Classic/Antique Car Repair: Transmission, 4 quarts, pontiac grand prix

Question
What is the transmission fluid capacity on a 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix 301hp?

Answer
Someone has been blowing smoke at you regarding your engine.  There was no "301" HP engine in 1977.  The highest HP available was 185, and that was the optional "403" cu in engine available in the Firebird, Catalina and Bonnevilles.   The largest engine available in your Grand Prix was the 400 Cu. In. engine with 180 HP, and that was standard only in the "SJ" version.  

The standard engine in your car was the 301 Cu In engine, which has an HP rating of 135 HP.   I'm going to assume that you have this engine, but if I'm guessing wrong, post a follow up question and I'll look further.

I'm also going to assume that you have an automatic transmission (mine had a 4 speed, and there were other choices).  Again, if I'm guessing wrong, tell me!

As far as transmission fluid capacity, there are many different answers to this question, depending on the situation. The easy answer to your question is "10 QUARTS", but please read further.

First, if you are filling a new, dry transmission for the first time, it will take approximately 10 quarts.  

If you are refilling it after a drain and flush, with a filter change, it will only take about 4 quarts.  

If you have also drained the torque convertor, you will have to add another 4 to 5 quarts.

Regardless of the situation, you have to do this in accordance with the shop manual procedure.  

Assuming you do not have the shop manual, I'll give you a procedure to follow:

1. Check the transmission dip stick before you start the engine.  Assuming it shows no oil, add 2 quarts, then check the dipstick again. If it shows above the "full" mark, skip to #3.  

2. If it shows on the dipstick at or below the "add" mark add more to bring it just above the "ADD" mark.

3. Start the engine, and with the engine idling, shift the transmission through all positions, allow it to remain in each gear for at least 10 seconds, put it back in "park" and then check the dipstick again.  Now add oil until it is up to the add oil mark again.  

4. Now, drive the car around the block a few times to warm up the oil to normal operating temperature, and then, with the engine idling in "park", check it again and bring it up to the "full" mark.  

This whole procedure may take as much as 10 quarts, but probably will take much less, depending on how much of the transmssion was taken apart and drained.

Sorry to be so picky, but if I gave you the wrong answer, you'd be really mad!

Dick