FWD automatic tranny

[jeffroid]

I'm more of a EA81 guy, but my GF's daughter in law has come across an '89 GL sedan in good shape but with FWD and automatic tranny. She wants to buy it and I'm trying to decide if I should recommend it or not. I know what to look for and all that, that's not my question. The only thing I am really worried about is the tranny going out. If it does will I be able to find a cheap replacement around here in the Seattle area? I don't want to get stuck trying to fix it or trying to do a manual swap or anything like that, but I would not be opposed to doing a remove and replace on the tranny if it came down to that.

 

What do y'all think ? ? ?

[TROGDOR!]

I know you said you don't want to do a manual swap... but... the gearing in those automatics is horrible, and hurts performance and gas mileage.

 

If you're not opposed to swapping the tranny... these cars are very easy to do a manual conversion on. Takes an hour or two extra work, tops. No major electrical work required, and everything bolts right in. I've done it myself and it truly isn't hard.

[jeffroid]

Well, I guess I was trying to keep it a simple as possible. Since it ain't my car, I don't really care about the performance, although I'm sure she would appreciate the fuel economy of the five speed.

 

So the question is kind of the same . . . I lurk this board almost daily and I don't recall noticing many 2WD trannys available either in auto or manual five speed. Am I going to be able to find either easily and cheaply if I need to ? ? ?

 

Also, I only have EA81 4WD's readily available (in my yard!) for donors. Will the pedal box and cluch cable and fork and stuff all work if I should decide down the road to swap with a manual ? ? ?

[TROGDOR!]

Not sure about the EA81 stuff...

 

But, you should be able to find anything you need in the PNW, 2WD or 4WD, auto or manual. I can get just about anything here, and that area is Subaru heaven compared to here.