I have a 1989 780 turbo w/ 200K miles

My car has just started to crawl when starting from a standstill. Once I get above 10 - 15 mph it accelerates just fine. I have no confidence crossing busy intersection at stop signs or jumping onto the highway when I have to merge from a stop. It feels like 1st gear is bad? Is my trans dead? If so do I need a rebuild or would a rebuilt trans be more reliable.

Thank you in advance.

Hey,

If you need any ideas on how to replace a tranny, I know first-hand all the tricks (although I'm no mechanic). I changed mine myself. Let me tell you that if you've never done it before to allow at least two weekends because you'll find you need tools you probably don't have. There are little tricks I could get into, I'll give advice if someone is really interested. Oh, and my personal biggest tip (for saving time): If you are using a tranny from a 240 or any other car than one identical to your own, check the clutch actuator bar where the clutch cable connects to. If the round bearing in the center of it is longer that your original tranny, be sure to swap them or do something about it. Doing nothing may not allow you to be able to completely disengage the clutch. I know. I'm going to have to completely remove the tranny a second time.

Nathan

You're probably better off getting another transmission. When mine went out, we asked that same question to the mechanic, and they said it wasnt worth rebuilding, that it would just go out again. I'm glad we did, cause the one in there now is rock solid and probably has 150k or more on it.

Good luck!

What's your trans fluid look like? Red and clear or black and opaque? If the latter, consider a cleaning and a flush with new fluid. Otherwise, get a replacement from the junkyard.

the fluid was changed last week, along with the filter and the kickdown cable. the fluid before the change was red and not black.

i read about a power flush on the bricks maint. page - would you recommend that before looking for a replacement? how much do replacements cost vs a rebuild and do you know any reputable junkyards. i am in the ny, nj, pa tri-state area.

I would take a real hard look at the kickdown cable situation: it is difficult to re-attach PROPERLY on the transmission end: if not properly 'seated', it could slip. etc. At the other end, where it attaches next to your accelerator cable, there are 2 nuts that allow for adjustment: the cable should NOT be tight, but not too loose either( =no sagging). It is good when you cab pull the bare cable, with just two fingers, about 2 or 3 inches sideways, and it 'snaps back'. It should NOT be tight like a piano wire or guitar string! Good Luck.