Question regarding 48RE torque converter change.

[Ken F]

I was wondering how much the drive-ability changes with something like an ATS triple lok torque converter.



Does the lower stall make the truck feel more powerful?



How much, if at all, did fuel economy improve?



Also, what kind of $$$ did you spend in making the swap?



Thanks,



Ken.

 

[XcumminsX]

im thinking about getting an aftermarket tc and changing it myself. I just did my buddies 70 rivera this weekend and it was a breeze... . I know on mine id have to do alot more but it ant be that much harder...

 

[Ken F]

It will be interesting to read answers to my questions regarding the effect on performance.



I wonder if we could arrange a group buy, as was done with ATS exhaust manifolds?

 

[David Muench]

Ken: Make sure you do your homework on this one, make sure you'll be happy with just a TC. There are a lot of things "wrong" with the stock Dodge autos, even if it doesn't seem like it when you're driving it around. My transmission seemed fine until I took it over to Massdiesel. Turns out it had several defects and was self destructing. Still drove fine though. If I had put in just a TC it probably would of just made things worse (especially if it were an ATS TC since it relies on running in lockup most of the time).

 

[Ken F]

In the back of my mind I was thinking it would be sort of silly to pull the trans for a converter change and not do what ever it would take to strenghten it up while it's out.



So are they a lot different to drive with the lower stall? Better throttle response?



What all did you do to yours?



Ken.

 

[rrausch]

I've had my ATS Stage IV in for 45,000 miles now and I love it. I can set lock-up at anywhere from about 20 m. p. h. up to 55 or so. If your trans is relatively low-mileage, just a TC & VB is a great choice if you are not bombed extra-heavy. Because just the TC & VB will give you a big smile!! If you are running really high H. P. you might as well do it right and get the whole trans redone, as Clint re-engineers, heat-treats, cyrogenically treats, or hardens many parts which make the stock transmissions fail at high H. P. And ATS stands behind their work 100%. I'd go with them again in a heartbeat.

 

[David Muench]

They're definitely a totally different beast. I can only speak to my truck with the DTT, I've never driven any of the competition's trannies. The best example I can give is that with the stock transmission it would take probably 1800-2000 rpms to get moving out of my parking spot at home (the rear wheels sit in a bit of a low spot). With the DTT, I don't even have to touch the pedal. The truck seems a lot quicker too, despite it sounding slower (due to the lower rpms). That problem with the wastegate rattling/buzzing when OD engages sometime is gone as well - since the fluid coupling is so much better, the drop between unlocked and locked is only a couple hundred rpm vs. the 800 or more I had with the stocker.



I had Massdiesel do just about everything except the billet output shaft and flex plate. I figure if I ever break either of those (not too likely) I can fix those myself. I also ended up with a new rear drum, rear band, and actually a new transmission case because there was a defect in the rear piston's cylinder (bore was too large) causing the rear piston to leak and make the rear band drag. I only had 32k miles on the truck too. I don't think I would of gotten another 1000 miles before it dying completely.