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What type transmission 97' Lumina


gold10go4
09-10-2007, 02:14 PM
As I understand it, the 97 Lumina w/ 3.1 engine can have 3 possible auto transmissions in it. Is there a quick way to determine which one my daughter's car has?

jeffcoslacker
09-10-2007, 02:29 PM
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/PanShapes.htm

Probably 4T60E

gold10go4
09-10-2007, 04:38 PM
It's a little difficult to tell the 19 bolt 4T60 from the 20 bolt 4T60E unless the tranny is down. Is there any nomenclature on the car itself to determine which tranny is has? I think the two most obvious ones are 4T60E and the 4T65E, which isn't shown on the pan layout, but I believe these are not really interchangeable without electrical changes. Am I wrong?

jeffcoslacker
09-11-2007, 06:17 AM
I'm not sure. The E denotes electronic, which is all that was available in '97. As far as I knew, the 4T60E was the standard for a 3.1.

RPO code 4T65E = MN7, 4T60E = M13

I thought the T65 was just for higher output motors (3.8 and 3.4 DOHC)...but again I could be wrong....

jeffcoslacker
09-11-2007, 06:32 AM
I'm finding conflicting info on RPO designations....see what your "M" code is, then we can look it up...

gold10go4
09-11-2007, 01:18 PM
M13, which I think is 4T60E? Is that correct?

richtazz
09-11-2007, 01:44 PM
yes, M13 denotes you have a 4T60E transaxle. Why do you need to know, are you looking for a salvage replacement? If so, there are multiple variations on the M13 transaxle as to final drive ratio, yours has the 3.33:1 final drive ratio. Getting the wrong one would mess up your speedo/odo calibration.

FYI, a 97 Lumina 3.1 only came with the M13 (4T60E) trans, no other trans was available for your year/engine combo. The 97 Lumina with the 3.4 DOHC was offered with the M15 (4T65E) trans.

gold10go4
09-11-2007, 07:16 PM
Thank you. Yes, I'm looking at a rebuilt unit in my area. There is a dealer here who rebuilds, and from what I can gather, puts quite a bit of money and effort in parts in the rebuilds. I didn't realize they had to be "ordrered" according to final drive ratio. How does one know what the ratio is on a rebuilt unit? Can the dealer of the rebuilt determine what ratio his tranny has when rebuilding the tranny? Thanks for all your help !! This is a 97 Lumina sedan w/ 3.1 - is the final drive always the same for this configuration? Or do the trannies vary according to the type of car into which they're placed? Lots of questions. Thanks for your patience.

richtazz
09-12-2007, 05:58 AM
If they keep the OEM ID tag with the trans, it will identify the final drive ratio. The dealer that rebuilds them should have the tag identifying information, the VIN specific info on your car, as well as know what final drive ratio their units have.

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