GREGGPENN

So you really think you have a black tag now?

96_LT4_FE1

Since the tag is missing, I can't think of any other way I can tell. Some early model blues also have the mechanical lock out it could go either way. If they replaced the TOB, they didn't put it on the repair bill, although it wouldn't surprise me if they "hid" a few things as I was getting kinda irritable with them.
It really don't matter to me which I have as long as it works. So far, so good, but 3rd seems kinda finicky to me. It doesn't want to synchronize very quickly sometimes. I may end up having my old one rebuilt and put back in. We'll see, I guess.

I know the service rep wouldn't know what I was talking about if I asked him, his screen listed the tranny as being the same 89 to 96, I remember him mentioning that.

I also noticed on my old tranny that two of the input shaft bearing retainer bolts were loose, one was partially stripped in the head. I'm guessing they were horsing around with that also.

And the splines on the input shaft of my old tranny are rusty, which seems odd, but possible.

Its probably some mix and match transmission from some hole-in-the-wall tranny shop, I don't know why else anyone would take the tag off. Those tags don't just "fall off".

USAsOnlyWay

It is weird about the tag falling off... much more weird about the stripped heads on the retainer though....

Did you measure the diameter of that sleeve on the one they gave back to you? Maybe they switched it around? Or at least thought about it. Man it sure sucks they aren't straight with you.

Can you see any numbers on the trans? I can't remember if their are numbers besides on the trans tag. I do know there are black tag, black tag spec'd like blue tag, blue tag and green tag transmissions though....

96_LT4_FE1

I looked closer at the tag on my stock tranny and the rivets that hold the tag on are peened down pretty good. When I looked at the replacement tranny in my car, the rivets looked unusually long and even. I'm thinking that case never had a tag, and, therefore, was never in a corvette as OEM. Of course, I have no guesses as to where it really came from, I was only told they shipped it up from Oklahoma. I am sure it that it was "used" somewhere, tho.

I measured the shaft today.



I get 1.3730 or there abouts, which, if this is correct:

Means they switched the sleeves with the replacement tranny.

I'm guessing it happened this way:
Mechanic gets replacement tranny.
Mechanic tries installing said tranny.
tranny doesn't fit.
Mechanic says, "&*^&)ing G&&*^&(am ^&(*^^%$#&,..."
Mechanic swaps sleeves and installs the tranny.

there are casting numbers on various parts of those transmissions, some which are on top =8O, but odds are they do not contain useful information in identifying the history of the transmission.

I'm sure they are more than a little embarrassed about having difficulties with it. Its much older than they are used to and parts are much harder to come by. I actually keep forgetting that myself. I always drove old junk and parts were never a problem, but corvettes have so many "corvette only" parts and they are such a low production car (for a GM) that parts become rare pretty quick.

USAsOnlyWay

Yeah, and that is your stock trans out of your 96? You definitely have a black tag collar on there. Damn... I wish you had that about 5 months ago when I had to sleeve my blue tag collar... haha

On the bright side, they are completely interchangeable and the black tag while "noisier" is stronger than the blue. Also, the re-used and didn't damage your TOB by removing the insert so that is good.

Embarrassing sure, but that is a lot of work to leave in the dark...

Also on the bright side, I think good blue tag TOB are getting harder to come by. If you need to replace it, you can now also use a black tag (1.375) TOB if you decide to replace the collar.

EDIT:
The copied box is right except that model year 1994 had a combination of blue and black tag ZF6s all built to blue tag specs. (1.311")

helphos

Not to thread-hijack, but I have a black tag ZF in my '93. The synchros are bad on 2nd gear, so I bought a blue tag on Fleabaay. When I go to install it, will the TOB be the only thing I have to change??

Any guesses what the swap might cost?

Sounds like some knowledgeable people here, and inquiring minds want to know.

USAsOnlyWay

technically yes but I believe the tob is attached to the clutch pp. I've never messed with stock stuff so I couldn't tell you if you could swap just the tob.

GREGGPENN

Wouldn't it matter if early or late Blue Tag? If the later one, will early, lock-ring shifter still "work"? Maybe?

Actually, I'd be jumping ALL OVER a short-throw shifter for this swap. No extra charge for installation with the tranny is being swapped!!! You will not (100% guaranteed) regret it!

I'm guessing $700-$1000 for r/r depending on mechanic.

helphos

Thanks, Gregg!
The Blue tag is from a 95 Vette, so I'm assuming it's 'late.' I never thought about the short shifter kit! Thanks for the idea.

Maybe I can find a buyer for my black tag to offset some of the install cost. The rebuild parts are so expensive that I can't imagine I could get much for it, though. (It's a victim of the 'reversed seal slave cylinder' problem.)

P

jaa1992

What kind of price are you looking for the black tag?
Would you wait until December - I'll be up in the DC area between Christmas and New Years and could pick it up.

USAsOnlyWay

Short shifter is way easier to install out of the car. I would think the shifter would come with the trans but if not I would think you could install your shifter in the blue tag just without the reverse lock out. Not sure though. I love my Hurst shifter.

5abivt

I sold my black tag for a new Blue tag and Bill at ZFdoc rebuilt and strengthened it. I had him do his short throw shifter on it and it sbetter than the Hurst and the B&M.

I wish I didnt have to hear you get ripped by a dealer. Should have done your research and at least bought a zf off a reputable member here with a little history on the trans or rebuilt it by bill.

Edit** dam I just reread the thread and wow that dealer is... just a typical dealer I guess. Here's my advice to you. Find a local performance shoppe. Ive had several cars over the years so far and NEVER has ANY of my cars EVER seen a dealer nor will they EVER. If I want something done I find a performance shoppe. WAY more experience and cheaper because its probably easier and simpler for them to do it.

I bought my new Blue tag when GM was dumping them for $1200. I had Bill rebuild it and laser weld the synchros and do all his work to it and then cyro treated it. I dont think I paid as much as you. I guess Im just rubbing it in if you are already driving. We all learn from our mistakes I've had my share. Maybe it make you feel better than I spent $16k on a stroker and they fudged a lash job and the same valve fell in a few days later destroying the entire motor. Only the intake manifold was salvageable. They said get lost. Hope that makes you feel better

xphnmn

What dealership was that so I can stay clear? (I'm in StL too)