Auto Transmission Upgrade Questions

[crudd]

In addition to the mods listed in my signature, I am planning on adding 370's, a set of 191 DV's, and a larger turbo (undecided as of yet). My question is in relation to my transmission.



If I install an aftermarket valve body and t/c, will that be sufficient? I have searched quite extensively and found people arguing both ways. I will not be doing any pulling or extremely heavy towing (about 16000 GVW at most). While I understand that it would be best to buy an entire aftermarket transmission, I really can't afford that right now. In addition, my current trans was rebuilt less than 8k miles ago.



Any comments, ideas, or other alternatives would be MUCH appreciated!

 

[Lsfarm]

pushing the limits

You will be right around 400HP with your planned mods, this is a lot to put through the stock internals in an auto trans.



Even though it has been rebuilt recently, that doesn't mean that it has the same clearances, seals, clutches and upgrade items that are an integral part of a fully upgraded transmission. And a billet input shaft is highly recommended at that HP level as well. [I consider it a requirement]



You might get away with just a TC and VB, but if you smoke the trans, due to stock clearances, leakage and stock clutch stacks. The VB will be contaminated with burnt clutch material, as well as the TC, so you are gambling the cost of all the expensive parts.



I'd save your HP upgrades untill the trans is ready for them. Otherwise you may end up spending a lot more than doing it right the first time.



Greg L

 

[rrausch]

I sort of agree... 400 H. P. is a lot of H. P to put through a stock trans... BUT!

You don't have the 370's and the bigger turbo in yet. You're not making that much H. P. yet.



You seem to want to have fun but also seem to be on a limited budget. (Aren't we all! However, right now the stock trans, with its slow stator and marginal T. C. Clutch is probably the biggest thing holding you back. My opinion is that you put your money into an ATS T. C. and V. B. , and you will still have some left over for a little more judicious bombing, AND you will be able to put ALL the H. P. you are now making to the ground without worry. This way you will have the fun of using the H. P. you've got AND in the future when you are ready to make that 400 H. P. , you can upgrade the rest of the trans to handle it--you will already have a Bullet-proof T. C. and V. B.



(That's why they call it the ATS Stage I, Stage II, etc. etc. up to Stage V--you can buy it in stages. )

 

[snowracer69]

save your money by not buying those injectors, DV's or the turbo now, and put that money towards a full trans upgrade.



Do it once, do it right... don't ask how I know about not doing it right the first time around... .

 

[Mtngoat]

What Snowracer says. I "talked" to the sage minds on this website, and took their advice. Gauges and transmission BEFORE any power enhancements. After those two things were done, I didn't have to worry.



Robin

 

[Leroy D]

If you go more than about 375 HP/775 FP torque you would be better to go ahead with the stage 4. That is about where the ATS website suggest going to the stage 4. That is about where I am at now. Power is great but make sure you can get it to the ground without breaking something.

 

[jrandol]

I'll stir the pot up here, I ran 550hp thru my truck for some time with plenty of abuse on a Stage 2 ATS. My transmission had somewhere around 20k miles on it I think, really cant remember anymore for sure. Anyway, if the transmission is in tip top shape a Stage 2 would be a great fit. I was very pleased with mine, except..... I couldnt stop at 550hp, figured I better plan ahead.

 

[y-knot]

I think to many what to dance around the truth, I feel like the auto trany is marginal at best with a stock engine. Your rebuild of 8K miles ago is useless in terms of survival. The thing was put back as a re-furbished stock trany, with stock TC. You can add all the high HP gizmo's you want, but the fact is you never will see the true benefits of your labor. No one wants to start off with a complete transmission up grade, It's easier and cooler to talk about all the little pieces you add. The smartest thing would be to get a good transmission and supporting hardware first, before anything is added. A stock Cummins with a full ATS equipped transmission would surprise most people, in fact I bet it would stick it too a truck running 150 more HP but thru a stock automatic transmission. The lame TC and it's low holding pressure just doesn't let the horsepower through. Yes it's 4 grand for the trany, but it's also the only way to go if your an automatic. I am not a fan of the piece mill approach either, yes any addition over stock is an improvement, but in this case the whole is greater then the sum of it's parts. As a unit, a ATS transmission is awesome. Firm crisp response off the line,quick solid shifts and a TC that takes a load. Together with the Commander unit it is what Dodge should have offered. I know there are also several good transmission choices out there, I am sure any one of the other competitors offer a great transmission, I only talk about ATS because that is what I am familiar with.

I think as a new owner gauges would be my first priority, they are essential to the safe operation of the diesel. After that I would start saving for the trany. If I really needed to add something to keep the curiosity in me down, I would explore a good air intake kit, other then that It would be save,save,save.

 

[R-N-R]

Words of wisdom from y-knot...



I still wonder if I would have added so much if I had done the trans first. I think that a lot of people have to build confidence by adding less expensive items first. Information from experience shared on this forum should certainly take away that concept though. Build your trans first (after gauges), it is inevitable for adding any serious power. By putting the power to the ground first, you will truely know how much is enough (if there is such a thing) when adding other items afterwards. I wanted more towing power, if I had done the trans first, I might have saved a lot of $$. Having said all that, a weekend at T. I. M. or Scheid's DE might negate the whole "how much is enough" concept