Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Lockup Boxes - Comments?

[rblomquist]

Hey guys, I'm looking into getting a lockup box and since I have an ATS transmission I was thinking about going that route but am open to suggestions on different models/best places to find a good price. I have no plans on adding an exhaust brake.



Thanks in advance.



Rich

 

[rblomquist]

anyone?

 

[Bob Wagner]

since you have the ats transmission, I would stick with there commander too.



why start mixing parts now?

 

[rblomquist]

Well, I don't know if it'd make sense or not. A guy could go with an Emjay or something regardless of which transmission he had but I'm not sure if it's worth the extra cash or not.



Also, was wondering if anyone knew of a vendor(s) close to the TDR have better than retail pricing on the ATS commander? I'm having a hard time finding anyone that lists this stuff.

 

[Bob Wagner]

I sent you a pm

 

[JSHAW]

The ATS commander works great. Easy to adjust and does a good job.



Jim Shaw

 

[rblomquist]

That'd be the natural choice but the price differential is substantial between some of the boxes so I wanted to get some insight on what most folks thought would make sense.

 

[BillGotthelf]

Well I have a problem I have the ATS commander in my truck with a DTT transmission. They are constantly flameing each other. I have had to pull over many times and threaten to turn the key off. Sure gets to be a pain going down the 1/4 mile. :-{}

 

[rblomquist]

Is there that much difference in the electronics of the transmissions themselves?



I know the TCs and internals are tackled a little differently between the trans shops but as a layperson I'm wondering why any particular box wouldn't mate up with whatever style of 47RE is under the truck. If you're primarily using a box to send a signal to lock up the TC what's the difference between using a Banks, ATS, DTT, BD or whatever to get the electron to the TC?



I guess what I'm thinking (again as a layperson) is you're problem should be with the ATS commander itself, no necessarily a mis-match between the transmission/TC and electronic controller.



Interested in the facts about that stuff.



Rich

 

[jwilliams3]

I have run the ATS triplelok commander (version 1) for over a year and a half.



It works great, and you can adjust lockup on the fly from 17mph to around 70mph.



Great for drag racing or just around the town stuff, and daily driving.



--Justin

 

[BillGotthelf]

The lockup signal is a command by the PCM to the transmission by way of a ground signal. If it goes to ground the TC locks up if there is no ground there is no lockup. Some vendors use different TC's but they all lock up the same. What I'm trying to say is that as long as you have an aftermarket valve body you can take advantage of the trans shifting locked up at any speed you set or not unlocking and using that feature with an exhaust brake.

 

[krs]

"I have the ATS commander in my truck with a DTT transmission. They are constantly flameing each other. I have had to pull over many times and threaten to turn the key off"



LOL! What WERE you thinking about?

 

[rblomquist]

I just ordered the ATS. Any of you guys install your own and if so, how bad/easy was it?



Thanks

 

[BillGotthelf]

I had a flashback to the transmission wars. Installing the ATS Commander was easy following there instructions and took me about 45 minutes.

 

[rblomquist]

Thanks Bill, I'm looking forward to adding the final piece of the trans puzzle.



Rich