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Should I just keep my 95!!


W30olds
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Been looking at getting a newer GP last few months. Looked at several later models, but none of them have been in as good of a condition as my 1995. Most that I've looked at were wore out and needed paint, body work, engine or transmission work. My 95 has a few flaws that can be fixed. However the body's straight, no rust and it could use a fresh coat of paint on the roof and trunk.

 

The trans in my car is original and is starting to slip a bit, so I've pondered the idea of just restoring my 95 with a fresh tranny and getting the paint fixed. The interior is a 8 and mechanically it's pretty solid. Just redid the HVAC system and it's awesome.

 

What's your thoughts?? Newer car, or restore the 95. It's a reliable car and I would drive it anywhere. Never has left me stranded to date.......decisions!

 

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Convert the drivetrain. I know everyone hates that answer but for the cost of a rebuilt 4T60 one can put a 4565e-HD/L67 in. Then it's also OBD-II. The new engine and trans are both easier to work on and cheaper to replace and have a good aftermarket. Also, you know the car you have and we all know a new car will come with it's own set of problems.

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Thanks! The problem is I recently put a new GM 3100 crate engine in her, so the only weak link that I can see is the trans. It's the original one and I priced a new replacement trans at $1,200, so not to bad. That's my only worry now is the tranny going out. The paints cosmetic and can be fixed fairly easily at the bodyshop.

 

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Ouch, I wonder if a TCI tranny controller would run a 65E? It sure would be nice to get away from that vacuum modulated dinosaur. Those transmissions are so cheap and abundant nowadays.

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Ouch, I wonder if a TCI tranny controller would run a 65E? It sure would be nice to get away from that vacuum modulated dinosaur. Those transmissions are so cheap and abundant nowadays.

From what GM told me I have the 4t60E tranny in my car. Guess the E is for electronic shift control...

 

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No vacuum doodle on the front (vehicle perspective) of the bellhousing area?

I just looked. There's a vacuum line from the manifold down to the transmission case, so I'm confused as to which. I'll have to look at the trans pan. I remember it being stamped on the pan

 

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That's right, but it's still an expensive transmission because of it's age. There's few good used ones so a pricey rebuild is the only sure thing. The final revision of the 440 was the 4T60e. At any rate imo I would keep the 95, it's a good decision financially and you know the history. Starting over sucks.

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That's right, but it's still an expensive transmission because of it's age. There's few good used ones so a pricey rebuild is the only sure thing. The final revision of the 440 was the 4T60e. At any rate imo I would keep the 95, it's a good decision financially and you know the history. Starting over sucks.

Thanks for your info and help sir. Yeah I don't want to start over again with a newer "project or problem" car right now. The 95 has been in our family since it was bought brand new, so I know the car. I'm going.to check on a replacement trans and just keep the cash saved for it when this one gives up the ghost. The paint I'm going to get a few prices on as well.

 

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I wouldnt replace it the 95GP but it never hurts to have a reliable DD as a backup. Before replacing the trans have you tried some Lucas stop slip? or another recommended product would be Trans-X. Trans-X stopped my delayed engagement issue on my 1994 4t60e and lucas helped the harsh shifting in my old GTP. A Buick Regal trans cooler has also been said to help reduce the heat and I have one on my Vert that Galaxie500 put on a few years ago.

 

Personally I`d much rather have a 1st gen GTP with an L67 swap than a factory 2nd Gen GTP, the 1st gens look better IMHO.

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I wouldnt replace it the 95GP but it never hurts to have a reliable DD as a backup. Before replacing the trans have you tried some Lucas stop slip? or another recommended product would be Trans-X. Trans-X stopped my delayed engagement issue on my 1994 4t60e and lucas helped the harsh shifting in my old GTP. A Buick Regal trans cooler has also been said to help reduce the heat and I have one on my Vert that Galaxie500 put on a few years ago.

 

Personally I`d much rather have a 1st gen GTP with an L67 swap than a factory 2nd Gen GTP, the 1st gens look better IMHO.

I've not tried that. I did check the fluid at work and it was a bit low. Topped it off before leaving. Driving home it didn't act up. I've been pretty regular with the maintenance on my car. Change the trans fluid ever 15K. I run Mobil 1 synthetic oil in it also. It's my DD so I try and take good care of it. It's had many new parts installed on it over the last year ad runs great. The paint has a few bad spots where the clear coat has started to peal after 20+ years,.so I can't complain. If the trans failed tomorrow I'd not say anything as its been reliable.for 200K miles now.

