWN THO.
that is something you want to do.
And as far as hard to get out?
Thats a joke, you unbolt the driveshaft, and undo the bolts from the tranny
to the engine..
Its easy as said and done.

redline racer510 · 12-10-2008, 10:13 PM

the transmission shop near my house wanted 800 for labor and all new internals including new clutch and resurfaced flywheel

don_bagz · 12-10-2008, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by projectRDM

You've been long enough to know better. I'm ashamed. There is NO SUCH THING as an OBD-II transmission. None. All transmissions are the same internally, from 89-98. Same.

Again, pointless. Buy an S13 unit, swap the bellhousing to accept the CPS, swap the VSS. Done. The transmission is identical. Doesn't matter where it came from.

SR transmission is also the same. Just swap the bellhousing. KA, SR, CA, RB20, VG30E, ALL use the same transmission. The bellhousing is an easy swap from any unit to another. Switches and/or sensors are equally as easy to swap.

i didnt even have any idea about swapping bellhousing would work.. thats good to know tho.. and, as far as obdII i meant to say, that the tranny needs to have a crank angle sensor.. i gues, it came out wrong...

besTint · 12-10-2008, 10:51 PM

hit up SARDS14 on aim. he has rebuilt ones for $450 with core exchange. i got two of them from him before. both work like new still.

***S14DB*** · 12-10-2008, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by projectRDM

SR transmission is also the same. Just swap the bellhousing. KA, SR, CA, RB20, VG30E, ALL use the same transmission. The bellhousing is an easy swap from any unit to another. Switches and/or sensors are equally as easy to swap.

Doesn't the CA have a different 5th gear?

don_bagz · 12-11-2008, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by besTint

hit up SARDS14 on aim. he has rebuilt ones for $450 with core exchange. i got two of them from him before. both work like new still.

thanx.. i will try and hit him up for sure

*NemeGuero* · 12-11-2008, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by projectRDM

You've been long enough to know better. I'm ashamed. There is NO SUCH THING as an OBD-II transmission. None. All transmissions are the same internally, from 89-98. Same.

Again, pointless. Buy an S13 unit, swap the bellhousing to accept the CPS, swap the VSS. Done. The transmission is identical. Doesn't matter where it came from.

SR transmission is also the same. Just swap the bellhousing. KA, SR, CA, RB20, VG30E, ALL use the same transmission. The bellhousing is an easy swap from any unit to another. Switches and/or sensors are equally as easy to swap.

As long as you HAVE a bellhousing that you can swap!!

*ManoNegra* · 12-11-2008, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by projectRDM

A full rebuild kit is right around $380. I posted a link a few days ago but you can google it too.

Labor depends. Local place near me charges $900 parts and labor, so with them getting a break on parts that's maybe $600 in labor. Do it yourself for nothing, a manual box is really easy to teardown and rebuild if you have an FSM.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xsparc

When i did mine, i think i paid around 200 - 250 for the kit.

But it didnt have everything. There were a few of bearings missing and some other minor stuff. The main thing s you will need are all new syncro parts, main shaft bearings, seals, maybe shims, and most likely a new reverse gear. Every KA tranny ive driven/seen had a worn out rev gear.

We've done a few
takes about a day
think Vatozone sells a kit with new bearings and syncros for a buck fitty
yep, reverse if usually the fucked up gear

Quote:

Originally Posted by whiterps13

Back when I was younger I broke off the gate between 3rd and 5th.
I also needed a new clutch, synchros, and various parts that broke.
I paid like $1500 for the rebuild and everything from the best transmission shop in the area.
That was like '03 before I even knew about swapping and such.

The guy is rediculously talented and has worked on soo many cars. He said the KA transmission was one of the most difficult he has ever worked on. He told me he would not do it again, no matter how much I paid him. I obviously wouldnt touch it.

hmmm... didn't seem that hard at all
just need to be careful

Quote:

Originally Posted by xsparc

Uh, i did mine in my garage in about 4 hours... its not that hard

sounds about right.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soooshi

Find a lowmile SR tranny for that price.

Rebuilding is a bitch. For the technically inclined.

but you always run that risk of not knowing the condition of the internals
a tranny can be bad or about to quit regardless of mileage

don_bagz · 12-11-2008, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManoNegra

but you always run that risk of not knowing the condition of the internals
a tranny can be bad or about to quit regardless of mileage

AGREED... that is why i want to rebuild the tranny.. i just want it to be a one and done situation.. fresh tranny, that way i wont have to mess with it so often...

