Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 2 47RE trans questions!

[PToombs]

#1, what is the stall rpm on the torque converter in a 47RE? My FSM says 1800 to 2300. Kind of a broad range there. I want to buy a new converter for my upcoming rebuild and I'm not sure how low in rpm I can go?



#2, What's a good shift kit? Transgo? I saw a few on e-bay for around $100, does that sound right?



TIA,

 

[LVJUNIOR]

Call Georend transmissions and talk to Dave. Tell him what you want to do with the truck and he will build you a custom billet converter with a lifetime warranty for less than most off the shelf units.

 

[charlessmith]

I agree with Junior. Call Goerend at (563) 778-2719 - Dave's the owner but there are several good people to talk with.

If you want a tight converter, tell him just like the one he did for Charles Smith through Enterprise Engine in Ohio. Mine was custom done to be tight, and it's VERY good. Here's the Goerend Transmission web page.



You didn't say what's done to your engine. The reason you are seeing different stock converter stall speeds is because people are quoting stall speed with the torque of their engines, and most of those are different.



If your converter is not tight enough, with a strong engine it will stall at such a high RPM that the engine is way past the torque peak ... and then you won't put peak torque to the road.



Torque peaks with a 12 valve engine are lower than the 24V's. Thus you want a tighter converter with an "improved" 12V.

 

[PToombs]

I just bought the truck and haven't driven it only about 250 miles so far. The trans is trashed, which I was warned about, and the PO gave me an extra from a V10. I had to fix the electrical issues with the trans in it and am driving it only a little. I'm in the process of rebuilding the extra trans.



I don't think there are many mods done. I know there is a 4k GSK in it(supposedly), and a 4" DP and a 5" to the rear exhaust, and the big turbo was removed. The fuel plate was in a baggie in the door compartment, and I reinstalled that and left it slid ahead a little. It doesn't smoke hardly at all, so I'm sure the converter isn't loading it any.

It drives like a jet, you step on it about 1/2 way, it revs to 2100, then slowly glides away.

 

[LVJUNIOR]

Mine did the same thing until I put the custom converter in it. It still acts the same except it starts to move at 1600rpm instead of 2100. The 47RE is the worst automatic transmission I have ever driven.

 

[PToombs]

Yeah, after the troubleshooting I'm not real impressed either.



Charlie, how much was your converter, if you don't mind?



Any suggestions on a shift kit guys?

 

[charlessmith]

The Goerend converter was $1200, I think. I got the one with a lifetime warranty. After paying Suncoast to "renew" the converter on the other truck (after I tore up the OD in the transmission) I figured I'd pay less up front.

Most good converters are in that price range, plus watch out for the places that have "their own special built converters" - of course selling just a bit less. If you have a problem with one of those, I figure you would just have to buy another one from somebody else ... might as well get one with a good reputation right from the start.

I highly recommend you just get the Goerend valve body already built, and also the stronger 1-2 part he recommends. I also put in a new Dodge mainshaft at the same time.

 

[PToombs]

Thanks Charlie!