transmission upgrades w/Smarty?

[BBoling]

Obviously these ATs are in need of upgrading when we "plug in" more power. I would love to strap on a Smarty Jr. , but I am really leary about it w/o doing some trans upgrades in conjunction. Question is:

What is the cheapest and most reliable way to bolster these 48REs to handle the extra power from a Smarty Jr. or Sr. , etc. ? Also, what kindof expense we talking here, considering that I would personally NOT do any of the labor associated with an AT upgrade (would rely on the shop to install)? Lastly, I live up in the Pacific NW, so shop recommendations also welcome!



My application is hauling a 4K lb. truck camper, and occasionally towing a 3K boat, or a 2500 lb jetski trailer, for now. I don't have anything heavier to haul at the moment. Normal use is empty, daily driving. We use the camper/tow 1to 3X per month. I will not be doing any hotrodding or racing or abusing of my truck. I plan on having it for a long time, so reliability and longevity is key.

FYI, I have done searches and read some of the feedback, etc. , but not ALL of it out there, hence my inquiry. I am aware of companies like ATS, and their full-blown rebuilt trannys, and man are they steep. Something like $6-8K installed, right, and able to handle big hp/tq numbers, upwards of 500 hp+. I have also heard of guys opting to install torque converters, input shafts, and/or valve bodies, but I just don't know if a guy needs to do one, or all three? If so, at what cost? Is doing just an upgraded TC enough? At what cost? You get the idea. Thanks for any input,

Happy haulin'

 

[JCasper]

Where in the Pacific NW are you?



I would recommend Rip at Source automotive for any of your performance needs. Give him a call and he will lay out your options for you.



Source Automotive Performance Diesel - Home

 

[BBoling]

I'm in Bonney Lake, WA, suburbs between Seattle and Tacoma.

Thanks for the link, perhaps I'll call. I also know of the Power Shop in Enumclaw, Wa, and Dynomite Diesel up in Monroe, WA. Suppose I could call around, but would rather here it from you experts, as well!

 

[JCasper]

I'm in Bonney Lake, WA, suburbs between Seattle and Tacoma.

Thanks for the link, perhaps I'll call. I also know of the Power Shop in Enumclaw, Wa, and Dynomite Diesel up in Monroe, WA. Suppose I could call around, but would rather here it from you experts, as well!

Lenny at DDP is always another good option. I don't know however if he does his transmission work in house or not.

 

[JR2]

Give diesel transmission techa call. They are in Abbotsford BC. www.dieseltrans.com Bill will tell you exactly what he thinks you need.

 

[JCasper]

Come on over to NWBombers.com and chat with the guys there.



We have a great group there and you can do some searches and chat with guys in the area about all the local transmission shops.

 

[Tinman]

At low power up grades and sane driving habits, your stock transmission will probably do OK for a while. I could slip the TC with my Smarty on 50hp and mild TQ managment (which is what the Jr. comes with (The Blade Runner intake may contribute to this also. )) You might want to consider the Full Smarty and use stock TQ management at lower hp. You could do this and start a transmission fund. Put away a little money every month and then get a full rebuilt later on. Do it right, do it once. Then you don't have to worry about the transmission again. :-laf

 

[ColemanR]

I put KAX injectors in my truck at 30k they claim 120hp (there was a big differance in power) ran the truck that way to 100k then installed the smarty level 3 would make the trans shudder when I leaned on it went another 60k then added a bigger turbo at that point it was time for a trans now mind you this all the while towing 8 to 10 k daily fliud was changed every 12k there trannys hold up well IMO hope this helps. Randy