The 3-speed automatic transmission General Motors 3L30 or TH180 was produced from 1969 to 1998 and was installed on rear-wheel drive models on the V and T platforms, as well as clones of the first Suzuki Vitara.
Specifications
| Type | automatic transmission |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Type of drive | rear / all wheel |
| Engine volume, l | up to 3.3 |
| Torque output, Nm | up to 300 |
| Recommended oil | DEXRON III |
| Oil capacity, liter | 5.1 |
| Partial replacement, liter | 2.8 |
| Maintenance | every 80 000 km |
| Gearbox lifespan, km | ~400 000 km |
| Weight, kg | 65 |
Gear ratios GM 3L30
Using the example of a 1993 Geo Tracker with a 1.6 liter engine:
| Main | 4.625 |
| 1st | 2.400 |
| 2nd | 1.479 |
| 3rd | 1.000 |
| Reverse | 2.000 |
Using
The transmission was installed on:
- Chevrolet Chevette 1 in 1977 – 1986;
- Chevrolet Tracker 1 in 1989 – 1998;
- Daewoo Royale 2 in 1980 – 1991;
- Geo Tracker 1 in 1989 – 1998;
- Isuzu Gemini 1 (PF) in 1977 – 1987;
- LADA Riva 1 in 1980 – 1998;
- Opel Admiral B in 1969 – 1977;
- Opel Commodore A in 1969 – 1971;
- Opel Commodore B in 1972 – 1977;
- Opel Commodore C in 1978 – 1982;
- Opel Diplomat B in 1969 – 1977;
- Opel Kapitan B in 1969 – 1970;
- Opel Kadett C in 1973 – 1979;
- Opel Monza A in 1978 – 1984;
- Opel Manta A in 1970 – 1975;
- Opel Manta B in 1975 – 1988;
- Opel Rekord C in 1969 – 1971;
- Opel Rekord D in 1972 – 1977;
- Opel Rekord E in 1977 – 1986;
- Opel Senator A in 1978 – 1984;
- Peugeot 604 I (561A) in 1979 – 1985;
- Pontiac Acadian 1 in 1977 – 1986;
- Rover 3500 I (SD1) in 1980 – 1986;
- Suzuki Sidekick 1 (ET) in 1988 – 1996.
Disadvantages of the GM 3L30 gearbox
- First of all, this is a very old transmission, and its main problem is the shortage of spare parts;
- It’s also quite difficult to find a donor on the used market, as there’s not much to choose from;
- However, this is a very reliable and low-maintenance automatic transmission with a service life of over 300,000 km;
- The standard heat exchanger is weak, and it’s better to install an additional radiator;
- After 250,000 km, vibrations are common due to worn oil pump bushings.
