Valve Body or Torque Converter

1.8-liter VVTL-i (2ZZ-GE) and VVT-i (1ZZ-FE) engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, and performance tuning discussions
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Petrucci914
Posts: 991
Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2005 12:33 am

Valve Body or Torque Converter

Post by Petrucci914 »

Which one should I get first? I'm looking for longevity of the transmission and better shifting performance. The Torque Converter is $500 and the labor would be $500. The valve body is about the same price but I'm unsure if I can do it on my own.
2003 Pontiac Vibe Base - AutomaticTRD Supercharger w/ Smoothflow PulleyaFe Drop-in Filter - DC Sports HeaderFull 2.25" Exhaust -Magnaflow Catback + CatsOptima RedTop - Tru-Cool Tranny Cooler
kevera
Posts: 3127
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2003 8:30 pm

Re: Valve Body or Torque Converter (Petrucci914)

Post by kevera »

Do the valve body first.It will shift sooo much better.Then do the torque converter when you have more funds.How's the tranny holding up?
June '07 VOTM Sept '07 MOTM HCVO /HCMO The Red Devil
Petrucci914
Posts: 991
Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2005 12:33 am

Re: Valve Body or Torque Converter (kevera)

Post by Petrucci914 »

How hard is it to replace the valve body?
2003 Pontiac Vibe Base - AutomaticTRD Supercharger w/ Smoothflow PulleyaFe Drop-in Filter - DC Sports HeaderFull 2.25" Exhaust -Magnaflow Catback + CatsOptima RedTop - Tru-Cool Tranny Cooler
kevera
Posts: 3127
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2003 8:30 pm

Re: Valve Body or Torque Converter (Petrucci914)

Post by kevera »

Not too hard,They give you lube to hold the springs in place.I've done a few before on my Chevelles,with shift kits and a manual valve body conversion.It was easier for me,I had the tranny out of the Vibe when I changed mine.
June '07 VOTM Sept '07 MOTM HCVO /HCMO The Red Devil
AKLGT
Posts: 11694
Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2003 2:57 pm

Post by AKLGT »

VB all the way! and also, who are you having this done thru? Local shop or some place else? and why $500 for the labor??? Would the shop be removing, modding and re-installing the VB for you? Also remember, you'll need to do a tranny flush at the same time. I would suggest using the BG Additive at that time if you aren't already.
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
Petrucci914
Posts: 991
Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2005 12:33 am

Re: (AKLGT)

Post by Petrucci914 »

A local tranny shop. $500 to basically remove the tranny and install the torque converter......not sure if that's the same labor price for the VB replacement. I'd be buying the already modified VB.BG?I was assuming that I could replace the VB by removing the pan and doing it underneath, but I guess not.
2003 Pontiac Vibe Base - AutomaticTRD Supercharger w/ Smoothflow PulleyaFe Drop-in Filter - DC Sports HeaderFull 2.25" Exhaust -Magnaflow Catback + CatsOptima RedTop - Tru-Cool Tranny Cooler
Petrucci914
Posts: 991
Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2005 12:33 am

Re: (AKLGT)

Post by Petrucci914 »

oh ya, and a $100,000 worth of Subarus? Are you in a business that I should know about?
2003 Pontiac Vibe Base - AutomaticTRD Supercharger w/ Smoothflow PulleyaFe Drop-in Filter - DC Sports HeaderFull 2.25" Exhaust -Magnaflow Catback + CatsOptima RedTop - Tru-Cool Tranny Cooler
AKLGT
Posts: 11694
Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2003 2:57 pm

Post by AKLGT »

I own my business. anyways, when you drop the VB out of the car, you have to drain all the fluids, so that means you have to add them all back in. I just did this with my LGT (removed my modded VB and sold it to another LGT owner). Now, I'm waiting for his stock VB to reinstall. meanwhile, the LGT is sitting on the back dealer lot in an auto coma. I can tell you from experience, if you are looking for quicker, firmer shifts, prolonged life (it won't save your tranny, but it can help prevent more wear and tear as you add more power) than go with the VB. The TC is helpful, but it won't give you those nice crisp shifts. Just my $.02
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
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