Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Power icrease vs. Trans (auto) life?

[PGaither]

Brian just recomended installing a plate #4, and a 3K GSK fron TST performance on my 96 Ram 2500 CTD 4X4, but said to start saving up for a new transmission as increaseing the power can destroy the auto trans. on these trucks, is that true? What can I do to get more power without the risk of hurting the trans? I don't need massive amounts of power, just a little bit more would be nice. Whatabout an airfilter kit, turbo heat shield, 4" exhaust, would those put added stress on my trans. ? I just bought the truck in June, have no real service history, but the transmission fluid looked new, the trans. might have been rebuilt already? It had 146,000 when I bought it, 150,000 miles now... ...



Phil

 

[Bhale]

Hope i didn't scare you too much Phil... .



To be more specfic, the torque convertor is the weak link. What happens with power increases (~300+) is the TC will begin to slip under full pedal accleration/heavy load. When this happens its common for the TC to deposit particals in your transmission fluid, thus clogging up the works.



For a real cheap and moderate increase, slide your fuel curve plate full forward. This should gain you about 15-30hp and you'd still be safe with the trans.

 

[JohnE]

My transmission survived a #4 plate and GSK, but the torque converter did not. Toasted lockup clutch and output hub splines very worn.



PDR recommends going with a #10 and GSK to save on transmission parts. You can go that route and after a transmission rebuilt upgrade to a #4 plate.

 

[tschwab]

The #4 plate is pretty radical, lots of heat (high EGT's). I just returned from PDR (Piers Diesel Reasearch) where I had installed a #10 & 3K GSK (govenor spring kit), as this is the combination they recommended for my application. Excellent results. You should contact PDR, they will take the time to listen and give you solid advice.



If your running around blind (no guages) THIS is the 1st BOMB you need to make.

 

[PGaither]

Thanks for the advice...

Thanks for the advice everyone (and Brian, no you didn't scare me to much, just wanted to avoid hurting the trans/T. Q if possible... . ), no I know the scoop. Brian when you said moving the plate forward, you ment the stock plate right? First thing I have to do is get gauges though, you guys atre right that should be the 1st Bomb... ... . Can I just get the trans temp gauge 1st, or is the pyrometer really important too?

 

[Bhale]

PRYO PYRO PYRO



then go for boost and transmission temp



yes, move the stock plate all the way forward

 

[y-knot]

I have 97' 3500 with the automatic, I installed a TST plate the first year I had the truck. It helped make the truck more responsive, and alot more fun to drive. The one thing that will always hold you back is the torque converter, it's high stall is flustrating. I had pretty good luck with the trany, till I started towing, that killed it fast. Started getting the dredded shutter, you can save it most times, just back out and be easy with the throtle, but it will eat itself rather quick. If you already have 150K on the transmission, consider it past it's normal life expectantcy. I'm start saving now for that new trany, and all that goes with it($4800. 00). mine was slipping at 36K, and it didn't take to much longer to eat itself.

 

[PGaither]

$4,800!!!!!!

Wow! $4,800 to rebuild a trany! THats a lot of money! I think if that happenened I'd rather spend the cash converting to a 6-speed setup! Now is that a stock rebuild, or a "full boat " rebuild with the special tourque converter & all the bells and Whistles?:--)

 

[Bhale]

$4,800. 00 is the Full Boat but it gets you a transmission that's next to impossible to hurt.

 

[Dfuruness]

Bhale,



If you don't mind me asking, what make was your new trans and what bells and whistles did you include?



Any suggestions?



Don

 

[Bhale]

Mine is an ATS transmission/Torque converter and TC Commander. ~$4200 with shipping, installation, core return and new lines. The complete ATS system