Bought an 86 Meteor today - need advice!

[jasoncarter]

Hi guys, am new to the forums, but been enjoying some great reads. I bought a new family car today as we wrote off the Mazda 323 a few weeks ago.
I found an '86 Meteor for sale in Bris with only 120k kms on the clock. Owned by an old guy. Had to be genuine Ks coz the interior was IMMACULATE.
The only thing wrong is the gearbox. It's an auto and there are biiig lags between gears and sometimes it doesn't go into D at all, I have to put it in 1 before it'll start going forward, then slip it into D for the auto to take over.

So I figure I need to put a new gearbox in, no big deal. So, now to you pros, any suggestions? It's a 3 speed auto, so would be great to put in a 4 speed auto if there is a no fuss option out there, simply for fuel economy. Unfortunately my Ford knowledge doesn't go much past rebuilding my 76 Escort.

I live in Brisbane so if anyone knows someone that sells them, or if anyone could tell me what would be best to put in, another 3spd from same model, or something else, that'd be tops!

Thanks heaps,
Jason

[dirty hands]

well the auto problem may be oil related or electronic engine mounts or cable adjustment ..hard to tell at such low kms
as for a 4 speed that means you need to find a car with an auto you can drive to be sure it is ok ....then computer rewiring with its control box etc
but i would reccomend these people without complaint feb 07
all state transmissions
18 Wolverhampton Street
Stafford QLD 4053
Tel: (07) 3356 4856

[VippiN]

Don't bother trying to fix it, will cost twice as much then say.. getting a second hand auto gearbox from a wrecking yard. Your Meteor uses the same box as all automatic KC and KE Lasers which are common as cat paw marks on a bonnet. My local sells them for $160 a piece and they're easy to swap.

You CAN get a four speed auto box from a KF/KH Laser or BG Astina or BG 323.. but then it gets tricky. You'll need driveshafts, mounting gear, etc etc etc. Not worth it IMO.

[Kryton]

thought about doing a manual conversion?
the meteor will love you for it.

[dirty hands]

something i didnt know about the auto boxes great vippin