My email to Shep:

I just finished looking through your website and I have a few questions for you…

First of all, I just purchased a bone stock 1992 Plymough Laser RS (6-bolt/4-bolt AWD) with some transmission “issues”: First gear grinds going in, and will tend to pop out unless you hold it in. When shifting up to second, it'll grind unless you double-clutch. All remaining gears feel fine (compared to my boyfriend's '99 GSX), and 2nd is fine if you just skip first and start there. (All original drivetrain, with 80,000 miles.)

I'm wondering if you'd have any idea if the problem descibed above might be fixed with your “basic rebuild” package? (I'm just asking for your opinion, I obviously won't hold you to an assessment of a transmission that you've never seen. -I'm just trying to get a feel for what this might cost.)

I'd also like to know what upgrades you'd suggest. I'm looking to autocross this car as well as take it to the local drag strip a few times a year. This will be my first “race car” as my other car is a Jeep Wrangler with big knobbies so, I want to be as conservative with my money as possible, but I also want to “do it right”. Bottom line: I'm interested in your suggestions about balancing performance with budget.

Thanks, Erica

Reply:

From what you describe I would figure about $1000-$1100. If it's just a mildy modded car you would not need any upgrades.  John Shepherd

Shep: http://www.shepracing.com/services.html

$895.00 Base price includes:

• New 1-2 fork
• New 3-4 fork
• New Shepracing spec 2nd gear
• New 1-2 hub/sleeve kit with double synchro rings
• New 3-4 synchro rings
• New 5th gear synchro rings
• New 1-2-3-4 synchro springs
• New input ,output ,and both drive shaft seals
• New Input shaft bearings
• New intermediate gear bearings
• New roll pins
• New end nuts
• New center diff side shims
• New nylon shifter pad
• Shims for setting preload

Upgrades:

• �NEW� heavy duty custom Torrington bearing upgrade for center diff $75 (includes all machining necessary to install the new bearing)
• Heavy Duty shift rails: Custom heavy duty 3-4 shift rail. Call for pricing.
• Double Synchro 3rd and 4th gearset: Custom 3rd and 4th gear double synchro. Call for pricing.
• Heavy duty 3rd and 4th gearset: Heavy duty 3-4 conversion (93.5-99) - $250.00
• GVR-4 1st gearset: Gvr4 1st gear and input shaft - $225.00
• 4 Spider center differential: 4 spider center diff. (must have good core) - $400.00 or $475.00 with bearing upgrade
• Billet shift forks - $160.00 extra
• Welded center differential: Welded diff and locking sleeve - $200.00
• Painted with cast blast or aluma blast - NOW FREE

895+225+160=1280 (1755w/ 4spider center diff) + shipping, box, etc.