06 transmission upgrade essentials?

[kbond]

So I'll be needing to upgrade the transmission here shortly and am debating on sticking with the stock or just purchasing a complete new upgraded unit that has all the additonal clutches etc. . I did that with my 2nd Gen but this time aroudn I am thinking why when the transmission is brand new.



If I go with the upgrade method, what are the essentials?



I know the obvious of converter and VB but what about billet input/output and intermediate shafts? over-kill or? what other areas should be upgraded while the transmission is out?



for reference, my only current mods are the TST. I am looking to support 600hp but that will be in the future.



Also aside from the main 2 transmission vendors, who else has products worthy? fyi, I had AT$ in the 2nd gen.



thanks for the help.

 

[Lonestar]

I'm in the same boat you are, and i think I am going to go with a good Torque Converter and a tuned Valve Body. My 03 went 60k miles at about 400hp with this setup on a 47re, so I feel pretty comfy doing this on a 48re.



KEEP ON TRUCKIN'

Lonestar

 

[Graphic man]

If you are planning on 600+hp then you better do a complete trans, it is a lot of $$$ but it is money well spent. and it makes a world of difference.



Billet input, and output, billet 3rd gear drum TC and V/B and Billet flexplate,



if you spend the money up front and do it right then you will never have to worry about it again.





Scott

 

[kbond]

If you are planning on 600+hp then you better do a complete trans, it is a lot of $$$ but it is money well spent. and it makes a world of difference.



Billet input, and output, billet 3rd gear drum TC and V/B and Billet flexplate,



if you spend the money up front and do it right then you will never have to worry about it again.





Scott

Is it any cheaper to just have these parts added to my existing trans? Reason I ask is I have a great transmission guy that was in and out of my ATS with my 2nd Gen so I am just wondering if I could save any monies using my existing trans. I know I spent close to 5g's on my 2nd Gen ATS and I sure would like to stay closer to 3-4k if at all possible.



As a side note... I can agree with you more on that solid flexplate. . made that mistake on my 2nd gen. . Damn flex plate broke in the middle of Mississippi and stranded me for 12 hours plus cost me the labor of adding the new flex plate.

 

[kbond]

Also, where is a good place to buy these hard parts? Are there any better sources for these then the typical big 2 trans guy's? Also are there any better parts or is billet just billet and it's strong regardless? thanks

 

[Lonestar]

From what I understand, Billet is NOT just Billet. As with all metals, I guess there is better grades? I asked this question when I was having my last transmission built, and after hearing from several different people, I decided go ahead and spend the extra money and get the Billet shafts I know I could trust.



KEEP ON TRUCKIN'

Lonestar

 

[kbond]

vendor suggestions?

anybody have vendor suggestion aside from the 2 majors?

 

[DGStrate]

Suncoast and Goerend Brothers both also have good reps...

Lesser mentioned are NADP and HKS, both are supposed to be good as well