[buehrert]

It appears that the transmission on my '03 Odyssey w/ 106K miles has died (Christmas Day, in fact!). I've read a lot about rebuilds from Jasper and Gator, got a quote from Gator, and talked to my local shop about a quote on a Jasper. As best I can tell, here's an apples-to-apples comparison:

Jasper (3 year/100K warranty): $3107, includes new solonoids, new trans. cooler

Gator:
(2 year/24K warranty): $1595
(3 year/75K warranty): $2100
New solonoids: $400 (not included in the above quotes)
Shipping: $250
Core charge: $250 (refundable on receipt of old core, if it's good)
No cooler included (though I already have one on the vehicle)

Labor and fluid costs will be the same in both cases.

It seems that overall that the Jasper transmission is the better deal, unless I'm willing to cut some corners with Gator (shorter warranty, transferring my existing solonoids). Am I missing something? Any advice from folks who have already been down this road?

 

[reyesrey]

The only thing I can tell you is that I used Gator in December for my 2000EX. I had it installed by a local mechanic. I did not get the warranty on labor so in my case it was a total of $1,095 plus $250 shipping. I did not get the solenoids either. My mechanic charged me $350 to take the other one down and put the Gator one in plus transferring the solenoids. It did not make sense in my case to get the labor warranty. I am happy with the 2-yr warranty on just the transmission. I purchased the Z1 fluid separately.

All I can say at this point is that it is as smooth as butter. I have put in about 1,500 miles since the installation. Already took it from Detroit to Maryland and back.

Good luck.

 

[jackofalltrades]

Well a lot of members have been down this road! First I think is finding the right transmission shop. I went to or called 12 different shops in my area. My first criteria was that they used English as a primary language! Second was how fast they got back to me with a quote. (The local Jasper authorized installer never got back to me after I had called AND went to his shop and talked to him in person.) The final criteria was how knowledgeable they were about transmissions in general and how much they knew about Honda/Acura transmisions. The transmission shop I went with has 4 shops in the greater (Modesto CA) area around me. He could get a Jasper transmission if I wanted but he deals with a Honda (only) rebuilder in the Los Angeles area. 3 yr/100,000 mi. warranty and he was able to get financing for me. Total cost was $3,500 installed.

I went to both the Gator and Jasper web sites and was impressed by both. If I went with one of those transmissions I would have gone with the Jasper Transmission because they have a central distribution warehouse near San Francisco and the area Rep. delivers transmissions locally for free. Even if you have a transmission cooler already installed, Jasper wants you to use their cooler. The re-builder I went with requires an in-line filter which I recommend anyway. Best of luck, I think both Jasper and Gator are good choices but see if there is another rebuilder of good reputation that your tranny shop would recommend.

YES replace the sensors with new since you are already getting the thing done, do it right. My CEL codes indicated that one or more of the sensors was not working properly.

BTW the original transmisson went about 68,000 miles and the Factory Honda tranny went another 65,000 miles (or so) before failing so I would NEVER recommend a Honda authorized rebuilt transmission. The shop that rebuilt my tranny does many after market (non-Honda authorized) upgrades such as opening up the oiling ports for better lubrication, better quality (or so they say) clutch plates etc.

 

[gregersonke]

It appears that the transmission on my '03 Odyssey w/ 106K miles has died (Christmas Day, in fact!). I've read a lot about rebuilds from Jasper and Gator, got a quote from Gator, and talked to my local shop about a quote on a Jasper. As best I can tell, here's an apples-to-apples comparison:

Jasper (3 year/100K warranty): $3107, includes new solonoids, new trans. cooler

Gator:
(2 year/24K warranty): $1595
(3 year/75K warranty): $2100
New solonoids: $400 (not included in the above quotes)
Shipping: $250
Core charge: $250 (refundable on receipt of old core, if it's good)
No cooler included (though I already have one on the vehicle)

Labor and fluid costs will be the same in both cases.

It seems that overall that the Jasper transmission is the better deal, unless I'm willing to cut some corners with Gator (shorter warranty, transferring my existing solonoids). Am I missing something? Any advice from folks who have already been down this road?

Get new solenoids along with it either way. Also based on your current mileage the 100k warranty in 3 years isn't going to affect you. You would need to drive 30k plus a year to hit that.

