Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) auto transmission upgrade question(s)

[JWeier]

I have a 2001. 5 dodge cummins with about 215,000 miles on it. There is a Dr. Performance module 125 hp. 200 ft. torque,110 hp. Dr. Performance injectors,4 in. exhaust,stage 1 afe airbox on the truck. Since I put the upgrades on the transmission has started to slip and chatter,especially in the upper gears. This is the original automatic transmission, and I realize they were never made to take that kind of torque and hp. So I'm looking for an aftermarket transmission that will handle aleast 500+ hp. and 1000+ft. # torque. I have looked at a lot of different options,such as Dtt,Hts,Ats,Goerdend,Suncoast,and BD. The transmission that I've been favoring is the Suncoast,because of their new valvebody they have come out with. I have read a lot of reviews online about all those I mentioned,and most of what I have read says that any of these are really good,but stay away from ATS. for various reasons. The questions I have are;should I go with Suncoast?Should I put a hardened input shaft in? Has anybody tried a new Suncoast transmission with their upgraded valvebody? Thank you for your input.

 

[DCreed]

Local guy here is running it. works great for him. w/500hp, yes billet 1 pc input and flexplate. Seems you have done good research so far and are on the right path. now just need to find a good local shop.

 

[AClayton]

I have the Goerend in mine and I like it very much. At your hp level,I would recommend at least a billet input and,if you get a lock-up controller... it should be required!!



Alan

 

[JWeier]

Thanks for the info,it helps me to feel confident going with Suncoast. I like the idea of going with billet input shaft,I was'nt sure I needed it. But you're right,better to be safe than sorry. That extra $760. 00 really cuts into the budget. I think I will also go with the extra deep pan for more cooling capacity. Suncoast offers it at a discounted price if I take it with the transmission. I do have a shop that will do the install. They are a suncoast dealer and are very reputable. So, I guess I am pretty well set,going with Suncoast. Now all I need is to do is find the money to do this. Again thanks for the input, and if anyone else has some suggestions please feel free to list them.

 

[LBARTLETT]

I love my Goerend, if a Suncoast dealer is nearby and has a good reputation I'd go for it, I went with Goerend due to their reputation and there was a trained installer nearby who had a good reputation,



good luck, I hope you find the Suncoast makes as much difference in your truck like the Goerend did mine, you will be amazed at your trucks performance once it is coupled with a proper transmission !!!!!

 

[Seafood10]

+1 on the Goerend, I tow a boat and fiver and just drained the fluid due to a cracked trans line, different post, and the ATF4 was still bright red after 20,000 miles!
Also, the Mag Hytec plays a vital role as well, when towing the trans temp always stays nice and cool.

 

[BlitzkriegSSII]

I have had a Suncoast in my truck for 3 years now, its been a great trans, and they have gave me very good customer service. My truck is putting out 566 hp and 1120 ft. lbs. It runs in the high 12's in the 1/4, and I have drove the truck pretty hard. When I got the trans I got there torque converter, input, intermediate, and output shafts, double deep pan, and dc487 valve body. I moved to Alaska from Va. about 2 years ago and pulled an inclosed trailer at around 8,000 pounds and another 1,000 pounds in the truck, it did great.

 

[Huff N Puff]

Once you fix the trans,

I have a 2001. 5 dodge cummins with about 215,000 miles on it. There is a Dr. Performance module 125 hp. 200 ft. torque,110 hp. Dr. Performance injectors,4 in. exhaust,stage 1 afe airbox on the truck. Since I put the upgrades on the transmission has started to slip and chatter,especially in the upper gears. This is the original automatic transmission, and I realize they were never made to take that kind of torque and hp. So I'm looking for an aftermarket transmission that will handle aleast 500+ hp. and 1000+ft. # torque. I have looked at a lot of different options,such as Dtt,Hts,Ats,Goerdend,Suncoast,and BD. The transmission that I've been favoring is the Suncoast,because of their new valvebody they have come out with. I have read a lot of reviews online about all those I mentioned,and most of what I have read says that any of these are really good,but stay away from ATS. for various reasons. The questions I have are;should I go with Suncoast?Should I put a hardened input shaft in? Has anybody tried a new Suncoast transmission with their upgraded valvebody? Thank you for your input.

You will blow a head gasket,If you havn't already beefed up the head gasket. You also need more air. To keep the EGTs down.

 

[John - K5AWO]

See my signature. I am extremely happy with the Suncoast 87% TC and the DC487 VB. Has a stall speed of about 800 rpm. Love it for my application.

Only replaced the clutch packs, did it the cheap way, but I'm stock except for RV275s and I drive very easy on the pedal. Big difference, no 1/4 mile tracks for me.

The DC487 VB makes the transmission shift like a stick shift. Wham wham! Once it goes into the next gear, it is there period.

I only plan on pulling a 34' 5th wheel travel trailer and I'm retiring 12/30/09, so I will have all day to get where I'm going.

Oh, one more thing. I installed an external oil filter in the oil coolant output line before it goes to the transmission cooler in front of the radiator. No metal filings to stop up the cooler or get back to the transmission. Change that filter with each transmission fluid change.

 

[UMPRacer]

JWeier--transmission choice!

I spent months trying to decide on my trans upgrade. I am a Racer, and I spend my money on the best products I can find. My thoughts are, buy the best, one time. I finally chose the Goerend with triple disc, billet flex & input. I spent the day at Goerend and met Dave and everyone there. What a great experience! Goerend has a local shop do the installs, and they were great as well. After the install was all completed, Craig drove my truck back to the shop and checked everything before I started my (9) nine hour drive home. All I can say is WOW! Money very well spent! And I would do it again in a heart beat. Many thanks to all the Goerend owners that steered me in the right direction.