How Much HP can The Automatic Take?

[bigfig]

I have a 2001. 5 Cummins Dodge with an automatic. I'd like to do some modifications on the engine to gain more power. Some people I:ve spoken with say the automatic can handle some small increases in power, if I add a kit to the transmission which raises pump pressure. I was wondering if anyone out there has experimented just to see how much an automatic can take, and what modifications I might make to increase power without advertsely affecting the vehicle. I rarelt tow anything. Appreciate any advice. Thanks.

 

[My 6 Eats V8's Old File]

I intend on finding out, I broke my 4th nv4500 last night and am taking it out for the last time this weekend. The hp guru we all know Piers is sending me an auto to install instead. We all know how I use my truck and I don't intend on stopping in my copetitions(mud bogs, truck pull, and drag racing) so abuse is inebidable. We will see if it can handle it.
hp to date=
475hp and 1032 on the motor
530hp and 1140 with lpg
590hp and 1200 with lpg and N20
all these are corrected and peaks were at 24-2500 rpm at the rear tires, 3. 54 gears with 35" bfg's.

 

[John_P]

bigfig:

I have "experimented" a little bit
with my truck/transmission.

I installed a "Trans-Go" Shift Kit
right after I upgraded the engine
power with "mild" pump mods and a
#6 TST plate. The H. P. /Torque at
that time was: 224 H. P. /695 Torque.
I did change the transmission fluid
"religiously" at 10,000 miles.
The stock transmission made it to
98,000 miles! I tow two (2) trailers,
one of which is an enclosed racing
trailer. I am regularly in the
mountains on 4-5% grades with this
trailer and began to get the "infamous
shudder" at 98,000 miles under these
conditions. At that point I had a
new TC and valve body installed.
I realize your truck is a 24 valve
but our transmissions are close. I
think with a good shift kit or
complete valve body you will be O. K.

Hope this helps you.

-------------------
Adam:

I saw the article on your truck in
the TDR (Issue #31)! That is an
awesome picture of your truck pulling
that "sled"!! Sorry to read that your
hitch let go. Let us know how the
new "auto" from Piers works for you!

-----------
John_P

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Red '96 4x4 2500 Auto 3. 54, TST #5, Major Pump Mods(By "Scheid Diesel") 370 Diamond B Injectors, Gov. Spring kit, AFC Spring kit, Banks Exhaust, Prime Loc, Cummins Chrome Kit,Psychotty Air Filter, Pro-Torque Converter, BD Valve Body, BD Pressure Loc, Isspro Gauges, Sendel 16" Alum Wheels w/ 33" BFGs

 

[Runaway]

Don't think the question is "how much horsepower," but rather how much torque can the auto take/handle? I'm no transmission guru, but this transmission design has been around awhile. Horsepower from the gas engines have always been higher than the HP from the diesels. It's my opinion that the inreased torque is where we auto guys start experiencing problems. That's my take on this situation. #ad


------------------
99 QC/LB,ISB w/auto,4x4, 3. 54, VDO (boost, pyro) Westin SS Nerf Bars and Grille Guard, Delta tool box, CP Industries pivoting 5th wheel, K&N, BD/VB,and Exhaust Brake(disabled). 54405 miles (1/12/01)
Ordered "01" ETH/DEE 12/11/00 Due date:2/10/01
00 28' Jayco 5th Wheel, 86 "Classic 16" Alumacraft, 00 Honda Rancher

 

[John_P]

Runaway:

You are right it is the TORQUE that
hurts these autos! BTW, good luck
when you get your new one cause those
6-speeds have been coming apart quite
a bit here in our area.

 

[Big-D]

Bigfig,

Bet Bill Kondolay (kondolay@home.com) can offer a word or two regarding your request. His transmission mods have done a lot to upgrade our transmissions and there are several in this forum who can verify his work. Do a search on transmissions and I'm certain you will see his writings. Dave

 

[JSchooley]

For what its worth, as I am no expert.

I believe there are good solutions to beefing up the transmission to take more torque, however I think your question is how much will the stock transmission take.

My experience is that with my mods I can cause the auto to slip under full power at low RPM, but not at high RPM (2500?). BD's installation instructions lists 575 ft-lbs for my ISB computer. I have no idea how accurate this is, but it sure gives you a kick when you hit the throttle, and I can pull a fairly heavy 5th wheel up a steep grade at 65 MPH.

I know I have a little too much for the transmission over the long haul and watch the tach real close. Any sign of slipping and I'm off the throttle a little.

Hope this helps.

John

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John S. '99 QC 1T 4. 11 A/T Leather Driftwood, 50 Gal aux tank/tool box, gearvendors, BD brake/autolok, BD ISB comp, guages, BD Pressure Lock and Pract. Sol. Boost Elbow.

Just a Little BOMBed and liking it a lot.

 

[Runaway]

John_P;

Thanks for the encouraging words. #ad
I've only seen a few posts of 6-speed problems compared to auto problems. I like the auto, but when I started having problems, my dealer took care of me, #ad
and I ordered the 6-speed.

 

[thepitts]

See my sig, with my setup I have not had any problems yet. If I do run into problems I will go with the Bill K setup.

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Eric Pitts 2001 Properly Valved 2500 Qcab 4X4 auto Transgo shifts it 4. 10 LSD Prime-Loc Weston Nerf Bars Smith built brush guard Command Remote Starter Scotty Air DD stage 1’s, PS boost module , elbow 32psi boost 247hp,657tq Neophyte B. O. M. B. er
The Pitts Home Page
Member GLTDR

 

[RoryTek]

Give Tony Garcin a call at Dun-Rite Transmissions, he specializes on the 618/727/47RE/47RH transmissions. This man knows the insides out of these boxes. Right know I have one of his valve bodies in my truck, I'm running 245hp and pull a 30ft 5th wheel. No slippage at all, next will be the TQ cause I plan on going to 300+hp. Anyhow give him a call or email him, just try not to call on Mondays, very busy then. http://www.dunrite-converters.com/

73's

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Rory KE6NIG
97' 3500 CC 4x2
12V,TSTed, Auto, Bright
White/Spruce Int. Amsoil, Muffler fell off a long time ago, I think the CATS next.