Bellanatrix · 07-02-2010, 07:55 PM

The tranny just went out in my 89 240SX. I am not a mechanic (most of us women as far as I know don't care too much for working on cars but I could be wrong). In any case I've got some questions. I've done a search on here to try to get some answers. I'm a newbie as you can see.
I've got about 180,000 k - automatic transmission was getting cranky this winter - it was very cold for where I live (north FL) and when I'd put it in drive it wouldn't want to go so I had to put it in park and go thru the gears to get it to engage. Since it warmed up it got better and I didn't have this problem so much.
I told my mechanic about it and he told me that my seals were probably worn and dry and to buy Lucas transmission seal and I put it in the transmission yesterday afternoon. Everything was fine. Then last night at 12 am on a busy road, I heard a little clunk and then the car just wouldn't go anymore. Wouldn't go into any gear but Park and of course Neutral. So I didn't have this major prob until I put the Lucas in.
I think it might be time for a new tranny but I don't know yet because it's the weekend now and can't get in touch w/ my mechanic.
So questions are:
1. Would it be cheaper to get a manual transmission installed instead of another automatic?
2. Any ideas as to why this might have happened after putting Lucas in transmission fluid?

Thanks for your input.

I LUV MY S13 · 07-02-2010, 08:05 PM

to answer your first question a swap can run $400+..just depends on what setup you go with, clutch, slave, etc

12-10-2008, 01:24 PM	#1
don_bagz Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Colton in SanBernardoo (socal) Age: 39 Posts: 1,532 Trader Rating: (17) Feedback Score: 17 reviews	KA tranny rebuild cost? whats up guys, i was just wondering how much it would usually cost to get a ka tranny rebuilt? i have a crappy one right now and i just bought another one.. if figures are worth it, i might just get the tranny rebuilt that way i would have a fresh start with the transmission... has anybody had experience getting their tranny rebuilt? thanks guys

12-10-2008, 01:33 PM	#2
NemeGuero No more nissan. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: RAIN, Washington. Age: 40 Posts: 8,132 Trader Rating: (10) Rides Gallery: NemeGuero Feedback Score: 10 reviews	its money. Just take it apart since you already have a spare. Replace all necessary bearings n stuff.. You'll be fine __________________

12-10-2008, 02:12 PM	#4
gunluvS14 Zilvia Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: ga Posts: 206 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	i'm thinking about the same thing. I have a crapped out one that I switched 4 years ago, i have a another project that needs a fresh transmission, I'm wondering where and how much it would cost to pay someone to rebuild it. I don't want to buy a used transmission that already has weak syncro and worn out parts __________________

12-10-2008, 02:20 PM	#5
murda-c Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Montgomery County, MD Age: 36 Posts: 3,198 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Anyone know where to get rebuild kits for a ka/sr tranny if i can rebuild it myself? my synchros are getting old __________________

12-10-2008, 02:21 PM	#6
projectRDM Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Atlanta Age: 51 Posts: 13,812 Trader Rating: (12) Feedback Score: 12 reviews	A full rebuild kit is right around $380. I posted a link a few days ago but you can google it too. Labor depends. Local place near me charges $900 parts and labor, so with them getting a break on parts that's maybe $600 in labor. Do it yourself for nothing, a manual box is really easy to teardown and rebuild if you have an FSM. __________________ FORMERLY R240NA Learn what's really going on and protect your assets now before they're gone forever: www.paypalsucks.com

12-10-2008, 02:24 PM	#7
holemilk00 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 2,486 Trader Rating: (33) Feedback Score: 33 reviews	Anywhere from $750-$1100 depending on the shop and their hourly rate.

12-10-2008, 02:25 PM	#8
bl3ujay07 Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: norcal(209) and socal(805) Posts: 691 Trader Rating: (6) Feedback Score: 6 reviews	when i had an accord, someone who works in their garaged estimated 1200 for a rebuild. Ridiculously expensive, for someone like me.

12-10-2008, 03:55 PM	#12
xsparc Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: san diego area - esco Posts: 461 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	When i did mine, i think i paid around 200 - 250 for the kit. But it didnt have everything. There were a few of bearings missing and some other minor stuff. The main thing s you will need are all new syncro parts, main shaft bearings, seals, maybe shims, and most likely a new reverse gear. Every KA tranny ive driven/seen had a worn out rev gear. __________________ No... no one stole my interior... its safely in my garage...

