Transmission Dead!

[MIGHTY 8]

Greetings, Looks like Transmission is dead! Well, at least 2nd gear to be more precise. Was able to nurse it to a shop which wont be able to accept me as they are jam packed. Will get a tow home, park car and figure things out. Question Is what options Does one have here? Go straight for a new ome, rebuild? Any advice gladly appreciated!

[joelittel]

I would consider pulling it out and opening it up. They aren’t that hard to get in/out.

Once you know exactly what you’re dealing with you can make a plan. Plus dropping it off is easier than another towing.

If you plan to keep the car indefinitely and you’ve got the time, I’d also consider rebuilding it yourself. Good FIAT mechanics will only be harder to find the next time this problem comes up again.

[JohnMc]

I bought a rebuilt from one of the vendors. Mine works fine.
THey are not that hard to take out - and if you are going to do some engine work over winter could take out as one piece.
I am kind of sorry that I did not try to rebuild my own - just for the experience. But I was working then - now retired.

[dinghyguy]

i just took my tranny out recently and replaced the clutch as well as the input bearing on the tranny. getting it out was a bit of a struggle because everything was dirty and i didn't know exactly what was where. putting it all back in was a breeze after all was clean and i knew where all the bolts were and what extension combinations were needed.

If my tranny had been worse i would not have hesitated to do the rebuild on my bench. hand tools are almost all you need although a press would be useful for a couple of tasks, but i am sure you could either beg the 10 minutes needed from a shop or make up a jig of some sort if needed. So given winter is coming i suggest you take it out and rebuild yourself if you have the time and space. your sense of accomplishment will make it all worthwhile, not to mention that the manual for the disassembly and rebuild is readily available for downloading.
I don't know what the parts cost would be, but you could certainly figure that out based on all new synchro's and springs, bearings, seals and gaskets to start followed by a second parts order for any gears or shifter arms you might want. Of course allowing for shipping etc the car will be out of service for between 2 and 6 weeks depending on how fast you work.

another way is to buy a used one from someone parting out the car, swap it in and then repair yours at your leisure, or not, if the new one is acceptable to you. That is likely about half the cost or less of a rebuilt one.
cheers
dinghyguy

[TheBender]

Bought mine without a second gear. Going first to third isn't fun at all. Got lucky with my mechanic as he had an engine come in for another project that had a good transmission attached still. Swapped it out at a fair price and good to go. Lots of choices out there once you figure out what's wrong and what's needed.

[MIGHTY 8]

Hello,

Thank you all for writing in. I appreciate all the input. As much as I would like to rip this thing open and get my hands dirty, I keep my car garaged in a public parking location so that would not be possible, in addition to my lacking the proper tools, proper workspace,,etc.
I’ve made a recent significant investment into the 2L engine, which may contribute to now overwhelming the driveline. I’ve spoken to some vendors knowledgeable with what I have running, and that seems to be the consensus.
So now a 131 box is a suggested option moving forward. If anyone here has done one of these, I sure would appreciate some pictures or advice.
If available, please email pics At gavillan@hotmail.com

Thanks again!
Gabriel