 

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I wouldnt replace it the 95GP but it never hurts to have a reliable DD as a backup. Before replacing the trans have you tried some Lucas stop slip? or another recommended product would be Trans-X. Trans-X stopped my delayed engagement issue on my 1994 4t60e and lucas helped the harsh shifting in my old GTP. A Buick Regal trans cooler has also been said to help reduce the heat and I have one on my Vert that Galaxie500 put on a few years ago.

 

Personally I`d much rather have a 1st gen GTP with an L67 swap than a factory 2nd Gen GTP, the 1st gens look better IMHO.

Think I will get a trans cooler for it also. Maybe would help it stay running longer?!?

 

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If you're crafty enough to make your own brackets the tranny cooler from a late '90's / early 2000's Explorer is a beast of a bar and plate cooler with hose barbs in and out. There's no shortage of Exploders in any wrecking yard.

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If you're crafty enough to make your own brackets the tranny cooler from a late '90's / early 2000's Explorer is a beast of a bar and plate cooler with hose barbs in and out. There's no shortage of Exploders in any wrecking yard.

Thanks! I'm at Advance Auto looking at trans coolers as I type this :-)

 

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Those ones are generally in the teens of dollars range at a PAP yard. We have them on 2 cars and the other 2 are getting them. My TFT took a huge dive after installation both times.

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I put a transmission cooler on my old '95 Cutlass from a early 90's Regal.  Apparently, several of them had an external cooler that sat in front of the A/C condenser.  The mounting holes were even already in the radiator support on my Cutlass to bolt it right in...I think my total cost was $18.00.

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So I got a trans cooler. It's a Hayden rapid cooler. Got amazing reviews. Anywho a question for you guys....I'm going to use this as a secondary cooler and still use my radiator as primary. I believe that's how to do it. Anywho so when it's all together next week probably I'll give some updates on the product and results I get. I should have installed one years ago on my car! Live and learn!

 

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I'm not going to take the wind out of your sails but.....

 

if the trans already has internal issues....... installing a cooler at this point won't necessarily eliminate a problem that is there, but the external cooler is definitely a good idea, it's too bad that all auto transmissions don't get one coming down the assembly line.

 

Did you state that you change the trans fluid every 15,000 miles?

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I'm not going to take the wind out of your sails but.....

 

if the trans already has internal issues....... installing a cooler at this point won't necessarily eliminate a problem that is there, but the external cooler is definitely a good idea, it's too bad that all auto transmissions don't get one coming down the assembly line.

 

Did you state that you change the trans fluid every 15,000 miles?

Yes. I change it usually between 15-20K miles. I don't think there's any real issues with it. Just was a bit low on tranny fluid. I found a leak in the rubber hoses. When I had the engine replaced the guy cut the hard trans lines for some damn reason. Anywho the clamp had come.loose causing me to loose some trans fluid. All good now I believe

 

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Got any pics of the old girl? I'm a huge fan of the 1G Grand Prix...so much better-looking of a car than its successors. My only gripe about the cars is the drivetrains...they had either a slowpoke 3.1/3100 or the troubled but fun 3.4, while GM should have gotten their heads out of their asses and at least put an L36 in them. Anyway, keep it. Definitely keep it.

 

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Changing the trans fluid like that seems unnecessary, but I suppose probably not detrimental. I know it’s different but my 06 had a heck of a 1-2 delay (common) so when I got it I did the fluid that probably had 100k miles and filter but added a shift kit. 225 now with no issues and nice tight shifts.

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I guess 15K isn't always the case. Usually I try and do it around do 27,000 miles. Trans fluid is usually dirty, but not burnt and have to date never had metal in the pan. Trans cooler arrived Friday, so will be installing it this week sometime!

 

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Got any pics of the old girl? I'm a huge fan of the 1G Grand Prix...so much better-looking of a car than its successors. My only gripe about the cars is the drivetrains...they had either a slowpoke 3.1/3100 or the troubled but fun 3.4, while GM should have gotten their heads out of their asses and at least put an L36 in them. Anyway, keep it. Definitely keep it.

 

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I'll try and post some below! Appreciate the reply! Wife and I just got home from the Smoky Mountains. Drove it over 300 miles and she ran without a flaw. Had several offers from people to buy it too, but for now still keeping her on the road55b91fa014fb63dcabd09cffd1f7fcf4.jpgcdeedb32a9f8e55eb538c8ffb92bcd0b.jpg

 

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Def keep that one. 1200 isnt that bad i spent 2500 for a rebuild on my 440. I still enjoy driving my tgp more than my gxp but if you were looking at newer ones go 04+ the interiors are so much nicer/modern looking

 

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