Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) question about an automatic cummins

[1smoknC]

hey guys im lookin at a 99 automatic and dont know too much about auto's. i know in a stick that you can put in a con ofe and be good to like 550hp, but what about autos? put in a torque converter and not worry about too much? also what would happen if i put a hot box, decent injectors, intake, and 5' exhaust... . transmission gone?



thanks

 

[Warpig]

Cumns-pwr, I'm no expert but i'll give you all the advise that I believe in, since no one responded to your thread yet. For the basics, you need a torque converter and a reworked valve body. That will probable be good for 450-500 hp. Over that you will need billet input and output shafts. A lot of people on TDR swear by DTT or ATS which I'm sure are great products. The transmission will only be as good as the installer. In my honest opinion, competitors like BD, Suncoast, Goerend offer great transmission parts for much less money. Do your homework and save some money. I'm not knocking the big 2 (DTT,ATS) by any means, I just think that the money you save can be spent in better ways.



Tim W.

 

[zstroken]

Depends on what yoru going to do with it, tow heavy or lots of street racing you better have billet input shaft at the 450HP mark. 400HP you should be ok, unless you are hard on stuff with just a convertor and VB, but if it has over 50K I would probably go thru it with new clutches and input shaft. I would suggest Dave Goerend 563-778-2719. Best warranty in the business and best customer service.

 

[Cummins Thunder]

Who sees a transmission war brewing?

 

[zstroken]

No war, Do a search and see if you can find a negative post about Dave. The others make great products also, but you will find some complaints. I did some investigating, and maybe things have changed in a year, but I was lied to by one of them, they were friendly and helpful on the phone and told me I had to upgrade 3rd gear hub, or I would have problems, well 30K later and probalby 40 hooks on one of them and zero problems. the other really wasn't very helpfull and acted like they didn't care. Call around, ask your questions, there are several good options.

 

[1smoknC]

alright, thanks guys. just understanding what all is required to beef up an auto for high hp #'s compared to a stick has helped me understand that i should probably just go with a 5 speed.



the truck i was lookin at was a 99 auto with 205K on it, completely loaded, no rust, excellent paint extended cab shortbed for 12K. just kinda seemed like a deal to good to pass up even if it was an auto.



thanks again

 

[Joe Mc]

even if it was an auto.

It depends on your style - I like a stick in a hot rod street car. If I'm going racing for consistancy I want the built automatic. For my truck (of course it is my daily driver, hot rod, race - whatever mobile) I'll stay with my DTT and just leave it in "D" :-laf. I know plenty of good "speed shifters" with standard trans and haven't known one that can shift quicker than a built auto.

 

[kelly4463]

Joe your so right about speed shifting, but i still love my 6sp, nothing like the sound of a cummins out of 6'' stacks when your rowing through the gears :-laf :-laf