Auto Transmission Transplant for 1988 4+3

[johnny80]

Hey Gang,

Sorry its been so long since i have chimed in but have been deployed here in Iraq since March and been kinda busy...thank god for my Corvette America Catalog and my girl back home...i forgot my original password so had to re register. anyway...been making some good bank here in the badlands and dreaming of my 1988 Black Beauty back home non stop. keeps me motivated while i dodge the rounds here in Baghdad. anyway...since i will have a chunk of change when i return...(and after a long break and ski trip and stuff for my girl) I want to put a auto trans in place of my 4+3...i saw websites for prices around 1600-2000....not an issue...but wanted to know if it can be done and what all will it entail....(gear shifter...linkage etc....)to make it an auto....plus...need info on getting her painted...want original color (black) and how to go about shopping around for the best value and job done....anyway....glad to be back on the website...everbody was so helpful when i first got her back in Nov of 02.....now want to make her even better.......thanks again and hope to hear from you soon..

SGT Johnny Drummond

[frank moran]

it should be a relativly easy swap, you just need to get the shift linkage and other related parts, all of it except the lingage is typical GM stuff, what are you going to do with the 4/3, take care over there.

[JonM]

My advise would be to sell your car and buy an auto..on top of all the stuff you mentioned you will also need flywheel, torque converter, ECM, a couple of harnesses, a new console, boot, driveshaft, mounts...and so on.

I don't mean to pop your bubble, but facts are facts...

Keep your open and your down..

Good Luck over there and thanks

[frank moran]

however all these items are readily available, but yes it would be easier to buy one with an auto.

[johnny80]

Thanks guys...i kinda figured that it's gonna be a bit of an ordeal....thanks for the input.......any advice on getting her painted?....

[Copdogcorvettes]

Well it is nice to see someone else from western Washington on here. As to the paint work you can check Pacific Covettes. They are located north of McCord near Puyallup. I think they have a web site. They charge around $4000- $7000 for a complete paint job. They also have a nice supply of new and used parts, as well as a service dept. You can also check with Black Lake Corvettes in Olympia.
Now as changing to an Auto trans; If you can do all the work yourself great. The best way to do it would be to find a wreck one with everything you need. That way as you take the wreck apart you know how to put it all back. It's a lot of work. If you are going to pay someone to do it; Trade yours off for another vette.
Good Luck on what ever you do.
If you make it out to the beach here let me know so we can say Hi.

[muddywaters]

As a Vietnam war draftee I have the utmost respect for anyone in the military and concur with JonD, please be careful over there and sell your stick and buy an automatic, when it comes time to sell it , you'll wish you did.