A transmission rebuild or replacement is an expensive project that takes time and not every repair shop will be experienced to tackle this job, adding to the inconvenience.” MORE ON MAINTENANCE.

• Best Transmission Cooler
• Best Transmission

What transmission is right for me?

Your transmission and engine combination is very important. Your vehicles weight and how you drive it are also a major factor. Transmissions come in two basic types, Automatic and Manual:

• Without further adieu, here are the best cars that still offer manual transmissions. Hyundai Veloster. Hyundai’s unconventional hatch wears its manual transmission with pride, coming standard with a six-speed stick-shift across the line.
• The transmission constantly adjusts to keep the engine in its most efficient range, eliminating the feel of gear changes, and allowing greater efficiency than even a manual. Early transmissions used rubber belts for torque output, so the applications were limited to low speed vehicles like tractors.
• Best Transmission Service. W7275 W Cedar Rd, Mondovi, WI 54755. Claim this business.
• The transmission is an important piece of every automobile. The best transmission brands come in many forms. Some top transmission brands make products with the everyday driver in mind, while other great transmission companies offer items for racers and off-road motorists.

Automatic

TH350

Best transmission choice, hands down.

The Turbo Hydra-matic 350 was first used in 1969 model cars. It was developed jointly by Buick and Chevrolet to replace the two-speed Super Turbine 300 and aluminum case Powerglide transmissions. So, although it carries the Turbo Hydra-matic name, the Hydra-matic Division of General Motors had little, if anything, to do with its design. The 350 and its 250, 250c, 350c and 375b derivatives have been manufactured by Buick in its Flint, Michigan, plant and by Chevrolet in Toledo and Parma, Ohio, and Windsor, Ontario. Both Chevrolet and Buick divisions produced the TH350. For the 1981 model year, a lock-up torque converter was introduced which coincided with the new EMC control of most GM cars; This version is the THM350-C, this transmission was phased out in 1984 in GM passenger cars for the 700R4. Chevrolet/GMC trucks and vans used the THM350-C until 1986. The lock-up torque converter was unpopular with transmission builders B&M Racing once marketed a conversion kit for THM350-Cs during the early 1980s until the advent of high stall lock-up torque converters when its overdrive counterpart (THM700R4/4L60) were modified.

Gear	1	2	3	R
Ratio	2.52	1.52	1.00	1.93

Pros

• Excellent gear spread between all three gears.
• Very low cost to build up to various levels of power handling.
• Can be built up to extreme power handling capabilities.
• Most all transmission shops are capable of building these to at least level 1 or 2.
• No TV cable to deal with.
• Stall converters are low in cost, and the selection is broad.
• Very reliable and simple to repair if needed.

Cons

• Select a final gear that will allow you the best overall performance and one that allows a decent off the line acceleration, and one that will be in a tolerable rpm range at highway speed. You must have the correct stall converter for optimal performance. This can make a huge difference in the way your vehicle accelerates.
• One THM350 weak point was excessive end-play between the pump and center support and resulting wobble of the direct clutch drum due to both the end play and use of a relatively narrow bushing in the drum. Add an extra thrust washer between the planetary gear and direct clutch to remove the end play and using a wider aftermarket bushing in the direct clutch drum.
• The relatively thin center support and lightweight matching splines in the case cause some people to beef up the case with an aftermarket case saver kit.
• These are becoming scarce, but there are still plenty of them around, and high performance parts are easily obtained.
• You may have to go through this long story to your less than knowledgeable friends as to why you didn't choose a 700R4, and when you explain it to them, they may still think you don't know what you’re talking about.

TH400

Better than a stock TH350, more expensive to build compared to TH350.

Gear	1	2	3	R
Ratio	2.48	1.48	1.00	2.07

Pros

• Excellent gear spread. Very similar to a TH350.
• Strong internal parts.
• Reliable.
• Simple to build or repair to stock buildup levels.

Cons

• Very expensive to build up to higher power handling levels, as compared to a TH350. The TH350 has far more high performance parts available at reasonable costs. The 400 trans. is not a practical choice.
• Internal rotating parts (cast iron drum) are very heavy and create a huge drag compared to most any other trans., and this is not a subtle amount of drag. The TH400 is well known to be a heavier duty trans. than a TH350 but this heavy duty factor was designed more for heavy vehicles that may encounter pulling heavy loads. Only the largest of the GM cars weighing around 5000 lbs had these trans. in them, along with heavy duty pickups, usually 3/4 ton or larger trucks. Even the half ton Chevy trucks didn't come with these in them.
• They will certainly hold up better than a stock built TH350, but they are not a desirable trans. for a street rod. You can build a TH350 to level two that would be superior to any stock TH400 in every way for about the same cost. Building a TH400 to a high hp handling level will cost a great deal of money.
• You will never see this trans in a true Pro-Street car.

