Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Max hp for auto?

[FlyFisha']

Hello all --



I've been a member of the tdr for about a year now and have been reading the threads for quite sometime but actually own a '94 ford 7. 3 idi turbo diesel. -- I know, I know... but it's actually been a pretty decent truck.



My father is thinking of picking up a new dodge in the next few months and offered to sell me his '96 12 V for a pretty good price.



Ever since I picked up my Ford with an auto -- e40d -- i've been wanting a manual that could handle upgrades a bit better but that won't be an option if I want to get my ole' man's 12'er...



So, my question is how much power can these '96 dodge autos handle before transmission upgrades are needed... . and what are the upgrades that you all would suggest to handle the extra power?... if it's needed.





Thanks for any input.

Jeff

 

[rrausch]

Jeff, I think about a #6 plate, which is about 230 H. P. and about 600+ ft. lbs. of torque is about the limit most people advise for an un-bombed automatic. The problem with more power is that under load, the stock Torque Conv. clutches start to slip and then burn and degrade and that sends little bits of clutch material through the trans killing it.



But bombed it is ANOTHER STORY!

If you want to bomb your trans, call all the transmission gurus. That would be ATS, Suncoast, Goerends, BD, and DTT and probably a few others. Then go with the people you feel the most comfortable with. Clint Cannon's number at ATS is 800-949-6002. They are family owned and just great people. Unlike the other transmission shops, ATS does ALL their own machine work in-house--all their parts are "Made in USA".



I went with ATS because the TripleLok Torque Converter has been tested to 1700+ Ft. Lbs. of torque, and the stator is custom cnc'd to goose it up.



Here is the Thread I posted when I got back from ATS about a year ago.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...?threadid=40441&highlight=Experience+with+ATS

 

[1dslram]

I am presently over 500 hp and pushing 600 with no automatic problems, you will need a trans that can take the HP DDT and ATS are the best known Suncoast and Gorend Bros. are also choices there is a new guy entering the market called The Transmission Shop I drove one of their trucks a May Madness and I really liked the way it shifted and I think I am going to try one of their Valve Bodies in my trans.

Bruce

 

[FlyFisha']

rrausch,



Thanks for the feedback! I printed out your post (article) and read through it all. I'm curious what the cost is on a rebuilt ATS transmission? If that's frowned upon in the forums don't worry about it... I'll give them a call.



Jeff

 

[bmoeller]

Here's what TST suggests (halfway down the page)- http://www.tstproducts.com/power_kits_trial.htm

 

[KLockliear]

275rwhp max on a stock trans.