1979 Corrola Transmission

[george1881]

Hi,

I'm in Chicago, and the proud owner of a 1979 toyota corrola with 116K miles on it, TE2 engine, no visible rust (but a few undercarriage issues, I'll be honest). In the past four months, after an ill-advised road-trip to a part of the country with 45 degree angled hills, the 5 speed transmission has started to make a whining sound when accelerating. The mechanic I'm working with -- who is a very smart guy -- has located a 4 speed transmission that is reputed to be in great shape, and his recommendation is that I replace the 5 speed transmission, and then store the 5 speed transmission to have it rebuilt at my leisure, and that way, I can use the 4 speed transmission for a few years, and then restore the original transmission when it is fixed/ or if the 4 speed transmission goes bad.

Does that sound like a good game plan? Is it really that impossible to find a used 5 speed transmission in good shape? More importantly, is there some super-smart guy in Uruguay or someplace who is a genius at rebuilding old toyota transmissions? Since I'll have a replacement transmission in the car, I have plenty of time to have it shipped (particularly because it is going into storage for the winter), but, needless to say, I want to treat the car well...

pk

[Phoenix999]

I would stick with the 5 speed.... better flexibility and fuel mileage :)

I am interested in your locations Chicago.... Uruguay.... not exactly down the road from each other ;)