1st gen TC & shift kit experiences

[Jim Curry]

Hi gang: I am a new member and this is my first post so here goes.
I am looking for 1st gen owners with the 518 transmission that have upgraded their TC to either a DTT or SUNCOAST converter. I have spoken with both Bill & Stefan Kondolay and the folks at Suncoast. I was very impressed with both companies. I need some personal feed-back from people who have used both of these products to help me decide on which way to go. Its a hard decision since I have heard many good things about both companies. But I need the specific feedback for the TC for my 93.

Thanks JIm Curry

 

[Jim Curry]

Hasn't anyone had an experience with fist gen TC

[This message has been edited by Jim Curry (edited 03-15-2001). ]

 

[SGarrison]

Jim, what in particular did you want to know?
MPb

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92 W350,LE, 4x4, DRW ,4:10 LSD, auto,DTT converter, superior transmission shift kit, 16cm2 exhaust turbo housing, PW injectors, K&N, autometer pro comp gauges, exhaust temp, boost ,trans temp, tach, mild pump adjustments, Skyjacker softride springs in front, black & silver, running boards, stainless wheel covers,
74 Road Runner
69 Dart GTS factory 383 matching no. s

 

[Jim Curry]

Hi Shannon, where do I begin? Any observations you have such as response off the line, how the shift points react, how much extra power in general you feel you have. Which converter did you get, the 89 or the 91%, what did the shift kit consist of and with our trannies is there a govenor spring to be changed out and did you change it if available? Cost involved for the transmission upgrade,(parts & labor), did you consider any other Tc & shift kit and if so did you get to drive anyone esles vehicle with another brand of TC particularly but not limited to suncoast. Also any towing experiences you may have had since the transmission work.

Thanks Jim

 

[SGarrison]

Jim, I tried to e-mail you back the other day, and two days later I recieved my e-mail back. But anyway, throttle responce now is awesome. Slight throttle pressure now and the trucks starts to move. Before the engine would rev, but it just sat there. It is hard to say about the power, but I know more of it is getting to the ground now. I have the 518-91 converter. The shift kit was different than what I have installed before. It did consist of some springs, (govener and line pressure) to taylor your shift points, a valve and some drilling was required. I did all the work myself so I cant tell what labor cost would be. I have never drove any one elses first gen. they are few and far between in my area. To sum this up, out of all the other modifications I have done to my truck, I felt this one made the most difference. As we drag racers say, all the power in the world will not do you any good if you can't get it to the ground.
Shannon

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92 W350,LE, 4x4, DRW ,4:10 LSD, auto,DTT converter, superior transmission shift kit, 16cm2 exhaust turbo housing, PW injectors, K&N, autometer pro comp gauges, exhaust temp, boost ,trans temp, tach, mild pump adjustments, Skyjacker softride springs in front, black & silver, running boards, stainless wheel covers,
74 Road Runner
69 Dart GTS factory 383 matching no. s

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Hi and Welcome Jim !!

I have not had the mods by DTT done to mine yet but I will tell you this... when I can get into the wife's purse, I'm going straight out to see Bill and Stefan at DTT.
I've driven Bill's truck and I'm here to tell you that front to back side to side they are a class bunch. Bill's truck responded like no other I've tried, and there's been a few.
I have had race experience with the 426 Hemi Cuda running Super Stock D Auto and I can tell you that only once since that time have I felt that kind of performance in a TC and VB kit changeover. Our Hemi ran with a high stall converter and Rossi Auto which hooked up as good as any stick transmission. Bill's setup comes very close to that and keeps it's cool doing it. I'm referring to the transmission issue only here. The power mods are a whole new world too. "MHO"
Now if I could only get the missus to look the other way I'd be set!! ;-)
regards, Bush'

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93. 5 D250 4X4,HD Spring Pkg, Rancho 7000's, Rear Swaybar,Dual Shock Front Stabilizer,BD Injectors,31/2" Mandrel bent exhaust,16cm 'Hot End',Modest Pump Tweaks/Timed,K&N Air,Isspro Pyro,Tach,transmission Temp,Auto Meter Oil Filled Boost Ga. , 3:54's, 4 Speed Auto, Clubcab, Aftermarket Reclining Buckets w/ctr Drop Down seat/console, Black over Silver, 21psi,285-65R-16's,American Racing Clear Coat Mags, Amsoil 15W-40HD Marine,12,000 lb. Warn Winch,KC Spots. 101,300 Kms (63,000 mi's).

[This message has been edited by BushWakr (edited 03-16-2001). ]

 

[Jim Curry]

Thanks for the input guys. Thats just what I was lookinging for.

Jim

 

[dslcummins]

Jim
I picked my truck up today, I will email you probably tomorrow night with my opinion.

Rodney

 

[DBF]

Ok, just put the first 500 miles on the A518 transmission solution that Bill Kondolay recommended.
I bought the new A518 from Chrysler, and sent Bill the valve body in it. They rebuilt new valve body and sent the torque converter to match the pressures they set into the valve body (they have two, dependent on torque and what you want - I picked the 80# for snappy but not instant shifts under load - the other one is 90#, best for drag-racing.
My local shop did the install and had no problems with it.
Now when I put it in gear, it starts moving. Shifts are crisp (haven't towed yet, but I think they'll be good also). Mileage is up slightly (20. 5 mpg running 70 for most of those 500 miles).
With this T/C and valve body setup, and with both the heavy-duty and the super-duty coolers, I think it'll perform well and last a long time.
I'm very happy at this point and recommend you talk with Bill if you're serious about a long-term solution to the factory A518 problems.

Signature below not yet updated to reflect this change.


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92 D250 LE ClubCab, pump-tweaks, tach/pyro/gages, 16cm2,
A518, 3. 54, LSD, TowPkg, SuperDuty cooler, RBW 5er hitch.
00 Jayco 27' 5er

 

[Jim Curry]

Just keeping this tread current in case any others have experiences or updates to share.

Jim

[This message has been edited by Jim Curry (edited 03-27-2001). ]

[This message has been edited by Jim Curry (edited 04-04-2001). ]

 

[dslcummins]

Jim, did you get my email about a week ago on how mine came out, I never heard back from you, thought I would ask.

Rodney

 

[Jim Curry]

Yes Rodney I got your e-mail. Been real busy. Sorry I didn't get back to you. Your results sounded kind of reserved wanting to see how things preformed when the summer weather heated up. I got the impression you did not see the results you may have been expecting.
Thanks
Jim

 

[BillyKidd]

Rodney, Did you experience results like or the same as DBF? I'm sending you an e-mail with some cost questions.

DBF, Could you e-mail me or supply some cost s for your trans and mods. ?

Thanks

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93,CC,4X4,LE,Auto/3. 54. Banks intercooler/exhaust,Gauges(Pyro/Boost/Tach. ),K&N,"PW" injectors, 14cm2 wastegated turbo, "timed" pump, CUMMINS CHROME engine kit,Walker "flow-thru" muffler,Emerald Grn. w/ SS running board,Grizzly Grill Guard.

 

[DBF]

Sure.

New A518 from Detroit warehouse via local dealer = $2055.
DTT T/C and V/B rebuild from Kondolay = $970.
Install in friend's local shop using Kondolay instructions = $300.

The alternative might have been a Jasper rebuild installed at $2500 and stock performance.

Easy decision.

Regards...

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92 D250 LE ClubCab, pump-tweaks, tach/pyro/gages, 16cm2,
*New*A518 w/DTT valve body & DTT T/C, 3. 54 LSD, TowPkg,
HeavyDuty & SuperDuty coolers, RBW 5er hitch.
00 Jayco 27' 5er