If you get the Gator you can also probably get another large cooler installed http://www.shop.speedunlimited.com/p-3933-bm-70298-supercooler-oil-transmission-cooler-w-fan.aspx for the price difference. Best part is that it automatically kicks in at the right temperature. You just need to find a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter.

 

[theodydude]

Not to hijack but....

Would this be better than 4544 Tru-cool cooler with a thermostat?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/4544...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e5bc31b86

http://www.perma-cool.com/Catalog/Cat_page14.html

Thanks !

 

[gregersonke]

Not to hijack but....

Would this be better than 4544 Tru-cool cooler with a thermostat?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/4544...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e5bc31b86

http://www.perma-cool.com/Catalog/Cat_page14.html

Thanks !

What you linked is pretty much what I and many others use due to easy install. But compared to the one I linked with a Fan and a built in thermostat on it. I don't think it compares well as far as all out cooling capacity goes since it's actively cooled at an optimal 175 degrees rather than passive.

 

[theodydude]

Thanks for the response my friend.

The only thing that worries me is that the electrical fan might go bad or that it might get something lodged in it(road debris).

Would you think this would be as reliable as the one I posted links to?


Cheers!

 

[2odysseys]

Transmission #2 on my 2000 EX just gave up the ghost after 43,000 miles. Transmission #1 went at 99,000 miles!

I really like the Gator Transmission but the price seems to have gone up. I received a quote of $1,695 +tax and shipping today ($250) (8/15/2011). I see others have prices of $1,895 for the transmission and installation. The installation price pushes the total cost closer to $2,500.

QUESTION: Does Jasper make and modifications to improve the transmission? It sounds like Gator actually makes enhancements to resolve the issue with the transmission.

Either way, the car is only worth around $5k and I am still not sure the budget committee (wife) is going to approve anything above $2k.

Gator wants $1,695 for the tranny (24mth/24,000mi) and $2,195 with solenoids (36mth/75,000mi)
Jasper wants $2,256 (36mth/100,000mi)

Right now, the Gator Transmission seems to be the best option. I just need to get the price down somehow.

 

[yeoldeoddy]

Transmission #2 on my 2000 EX just gave up the ghost after 43,000 miles. Transmission #1 went at 99,000 miles!

I really like the Gator Transmission but the price seems to have gone up. I received a quote of $1,695 +tax and shipping today ($250) (8/15/2011). I see others have prices of $1,895 for the transmission and installation. The installation price pushes the total cost closer to $2,500.

QUESTION: Does Jasper make and modifications to improve the transmission? It sounds like Gator actually makes enhancements to resolve the issue with the transmission.

Either way, the car is only worth around $5k and I am still not sure the budget committee (wife) is going to approve anything above $2k.

Gator wants $1,695 for the tranny (24mth/24,000mi) and $2,195 with solenoids (36mth/75,000mi)
Jasper wants $2,256 (36mth/100,000mi)

Right now, the Gator Transmission seems to be the best option. I just need to get the price down somehow.

Sounds like she's subtley telling you to not spend much more on that old car and start saving up to get her a new car!
I would seriously concider the "others" at $1895 if they have a decent warrantee. The van's got 142K, probably other stuff will go bad before that
$1895 tranny goes.

 

[2odysseys]

I cannot get anyone locally (Charleston, WV) to install the Gator for me.
All of my prices range from $3,200 to $4,800 (Honda!).

Since the 2000 is only worth $3,000 - $4,500, I don't think it is worth the effort to rebuild her with a flawed tranny design.

I might have been convinced to go for the Gator if I could have gotten it installed for $2,500 or less.

 

[gregersonke]

I cannot get anyone locally (Charleston, WV) to install the Gator for me.
All of my prices range from $3,200 to $4,800 (Honda!).

Since the 2000 is only worth $3,000 - $4,500, I don't think it is worth the effort to rebuild her with a flawed tranny design.

I might have been convinced to go for the Gator if I could have gotten it installed for $2,500 or less.

Call Jasper, they should have a local installer in your area that can do the swap. They are a nationwide transmission rebuild company that has exclusive contracts with thousands of auto shops.