Powerglide

Only two gears, best suited for very light vehicles, under 1800 lbs. The Powerglide is a two-speed automatic transmission designed by General Motors. It was available primarily on Chevrolet from January 1950 through 1973, although some Pontiac models also used this automatic transmission after the fire at the Hydra-Matic factory in 1953.

Gear	1	2	R
Ratio	1.76	1.00	1.76

Pros

• Excellent transmission to build up to just about any power handling level.
• Most trans. shops are able to build this trans with ease.
• Very reliable, and simple to work on. Not much to go wrong.
• Decent first to second gear spread.
• Rotational drag is very low with this trans., moreso than any automatic on the market. Very efficient trans.
• Stall converters are not expensive and many choices available.

Cons

• Two gears, that's the problem. This trans. can only be run in cars that have a very high hp to weight ratio. It would be fair to say a vehicle weighing approx. 3400 lbs would require an engine output of 1000 hp or more to make it a rational choice, and even then, you would still need a decent final gear to get things moving off the line. The first gear in these is somewhat tall. Those running a T-Bucket roadster weighing around 1800 lbs. with a 500 hp or higher engine could make great use of a Powerglide trans.
• Having only two gears limits having the best of both worlds when it comes to off the line acceleration and cruising at highway speed.

700R4

Worst possible transmission choice.

Gear	1	2	3	4	R
Ratio	3.06	1.63	1.00	0.70	2.29

Pros

• None, other than there are plenty of them around for a cheap price, and for good reason.
• Fuel injection does make this trans. more tolerable.
• It will get you from point A to point B period!

Cons

• Very wide first to second gear spread. First gear is a 3.06 ratio Second is a 1.62 ratio. This nearly equates to skipping from first to third gear with a manual trans. This kills acceleration when these trans go into second gear on a carbureted engine with a healthy cam and large runner intake manifold. Compare this to a TH350. First gear at 2.52 ratio and second gear is 1.52 do the math.
• The 3.06 first gear is so low that any final gear of above 3.55 or numerically higher will have you right at the max rpm at around 35 mph, only to then have your car fall on its face when it hits second gear, feeling like it skipped a gear. Wheel spin is uncontrollable upon hard launches, unless you have a very tall final gear, and then you can for sure count on going nowhere quickly when second gear comes in. Overdrive would be totally useless at highway speed regardless of detuning with a tall final gear, unless you were cruising at around 100 mph.
• Huge cost to build up to a decent street rod level. Don't even consider a stock rebuild to handle 500 hp or more. Under hard use, the 700R4 will fail quickly.
• Limited as to what level these can be built up to. High performance transmission builders and parts suppliers don't even recognize this as a serious transmission.
• More complex to build than a TH350 and far more expensive, especially when built up to handle high hp numbers.
• Having to run a cumbersome throttle value cable to the carb. linkage. This feature actually serves a good purpose, but if not set properly, it can destroy your transmission quickly. Very critical adjustment, and often overlooked.
• The overdrive is actually useless with engines running decent size cams relative to the cubic inch, especially with large runner dual plane intakes, and single plane intakes are out of the question with this trans.
• Stall converters are double the cost of the one run in a TH350.
• This is not a reliable transmission in a street rod.
• Lowers the value of your vehicle to some degree, especially on high hp builds. These transmissions do not belong in most carbureted street rods. You must detune an engine considerably to operate the overdrive and be able to tolerate the first to second gear drop.
• Could be classified as the worst mismatch of parts known on a true street rod.
• As a side note, I would like to mention that most of us have owned a regular stock street car with a 700R4 trans, or its electronic likeness, a 4L60E, and didn't find much of an issue with the way they operated, especially if the vehicle was fuel injected. This is because stock car engines are designed to operate totally different in the very low rpm range. They have huge amounts of off idle torque compared to the average carbureted street rod that makes 400 hp or more. This off idle instant torque allows the vehicle to keep its speed up decently when the 700R4 drops into second gear, and the same low rpm also allows the overdrive gear to operate normally at very low rpm. There are other factors that also allow these trans. to operate at low rpm, especially on fuel injected computer driven engines.

