Right now I have a '89 GXL with an automatic trans but after much searching I got a S4 TII transmission and everything that comes with it. I'm going to put the trans into my GXL and that won't be a problem but I need info on the tranny itself. The parts car I got it off of was pretty hammered but had a rebuilt motor with new mounts and wires and what not. The odometer reads 151,000 miles and I was curious as to if the trans is still good. The bushings in the shifter are really tight and have a nice feel to it and it shifts easily. But I'm worried the syncros might be shot seeing as how I've never driven the car. I heard these tranny's are pretty tough and would like to know if it can be tested (inexpensivly) to make sure the gears and syncros are good. The mileage is unknown because if whoever went through the trouble of completly rebuilding the motor would obviously have replaced the tranny if it was bad. What precautions should I make before dropping it into my car? Also would high quality gear oil help out an old tranny?

 

I would go ahead and put some redline in it. I was in the same situation as you (s4 TII caught on fire, 90 GXL donor car with auto)

To put it short, you are in for a hell of a ride.

But the rebuild isn't TOO terrible if you have lots of time and are creative. I bought my parts from malloy mazda. It came out to be under 300 for all brass synchro rings, a synchro, a couple bearings and the transmission seals.


edit: it was close to 300...