I'm headed to the u-pull yard to pick out a used transmission for my '01 SSEi. I want to get as close to an exact match as possible. Reading posts, I see where I need to see what numbers are on my tag. I will not be taking the old one out until I get the new (used) one to put in.
Where is this tag located?
What year models and makes might have the same transmission?
Any physical properties I should look for in a possible donor? Since the odometer is digital, I won't be able to check the mileage. When I need motor parts I usually look for one with major body damage, assuming that it was running when it was wrecked and ended up in the u-pull yard.
There's probably more things to look for than this.
Boy, I'm getting too old for this stuff!

Look in the trunk for the RPO code list and look for the code FR2. That is for the 4T65E HD. Also be sure to look for special webbing cast on the back side of the transmission as the is for H body Pontiac car. W body don't have it. I'm sure some one will post a picture(s) of the difference.

For your application I believe you can use 1996-2002 (some one might correct me there) 4T65E HD. You can ask the salvage yard if you can use a battery to check mileage. Some of them allow it and others are very strict about it. Hope this answers your questions.