GM200

Most all the cons you see for the 700R4 exist within the GM200

Gear	1	2	3	R
Ratio	2.74	1.57	1.000	2.07

Pros

• Has a better gear spread than the 700R4 but not as optimal as the TH350.
• Not much good to say about this trans. It certainly has a place in some special late model applications, but old school Chevy engines is not one of them.

Cons

• This transmission can cost up to three times more to build up to a decent power handling level compared to a built up TH350.
• Cannot hold up to high torque engine builds unless an enormous amount of money is spent on this trans.
• This trans is not a reliable trans. compared to any of the early GM trans.

4L60-E

Electronically controlled trans. Most of the same issues as the 700R4. Terrible choice to run in an old school carbureted engine.

Gear	1	2	3	4	R
Ratio	3.059	1.625	1.000	0.696	2.29

Pros

• No TV cable to deal with or shifting linkage. It has pump pressure control and shifting via electronics.
• Not much good to say about this expensive trans. It is virtually a 700R4 with a modern twist.

Cons

• Very expensive to build up to a high power handling level. Can cost up to $4,000 to build this trans up to a decent level. Computer controlled engines may require this unless you bypass the car’s computer system.
• Complex. Very complex!
• Pointless to run such a terrible transmission.
• If you insist on such a trans, the 4L80-E is a better choice, as it has a normal gear spread, and is a much stronger trans. Still pointless to use with an old school carbureted engine.

Manual

Four and Five speed Manual

Don't forget to upgrade your clutch and flywheel components.

Pros

• High quality manual transmissions can be very expensive.
• Excellent acceleration at any speed due to many selective gear ratios. Finding a gear at any cruising speed to hit it hard is easily accomplished with a manual compared to an automatic.
• More efficient delivery of horsepower to the rear wheels with a manual trans. versus an automatic. In other words, less loss of power due to slippage as encountered with an automatic transmission.
• For some people, the fun factor of shifting gears is one of the high points of owning a street rod.
• Very reliable, long lasting. Low maintenance. Simple to change out a clutch if needed.

Cons

• Can be very expensive to purchase a high quality modern manual trans. and high performance clutch and flywheel, especially the Tremec Series.
• Can be somewhat complex to change over from an auto to a manual trans.
• If you think your car is going to run faster with a manual versus an auto, you will be greatly disappointed. The automatic transmission can not only shift much faster, but off line acceleration can be controlled to a much greater degree. This is why most drag cars have automatic transmissions. All things equal, a car equipped with an auto trans will outrun one equipped with a regular street rod manual with great ease.
• Missing gears when racing can cause damage to your engine, and loss of control of your vehicle should you drop into the previous gear during an aggressive run. Been there a couple times, dropped a valve in brand new Lotus Esprit shifting out of second into first rather than third, and locked up the back wheels on a Dodge Viper shifting into second rather than fourth at high speed. Nearly lost control of the car at around 80 mph.
• If you’re deciding to run a 5 or 6 speed manual trans because of the overdrive gear, be aware that most engines built with large lopey cams, and single plane intakes running a carb will usually not allow effective use of the overdrive gear.
• Tremec T56 transmissions are very popular and highly advanced. They are expensive. They tend to be notchy to shift when new. Takes many miles before they become easy to shift. They can be difficult to install in some early model classic cars, as they are huge compared to early model transmissions. They can cost a great deal of money to rebuild if needed. Still about the best manual trans out there, and can handle very high horsepower levels.

Source: Pexels

By Aiden Collins

If you have a transmission issue, you can’t simply go to an auto shop for repairs and diagnostics. It’s better to find the best transmission shops in Calgary to get the best service for your car.

A variety of factors such as leaks, internal abrasion, and material damage can cause transmission problems. With skilled mechanics and the right equipment, transmission shops will efficiently and adequately fix your transmission and driveline.

These transmission shops in Calgary can perform maintenance checks to keep your car in good condition. After all, the transmission is the most used part of the vehicle and the most vulnerable to wear and tear.

Bring your car for road tests or repairs in any of these best transmission shops in Calgary.

