Re: 405 automatics

Philip Glotfelty (glotfelty@fuse.net)
Mon, 14 Jul 1997 18:11:14 -0400

PeugeoToGo@aol.com wrote:
>
> I have a somewhat different opinion of the 405 automatic, which is a 4HP14, a
> light duty variant of the 4HP18 used by Saab, Eagle, Porsche 944, and
> Maserati.
>
> I have had more calls for used automatics for 405s than for any other
> transmission, including the 4HP22. Many 405s have been scrapped for this
> reason alone - good used 4HP14s are very hard to find, and with their
> reliability record, I wouldn't trust a used one myself. Rebuilts are about
> $500 more than 4HP22s.
>

> However, my impression of the 4HP14 is that it is a light-duty transmission,
> not built for the long haul.
>
>In any case, let's hear from 305/405 automatic owners. What do you think of
> your transmissions, and their reliability records?

Brian,

The 405's transmission's fraility was a point I brought up. My 89 405
is on its second rebuild. The dealer did the first rebuild under
warranty so it must have been prior to 60,000mi. The second rebuild was
by a local transmission shop that works on imports and exotics. That
was at 120,000 so I guess that means the transmission is averaging about
60,000 between rebuilds.

I called the transmission shop to inquire on how fast I could rev the
transmission. They told me not to run at high rpm for an extended
period of time due to excessive heating but they thought it wouldn't be
a problem to redline the engine from time to time.

For what its worth.

-Philip
89 405 dl auto, 135,000mi