Gearbox options

[Rupert]

Another gearbox thread....

Mine has the 1st to 2nd slip bang problem, and generally feeling loose with some occasional thumping between 3rd and 4th.
New box time, but what are my options?


AMD is offering a "fully reconditioned" box for £3695.95 inc vat.
Is there somewhere that can offer an uprated box for same or slightly more than that?
Options and guide prices would be most helpful.

[seaneb]

Unit20 in Neston charge a similar amount I believe. They take the box to Chester Transmissions for the actual rebuild. There's loads of info on this if you do a search!

[rossi46]

As mentioned, lots of information available on here. Have a search through ..
For me, I would probably go for a remanufactured 'box from ZF ( about £3700+vat ??? ) or Chester Trans. ( via Unit20) for a rebuild. I'd also speak to MRC and QST for their thoughts/prices and experience on this. Nobody else.
There is a thread on here regarding the AMD option. Have a read and make your call.

You could also use the 517 option (USA). A couple of people on the forum have used them and, I believe, are happy with the outcome.

Good luck

[amanda1]

I have 517 Trans after a Chester auto referb.....wish I had gone that way first as it would have saved me a lot of money! Hind sight is brilliant though

[rossi46]

Was there no form of warranty on CT's work Amanda?
My feeling was that there were one or two people that had used them and were happy with the outcome. Didn't the guy ( rs2 ??) who rebuilt his own transmission liaise with Chester during the build and found them to be very informed ?
How long in total was the 517 project (from instruction to the trans. arriving back in the UK ? )

[chunky79]

I think cryptics box took over a year, that's if we ever get told the full and correct story.

Rupert -
Is your car re-mapped? If its stage 2 + then I would go for a 517 box and verter. (any issues though and it's headache time)
If it's standard then I would go for a zf refurb box and new verter. (you get your warranty) Depending where you're based would depend on who I'd get to fit it.

[Mr V10]

Chester Auto Transmissions have a brilliant reputation, and if they'd messed your box up Amanda I'm confident they would have seen you right, and even without checking I am 99% sure there would be at least a 12 month warranty. Agree with Chunkster, we've never heard the full and correct story, but let's not go too off topic.

[Rupert]

Ok I was kinda hoping we could get some sort of list going, I like lists
What did you have done and roughly how much did it cost, how much power and torque are you running and how is it holding up?

Mine is MRC stage 1, not dyno'd so I don't know the exact figures.
First standard box failed at 60k miles with standard power, but I did drive it properly. Second box has lasted 25k with MRC stage 1 but there were other factors which could have contributed to the failure.

Have I just been unlucky and could a standard box last a reasonable time with stage 1 if I drive it sensibly?
I'd rather go for a UK option and something less than 5k.

[bilko1]

MRC stage 2, ACE converter and Chester recon box fitted by Grizz here. Chester do warranty the box but you would have to pay Grizz labour to remove and refit if it went wrong. I'm not sure if Chester remove RS6 boxes, but if they do then if it did go wrong it would be down to them to sort free of charge.

[ant1]

Don't cross AMD off your list, 2 years warranty, 1st year covers Everything including labour, and 2nd year just box and you pay to remove and refit. Never had one issue with my box and I gave it hell. Stage 2 mapped also. They also give you a loan car plus they keep a rebuilt box ready to go for quick turn around.

[chunky79]

You like lists then Rupert -

1. Do a search, been about 100 million threads about this.
2.

[Rupert]

You like lists then Rupert -

1. Do a search, been about 100 million threads about this.
2.

...and I've read most of them, but they do get very messy indeed, normally with people changing their minds half way through, talking about valve bodies, clutch packs, solenoids, uprated torque converters, shipping to USA etc it's a minefield to pick out what has actually happened after a 20+ page thread, and still no idea of costs involved.

[rossi46]

You like lists then Rupert -

1. Do a search, been about 100 million threads about this.
2.

...and I've read most of them, but they do get very messy indeed, normally with people changing their minds half way through, talking about valve bodies, clutch packs, solenoids, uprated torque converters, shipping to USA etc it's a minefield to pick out what has actually happened after a 20+ page thread, and still no idea of costs involved.

Unfortunately, discussing the various components is part of the process (unless you just want a drive in - drive out 'take your chances' option). Everything you've mentioned above are directly related to the g/box and most will want to understand if any of these were causes/contributing factors to the failure of the 'box. If you feel that fundamentally the original internals of the gearbox aren't up to the job, then go the 517 route and be prepared for a large bill,long wait and messy/costly issues should things go wrong down the line.The flip side is you will have what is generally considered the best option as the US guys have learnt a lot about these auto trans. At the other end of the scale is AMD ; drive your car in, wait a few days , hand over a cheque and drive away. This is the simplest way for sure. Its up to you if what is actually done in the rebuilding process is properly explained and the components which fail are upgraded/replaced/improved upon in any way. There is a lengthy thread on here which you should read as it will go a long way to helping you make an informed decision.

[Golfather]

2k Audi Warranty.
Hand car into stealer.
Drive out with a new box and 2 yr warranty

[Rupert]

You like lists then Rupert -

1. Do a search, been about 100 million threads about this.
2.

...and I've read most of them, but they do get very messy indeed, normally with people changing their minds half way through, talking about valve bodies, clutch packs, solenoids, uprated torque converters, shipping to USA etc it's a minefield to pick out what has actually happened after a 20+ page thread, and still no idea of costs involved.

Unfortunately, discussing the various components is part of the process (unless you just want a drive in - drive out 'take your chances' option). Everything you've mentioned above are directly related to the g/box and most will want to understand if any of these were causes/contributing factors to the failure of the 'box. If you feel that fundamentally the original internals of the gearbox aren't up to the job, then go the 517 route and be prepared for a large bill,long wait and messy/costly issues should things go wrong down the line.The flip side is you will have what is generally considered the best option as the US guys have learnt a lot about these auto trans. At the other end of the scale is AMD ; drive your car in, wait a few days , hand over a cheque and drive away. This is the simplest way for sure. Its up to you if what is actually done in the rebuilding process is properly explained and the components which fail are upgraded/replaced/improved upon in any way. There is a lengthy thread on here which you should read as it will go a long way to helping you make an informed decision.

Fair enough.