Contentshide1. Beyond Transmissions and Auto ServicesHighlightsCustomer Reviews2. Mister TransmissionHighlightsCustomer Reviews3. National TransmissionHighlightsCustomer Reviews4. Accurate TransmissionHighlightsCustomer Reviews5. Dominion Automatic TransmissionHighlightsCustomer Reviews

1. Beyond Transmissions and Auto Services

BEST FOR All-around Auto ServicesPRODUCTSAir Conditioning Services, Transmission Maintenance and Repairs, Auto Services, Tire SalesWEBSITEhttp://www.beyondtransmissions.com/ADDRESS2818 17 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2A 0P8CONTACT DETAILSPhone: (403) 207-4243

Email: [email protected]

OPERATING HOURSMonday-Friday, 7:30am-5:00pm

Because of their competitive prices and quality craft, Beyond Transmissions is one of the best transmission shops in Calgary. Aside from their transmission services, they also provide other types of auto services.

Their mechanics are not only specialized in transmission services, but also regular maintenance checks and engine repairs. They also offer services for your air conditioning units.

Beyond Transmissions’ friendly customer services are also open for those who need tire replacements, engine oil changes, and brake repairs. However, take note that they may not be able to service any diesel-powered engines.

Highlights

• All-around auto services
• Competitive prices
• Quality customer service

Customer Reviews

Beyond Transmissions is an auto shop with excellent customer relations and great transmission services. Here are some of the reviews to convince you that they’re one of the best transmission shops in Calgary.

“I have known victor since 1998 long before he had an autoshop. He has always been a stand up person, he never takes advantage of anyone, does the best that he can for people and that is why his shop is doing so well. I recommend anyone go to him, try him out, I`m sure you will be happy with the way you are treated. I have been going there ever since he started his shop in 2005.”

“I called victor last week, I was stuck in BC and my transmission failed on my 2006 escalade, he gave me several options, he was willing to send me a new gm transmission from calgary and have another shop instal it in Golden. He gave me the labour hours so I would know how much it should cost, to ensure that I did not get taken advantage of. In the end I decided to drive the vehicle back at 80kph. They installed the new transmission and I got my vehicle back the next day, He gave me a great deal on the repair and to top it off my brand new GM transmission has a 3yr 160,000 km north america wide warranty. Thanks Vic”

2. Mister Transmission

BEST FOR Best Transmission Services and WarrantyPRODUCTSTransmission Maintenance and Repairs, Driveline ServicesWEBSITEhttps://www.mistertransmission.com/ADDRESS5818 1a St SW, Calgary, AB T2H 0G1, CanadaCONTACT DETAILSPhone: (587) 779-7985OPERATING HOURSMonday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

With over 55 years of service and 58 locations all over Canada, Mister Transmission continues to be one of the most trusted transmission shops in Canada.

They offer services for any driveline parts and transmission maintenance and repairs. To take care of your transmission, you can also avail of their free road test and multi-check inspection.

Mister Transmission can work on any vehicle type, be it a manual or an automatic, or the newest continuously variable transmission (CVT).

What sets them apart from transmission shops in Canada lies in their unmatched warranty. They have a 6-month or 6,000-km warranty on their transmission services, making them the best transmission shop in Calgary in terms of reliability.

Highlights

• 6-month and 6,000-km warranty
• Free road test and multi-check inspection
• Expertise in any transmission type
• Services for driveline parts

Customer Reviews

If you’re still doubting the quality of their free diagnostic checks and excellent, quality service, just read these first-hand reviews from clients:

“THE BEST! Do not hesitate to ever go to this place! It’s so refreshing to find a business with honest, knowledgeable, helpful people. It’s sad there are not many left. They denied to even take money for the time they spent on our vehicle when they diagnosed that there’s no issue but just a false positive message. We are very impressed and thankful 😊”

“Mr. Transmission rebuilt the rear differential in my Mercedes E350 4matic at a fraction of the cost of a new one. They did an excellent job and figured it out as no shop manual exists, even for Mercedes! I found the parts, they did the rest. A big thanks to Kris and his team!”

3. National Transmission

BEST FOR Transmission Repairs and RebuildingPRODUCTSTransmission Maintenance and Repairs, Driveline ServicesWEBSITEhttps://www.nationaltransmission.ca/ADDRESS402 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z7CONTACT DETAILS Phone: (403) 283-6615OPERATING HOURSMonday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

National Transmission was founded by Albertan locals who are passionate about helping a community of car owners. With over three locations in the city alone, National Transmission remains among the best transmission shops in Calgary and the region.

