Chevy Camero Loud Clunk Car Lost All Power

Though it could be one of several possibilities, I think the most obvious choice here is the torque converter and or the impeller. The torque converter is the part of the transmission that gets everything going as it spools up to operating speed and begins sending transmission fluid toward the impeller when then sets up the current that circulates through the tranny case.

What I suspect happens is that given the age of your Camaro and, even if you’ve driven conservatively it’s still likely 15,000 miles per year. This means your Camaro has upwards of 300,000 on the odometer. Now, I don’t know how often you have the transmission fluid and filter swapped out and replaced as well as the tranny filter, but, I have to suspect that given the age and possible mileage on the Camaro, the transmission — it’s one of GM’s stalwarts — that the transmission is giving up the ghost.

The torque converter is one of the first parts that goes. And, since you also heard a rather large clunk I suspect that the impeller may have also bitten the dust. Between the two, you are either going to pay a fortune to replace the items — roughly $3,500 — or you are going to have to bit the bullet and drop in a rebuilt for $4,000.

Why would I make this suggestion? After, it would seem that if it is only a couple of discrete parts, then it would be cheaper to replace them. It might look that way on the surface, but when you get into it, the transmission is like an independent ecosystem. Every part is interdependent on the parts earlier in line. Now, if the torque converter/impeller combo is shot and you replace only those devices, then it is only a matter of time — I can almost guarantee it — before the next piece in the chain breaks and leaves you high and dry again. Instead of paying a king’s ransom to replace the parts individually, it is best to drop in the rebuilt. And, why would you wait until the next part fails before you replace it?