My First 1st Gen - Trans Question

[EarlKann]

Whew...



Ok, that sounds cool, but probably a bit more than I need and more $$$ than I can spend. Mine will be a daily driver (empty) and will tow a 20-25 foot toy box (another thing I don't have yet) about once a month.



I'm gonna keep reading/researching for now. Looks like the DTT 89% TC and valve body are popular, as well as the Huges for the budget minded.

 

["Mad Max"]

absolutely - my bad amigo - My response was more leaning towards the 2nd gen swaps. Yes, the DTT 89% TC is the way to go - it is generally regarded as the best non-lockup converter on the market for a street application. For the long term outlook I'd go no other way. The TCI unit I put in my rig works great and it did real well on the long haul when I moved. But if I wasn't going lock-up I'd have got the DTT - no doubt. I'm also very glad I had the extra duty bed transmission cooler - kept the transmission temps on the chart. If you don't have a bed cooler (a dealer installed option on many rigs, but wasn't from the factory - it sits right below the drivers side front corner of the bed and makes a pretty loud whooshin' noise when on, which is nice cause you can hear it over the engine), get one. The aftermarket has several to choose from as well - there are a few threads on bed coolers out there.

Let us know what you do and how you like it.

- Sam

 

[ekroman]

1st Gen Trans Question

I'm following this with a great deal of interest. My 1990 has the 727 with 3. 07 rear, and I know my time is coming. I've 226,000 on it, and the transmission leaks, although it seems to work normally. I'm going to have someone go through it in the next 6 months (probably after January 1st).



Since I'm using a stock motor, what mods should I be looking for? I have no plans to bomb her, since she's been good to me all these years. However, if I can do something to improve converter efficiency, I would really like that.



Okay, how do I use my truck? I run it empty or near empty most of the time, and I occasionally tow a boat or a trailer for a friend (under 7500). I have no plans to haul an RV or anything like that.



What's the consensus? Is there a torque converter which works best for my application, and why? My first priority is reliablity. If I can gain some efficiency, then that's even better.



Thanks

Eddie

 

["Mad Max"]

Hiya Eddie -



First off, the eternal quest for the perfect 1st gen converter is a very familiar topic :-laf , and the reason that is so is because it is the single biggest thing most 1st genners wish was better. :{



Here is the search result topic page that has all of the threads that pertained to a 1st gen when searched on 'converter'. There's so much info here that it's almost too good!



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/search.php?searchid=98031



Two of the favorites are below:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71701&highlight=converter



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58611&highlight=converter



- Sam

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Since you plan to keep your engine relatively stock or maybe very modest adjustments I'd suggest you consider the 89%TC and the "towing VB" that DTT has.

You'll find the 89 a good TC because it is much more efficient and has the advantage of allowing the stock or mild HP trucks to get a bit of RPM to help build boost sooner.

Remember, the tighter the TC the harder it is to build boost and get rolling. There is also the issue of altitude. . if you drive/tow/work at higher altitudes the 89 is even more appropriate for your application.

The VB that seems to have been the most effective in our applications is the "towing" version with shifts set for firm/very firm.

You won't believe how much HP is going missing on the way to the rear wheels until you put some of this stuff in your truck... you'll see and, feel the difference right away.



pastor bob...

 

[ekroman]

First 1st Gen - Trans Question

Thanks for the information.



A friend of mine, years ago, had a 91 with the 727, and I remember he changed out his TC when the trans was done, but I don't remember who's converter he used. His was an early 91, and he added the Banks Powerpack (Intercooler and wastegated turbo) and it would pin you to the seat. It was seriously bombed for 10 years ago.



I'm more interested in reliability mods. The truck has been sitting mostly for 2 years (maybe 3,000 miles in that time), and I want to get it back into shape.



Eddie