I picked up this car as a FREE salvage title project, fully aware of the transmission problems. I found the engine types J32A1 and A2 with the Trans B7WA are paired for the 02&03 but the 04 is J32A3 paired to a BDGA Trans. Did the re-engineering of the 04 drive train resolve the issues or create new ones?
Assuming there where no changes to the Body/Frame and Drive wheel/Steering Assemblies my questions are;
1) will the 04 BDGA transmission bolt up to the 03 A1/A2 motor? If not
2) will the 04 A3/BDGA drive train drop into and bolt up exact fit to the 03?
3) If 1&2 are not an option then rebuilding is. Since engineering flaws are of some issue it seems fluid overheating is inevitable and that a set of pre-cooler filters will (in theory) produce a greater volume of cooled fluid longer and that leaves me with two final questions;
1) Who Manufactures and Markets the best after market better than OEM Complete Rebuild Kit?
2) Who has had the greatest success with these rebuilds in the Southern California (LA) area?
Any assistance with these questions will be greatly appreciated.