12-10-2008, 03:59 PM	#13
bo2o Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: May 2006 Location: 626 socal! Posts: 1,315 Trader Rating: (7) Feedback Score: 7 reviews	just get another ka tranny that has lower miles. i have sohc with 140k __________________ fS! *vlsd ! slim fans ! hid kits ! lug nuts !* http://www.zilvia.net/f/search.php?d...earchuser=bo2o ^^^click^^^

12-10-2008, 04:05 PM	#14
whiterps13 Zilvia Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Illinois Age: 37 Posts: 831 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Back when I was younger I broke off the gate between 3rd and 5th. I also needed a new clutch, synchros, and various parts that broke. I paid like $1500 for the rebuild and everything from the best transmission shop in the area. That was like '03 before I even knew about swapping and such. The guy is rediculously talented and has worked on soo many cars. He said the KA transmission was one of the most difficult he has ever worked on. He told me he would not do it again, no matter how much I paid him. I obviously wouldnt touch it. __________________

12-10-2008, 04:10 PM	#15
xsparc Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: san diego area - esco Posts: 461 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Uh, i did mine in my garage in about 4 hours... its not that hard __________________ No... no one stole my interior... its safely in my garage...

12-10-2008, 04:54 PM	#16
SochBAT Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Abilene, TX Age: 39 Posts: 6,428 Trader Rating: (9) Rides Gallery: SochBAT Feedback Score: 9 reviews	Find a lowmile SR tranny for that price. Rebuilding is a bitch. For the technically inclined.

12-10-2008, 06:58 PM	#20
VanduzerLancerES Zilvia Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Oxnard, California Age: 35 Posts: 232 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I personally think tranny work is pie.. Its not hard at all. Ive done 5 240s JUST tranny work.. its not difficult if you know something about them, The first one i didnt i didnt know anything. If your careful, and you get the tourque specs, youll be good. MAKE SURE TO TOURQE EVERYTHING DOWN THO. that is something you want to do. And as far as hard to get out? Thats a joke, you unbolt the driveshaft, and undo the bolts from the tranny to the engine.. Its easy as said and done.

12-10-2008, 10:13 PM	#21
redline racer510 Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: EARFF(earth for you idiots) Posts: 1,072 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	the transmission shop near my house wanted 800 for labor and all new internals including new clutch and resurfaced flywheel

12-10-2008, 10:51 PM	#23
besTint Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Stanton, CA Posts: 2,641 Trader Rating: (81) Rides Gallery: besTint Feedback Score: 81 reviews	hit up SARDS14 on aim. he has rebuilt ones for $450 with core exchange. i got two of them from him before. both work like new still. __________________ http://squarespokes.com/

07-02-2010, 07:55 PM	#29
Bellanatrix Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pensacola FL Posts: 4 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The tranny just went out in my 89 240SX. I am not a mechanic (most of us women as far as I know don't care too much for working on cars but I could be wrong). In any case I've got some questions. I've done a search on here to try to get some answers. I'm a newbie as you can see. I've got about 180,000 k - automatic transmission was getting cranky this winter - it was very cold for where I live (north FL) and when I'd put it in drive it wouldn't want to go so I had to put it in park and go thru the gears to get it to engage. Since it warmed up it got better and I didn't have this problem so much. I told my mechanic about it and he told me that my seals were probably worn and dry and to buy Lucas transmission seal and I put it in the transmission yesterday afternoon. Everything was fine. Then last night at 12 am on a busy road, I heard a little clunk and then the car just wouldn't go anymore. Wouldn't go into any gear but Park and of course Neutral. So I didn't have this major prob until I put the Lucas in. I think it might be time for a new tranny but I don't know yet because it's the weekend now and can't get in touch w/ my mechanic. So questions are: 1. Would it be cheaper to get a manual transmission installed instead of another automatic? 2. Any ideas as to why this might have happened after putting Lucas in transmission fluid? Thanks for your input.

07-02-2010, 08:05 PM	#30
I LUV MY S13 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Norwalk, Los Angeles Age: 35 Posts: 3,349 Trader Rating: (35) Rides Gallery: I LUV MY S13 Feedback Score: 35 reviews	to answer your first question a swap can run $400+..just depends on what setup you go with, clutch, slave, etc __________________ -Jorge