3T40 Trans build up advice

[jking18]

I think I remember someone here mentioned a built 3T40 or 3 speed auto in their sig but I cant remember who. does anyone know who I am talking about? Anyways i am looking for advice on what parts should be bought to keep my transmission from exploding when paired with the 3400 sfi?

[13's or bust]

that would be asylum, but he hasnt been on at all for a while. nobody has heard from that i know of. but he had a cammed 3500 on a built 3t40.

[ronaconda]

I think I remember someone here mentioned a built 3T40 or 3 speed auto in their sig but I cant remember who. does anyone know who I am talking about? Anyways i am looking for advice on what parts should be bought to keep my transmission from exploding when paired with the 3400 sfi?

Buy the rebuild manual for $30 and a 'stock' rebuild kit is in the range of $150. If you want a tougher trans, find a non-e version of the 4t60 out of a TGP (HD version) or a buick Reatta (F4 version IIRC). I know that there are a few on here know what the good parts are for either trans and the Fiero guys really know there stuff about these from what i've read.

[jking18]

that would be asylum, but he hasnt been on at all for a while. nobody has heard from that i know of. but he had a cammed 3500 on a built 3t40.

I remember who it was, i think. maybe scd88ga? I know the trans wasnt on a beretta. Yeah, it has to be scd88ga.

[13's or bust]

ohhhh yea i think he had one in his 3800 sc'ed swapped 88 g/a. idk if it was built though.

[scd88ga]

Yeah, that was me. I could give you a rundown of the trans build but hardly any of the parts are made anymore, so it won't do you any good. At the end of the day I had $1,800 in a trans that was good enough to run 12's with 330+ hp, but it was already cooked after 13,000 miles! If I can give you any advice, ditch the 3 speed, it sucks!

[jking18]

Would it still suck if I only wanted to run a cammed 3400? I could take ronaconda's advice and just get a 440 T4 (4T60) because there are a couple of Buick Reattas in the yard I go to. Thanks for the advice.

[1988GTU]

For those with a 3 speed auto and want to go faster with more durability and reliability, it is highly recommended to plan to swap the trans out at the same time of putting in a different motor. By doing the trans and engine at the same time, you'll prevent from kicking yourself in the butt down the road when you've been misled to believe the 3t40 is a strong trans. It is plain and simple a budget trans designed for nothing more than commuting from point A to point B.

With today's advancements and the help of having the ability to crossbreed other vehicles with ours, you can find controllers, how to's, tips and hints to installing an electronically controlled trans.
Look at the future of where you might want to realistically be with your Beretta and its power goals. You'll find that a well built 4t60E or a tweaked 4t65E would be all you'll ever need unless you go balls out strip only... then a well built 4t80E is the best option from what I've dabbled with.

In short, just double your -swap "funds"- and plan to throw that 3 speed over a bridge, along with that pos torque converter!