2008 Saab 9-7x Aero tranny ?

[johnd12]

I was reading some posts about bad transmissions and was wondering if it was fixed by the 2008 model year.
I own a 2007 9-3 Combi and I'm looking at a 2008 9-7x Aero even though I know it's not a real Saab.
thanks
John

[timg]

The transmission is a weak point in all of the V8 models. Some people will make it to 150,000 miles with no problems. Others blow them at 5,000 miles. Much of it depends on how you drive. The good thing is the GM knows the transmissions can go out and will replace them under warranty. It's also easy and fairly cheap to get a 'bulletproof' aftermarket transmission.

Tim

[97X Shopper]

I've been doing some research on the 9-7x, and the transmission in the Aero is the 4L70E, which can handle more power than the 4L60E. The 4L60E is used in the 5.3i and was used in cars like the Z28 and Trans Am, but apparently it can't hold up to the more powerful LS2 in the Aero. I read an article in one of the hot rod magazines where they modded a Trailblazer SS (same drivetrain as the Aero) to make like 150+ more HP and it blew the trans in short order. I've read that some looked into putting the next one up the line (4L80E) in, but there were too many headaches trying to do so.

The consensus I read about as noted above by timg would be to have the 4L70E worked on by a specialty shop, to make it "bulletproof".

[johnd12]

How exactly is this transmission modified to make it buletproof ?
The shops here in Calgary are not known for having great mechanics.
I just wonder if anyone here would have an idea what to do .
thanks

[timg]

The 5.3 is a 4L65E. It's a bit stronger than the 4L60E, but not by much. The 4L70E is again a bit stronger. Virtually all of the parts are interchangeable, so it shouldn't matter which one you start with when doing upgrades to the transmission. Check tbssowners.com for more information about transmission upgrades. Generally, cooling, servos, and a shift kit are easy DIY upgrades, for anything else, most people buy a complete upgraded transmission.

Tim

[97X Shopper]

Thanks for the correction timg, I had not looked into the 5.3i as much as the Aero and overlooked that.

If you Google 4L70E, you should get a bunch of transmission places. Can't help you with Canada, but here in the states, RPM transmissions has a great reputation- I have one of their "bulletproof" T56 six-speeds in my Trans Am.