The mechanics of National Transmission are always up to date with the technological, electrical, and mechanical advancements involving transmissions. They do this by joining seminars and subscribing to monthly newsletters of international transmission associations.

They offer free road tests for their diagnostic programs and free services for your transfer case, if affected. National Transmission is also recognized by the Canadian Automobile Association as an approved auto repair services specialist.

Highlights

• Free road test
• Free transfer case services
• Locally-owned business
• Accreditation from various associations

Customer Reviews

Transmission repair services may be a pain in your wallet, but National Transmission’s services are always worth their value.

Here’s a review left online from one of their enthusiastic customers.

“Competency, efficiency, and, honesty…no better way to describe the service. I phoned this morning to ask about a diagnosis, and was invited to come straight in. Within 15 minutes the problem was diagnosed. Although the problem gave wide latitude for ‘extras’, they zeroed in on the exact problem, and the most efficient solution. Then, they asked if I wanted it “today”, so I wouldn’t have to rent a car for the weekend. Of course I said yes. Within 3 hours, required parts were ordered and installed, and I was on my way. (Although transmission repair bills always hurt, I am very satisfied with the cost of the parts & service provided.) I thoroughly recommend Brock and his professional crew!”

4. Accurate Transmission

BEST FOR Affordable Auto Repairs and Transmission ServicesPRODUCTSTransmission Maintenance and Repairs, Air Conditioning ServicesWEBSITE

Best Transmission Cooler

http://www.accuratetransmission.ca/ADDRESS120 Crowfoot Gate NW, Calgary, AB T3G 3N5CONTACT DETAILSPhone: (403) 241-0200OPERATING HOURSMonday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Accurate Transmission & Auto Repair has been in the automotive industry for 40 years. With their experienced mechanics who are passionate in giving the best customer service, they offer affordable yet quality maintenance and repairs.

With their years of guaranteed expertise, they can fix any make and any model of car transmission. Accurate Transmission also prides themselves on their efficiency.

They offer resealing, adjustments, and replacement of transmission parts. Accurate Transmission can fix your transmission as well as other car components such as brakes, engines, ACs, filters, and more.

Highlights

• Affordable prices
• Efficient transmission services
• All-around auto maintenance and repairs
• Guaranteed and time-tested service

Customer Reviews

Transmission services don’t have to be as costly as you think they should. Read this review to learn more about Accurate Transmission’s reasonable prices and straightforward services:

“AWESOME service. Thank you Doug for taking the time to explain the issues and having my van serviced and back on the road. I was quoted by the dealership for a $3800 transmission job when I went to AccurateTransmission for a second opinion Doug took my van for a 30 min drive and felt it was the air flow module causing my van not to have power and shift smoothly. He was right. It was a $600 fix. I wish I had brought it to you for the idler arms. Accurate Transmission won me over as a customer. We left on holidays and had zero issues and drove over 1000km. Thanks again.”

5. Dominion Automatic Transmission

BEST FOR Warranty for Transmission ServicesPRODUCTSTransmission ServicesWEBSITEhttps://www.dominionautomatic.com/ADDRESS205 58 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2H 0A5CONTACT DETAILSPhone: (403) 253-3343

E-mail: [email protected]

OPERATING HOURSMonday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Dominion Automatic Transmission has been in the auto industry since 1962. With their passion for customer service, they have a guaranteed 1-year warranty for all their transmission services.

Despite their name, they can diagnose and fix problems from any make and vehicle model, whether automatic or manual.

Best Transmission

As part of the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA), they also give out the Golden Rule Warranty. If you have the Golden Rule Warranty, you can avail of the services of other ATRA members all across North America.

Highlights

• ATRA membership and the Golden Rule Warranty
• Wide range of transmission services
• Great customer services

Customer Reviews

Dominion Automatic Transmission’s value for customer service has gained them loyal clients throughout the years. Here’s a testimonial from a long-term customer.

“Best repair shop in town!! Quick, honest, trustworthy work at a great price, and never try to sell you on services you don’t need. I have been in twice since moving back to Calgary 6 months ago (with 2 separate issues), and both experiences have been A+ all around. Highly recommend!”

Take your car to the best transmission shops in Calgary to prevent any crucial transmission problems. Once your vehicle gets fixed and you’re ready to get back on the road, consider having your car cleaned by one of the car washes in our list of the best car wash in Calgary.