Now looking for some tranny specs...

So. Here I am Just looking for some general information on the 3.4l's matching tranny.. What I'd like to know is how much power can this tranny take stock before it bites the bullet, and what can be added in/on to improve its survivability....

Thanks in advance

Ptehoward

The Montana uses the 4T65E...

The 4T65E-HD is in the pontiac grand prix and with reinforcement is handling upwards of 400 hp.

For performance parts for this tranny (the 4T65E and 4T65E-HD) check out http://www.intense-racing.com/

They sell an upgrade kit but you're better off just starting out with an HD given the price

D
slightly :naughty: modified 2000 Grand Prix
2000 Pontiac Montana

So. Here I am Just looking for some general information on the 3.4l's matching tranny.. What I'd like to know is how much power can this tranny take stock before it bites the bullet, and what can be added in/on to improve its survivability....

Thanks in advance

Ptehoward

Thought for a minute there that you were shipping the Van home from somewhere in pieces like Radar did with the Jeep on M.A.S.H!!! (hee, hee!)

No, althought there are alot of jeeps leftover where Im serving in Kabul I'll just stick to "upgrading" my van for when I get home (4 days until RNR) Wa-hoo!

Im just upping the power of the van, or at least that is my Idea, and want to get some good base info of how much I can strap onto this tranny before She goes.. Dont want to put 230hp into a tranny that can only take a max of 200hp, right..

So really what is the diff inbetween the 4t65e and 4t65-HD? Im think it should be able to take 260 without sweating too much, but all I can really see that is different is the output shaft and some innerworkings of it.. Any Ideas?

And my other question is the La4 (207/3.4L) is the same used in the GrandAm/Alero/impala.. so various performance parts should be similar like a chip and intake, fuel injectors? Any ideas?

"Nobody suspects the MINI-VAN!)

I really can't help you.

Haven't hot-rodded in some time, especially since most manufacturers made it so difficult to work with their vehicles...

I'm sure someone will come forward with a tip or two.

Why not try one of the other forums and see what they know about similarities and comparisons?

I've done some research on the similarites of the FWD GM cars with the 3.4L and the Vans... they are infact nearly 100% the same. Down to the exhaust manifolds... (I compared GM part numbers) So yes, Headers for a Grand AM will work on a Venture/Montana. I can't say for sure if the Y-pipe will work though.

I've looked at a few different options, but in the end. The tranmission is the weak point on this Van. As nutty as it sounds, if I ever get the money, I'm gonna put a mild cam, headers and a quiet but high flow exhaust on it, just to say I did.

Fromm what have seen, transmission on these van are not the most durable part of the vehicle (Lets leave out the intake manifold)
Considering the number of issues I have seen with this van's transmission and towing limits I would be reluctant to put any more stress on it.

I 2nd the transmission is the weakest link of the group, but there are people running Pontiac Grand Prixs and Monte SS with mods and that transmission. If you want to upgrade the transmission, the mods are doable. How many miles you got on your current one?

One other place to check is ZZperformance.com. They work with a tranny shop in Grand Rapids, MI that knows these trannys like the back of their hand. A rebuilt 4T65E-HD will run $1750 + shipping + core. These will handle a 13 sec Grand Prix.....

D

Excellent.. So the tranny seems to be a soft spot on the montana.... hmmm... Thanks guys now I have the ammo I need.

I bought the van at 103,000Kms , and looking into the service records, the 3rd gear was lost at 89,000 and they rebuilt the tranny, at the last flush and filter I did to 'er the magnet was clear.. My intentions for the van are the basics, intake, exhaust, chip and perhaps lowering if I can find a way to do it.. Thoughts?

Ptehoward

Let me know if you find a way to do a mild lowering of it without sacrificing the ride too much. I bought mine at 90000 miles, and it had a tranny rebuild not too long before as well. Seems they had a control issue that caused problems early on. I assume that the bellhousing of the HD and the regular tranny are different. I don't know if they are swappable. Personally, if I had the time and money... I'd just swap in a L67 (i think), the 3800 supercharged.

Let us know how the mods go, I'll be attempting these soon probably too, once I get back from the sandbox at least.

If you can get an L67 in there I'd probably pay money to see it :)

I'd probably wait on doing anything to the tranny right now given what you said. IF you can figure out a way to get a cold air box in there I would deffinitely be interested.

D

I honestly don't know if I'll ever get the chance to do it or not. But if you figure that the Venture/Montana's were all based upon the original Trans Sport/APV they already used the 3.8L. The big issue would be mounting really, as the newer 3.8L is probably a tad taller, though no wider from it's older brethren. I'm sure there would be small snags around, but thats to be expected. Nothing a sledge hammer couldln't handle! :grinyes: