Ready to buy a real transmission..opinions from those that have driven BOTH ATS/DTT?..

[Dixie Dawg]

or even BD/Suncoast/Goerend. Not interested in hearing from those that are sponsered. Only folks that have driven more than 1 of the big 5 trannys.



How do they differ from each other, driving wise? Any characteristics of the two that distinguish themselves? I will be puttin on a set of DDIIs when I get the rebuild. Honest opinions only, NOT interested in the mud slinging that usually goes on with these threads.

 

[Briar Hopper]

Would you be interested in the educated experience of someone who has seen both brands being built, as well as built them himself? There is a difference. Several differences, in fact. You can PM me if you want. Or PM "Cabrokr", he's owned both.

 

[willyslover]

EDIT. . LACK OF HOMOR . . didn't go over well

 

[Jim Fulmer]

You can PM me if you want. Or PM "Cabrokr", he's owned both.



Cabrokr is now, your mom! No it's no a joke that is his login.



Jim

 

[Dixie Dawg]

willyslover



I have read every single transmission thread over the last 2 years, both by searching and daily when posted. I haven't seen any topics started asking opinions from those that have driven more than 1 of the trannys, dealers/those sponsered not included. If it bothers you that much, don't click on the topic-simple enough.

 

[BigUgly]

Dixie Dawg;

I've never driven an ATS, but I have driven a Suncoast Single Disc with ~275 HP (about where you will be) and it was a very nice transmission. I have a Full DTT with a %91 TC. I feel that the DTT is just a bit better than the Suncoast, but that's just my opinion. next weekend, I plan on driving a Friend's with 400HP and a Suncoast tripple Disc. From what I've heard from others who have already driving it, it's better than the single disc, maybe as good as my DTT? However, from what I've heard, that 3 disc Suncoast is over kill for what you want, in fact I'm wondering how long parts will last with as harsh shifting as I've been led to believe.

Now, I've never ridden in a Goerend, BD or ATS. But I've heard some great things about Goerend and BD lately. Now, I see that you're in the great state of Gawja . If you decide to do the Suncoast, Jeff Garmon in McDonough is a Suncoast distributer, and Briar's shop is only about 6 or so hours from Atlanta if you choose DTT.

Jeff's number is 1-866-898-8585

Jeff's a great stand-up guy and can take care of your power needs (he's a distributer for Bully Dog Injectors). Plus, you can drool over the Dakota and the Drag truck. Jeff holds open house parties at the shop every so offten, watch for news on them at www.setdr.org.



Hope I've been some help;

Josiah

 

[Dixie Dawg]

Thanks BigUgly, exactly the kind of response I was hoping for. 'Preciate the info!

 

[pwr2tow]

I want to thank BigUgly for his honesty and show of character. A rare thing from alot of people.



Thanks again,

Ron

 

[your mom]

I've had both pm if you want

 

[willyslover]

my attempt at homor didn't go over well... SORRY Dixie Dawg. .



I'm editing my post to remove it... . was just smiling to myself when I read it and thought oh no another OIL / transmission war

 

[Shovelhead]

I rode in Banshee's ATS equipped truck last weekend in Virginia.

I was impressed with the smoothness, and the way it pushed you firmly back in the seat and kept you there without slamming you on the shifts.

Way cool.



Ed

 

[BillGotthelf]

I have ridden in all 4 major brands. ATS, DTT, Suncoast and BD. Problem is no two trucks were setup alike. With all the generations of our trucks, 1000's of hop up parts and all mix and matched its hard to compare apples to apples. Without asking for a war you probably can't go wrong with any of them. Call each company and talk to them and them make up your mind. If anything happens after you put there parts in your transmission they are gonna be the ones you will talk to.

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by BillGotthelf

I have ridden in all 4 major brands. ATS, DTT, Suncoast and BD. Problem is no two trucks were setup alike. With all the generations of our trucks, 1000's of hop up parts and all mix and matched its hard to compare apples to apples.

I agree, I've ridden in a couple and athey are setup different. Pick one and love it, you can't go wrong. My recommendation would be to trade it in and get a 6 speed. Real HD trucks only have manual transmissions :-laf

 

[Chipstien]

Originally posted by Pit Bull

Real HD trucks only have manual transmissions :-laf

 

[TxDieselKid]

I have ridden in both ATS, and DTT trucks that were on both ends of the horsepower games. On the high end I rode in Eric McBride's, and Stefan Kondoly. On the lower end I rode in some local guys trucks. I opted for the DTT, just my opinion.



Andrew

 

[TKilgore]

more info

Originally posted by BigUgly

Dixie Dawg;

I feel that the DTT is just a bit better than the Suncoast, but that's just my opinion.

I am not trying to set you up, but can you tell me why or better yet can you describe the difference in shifts and taking off ie. start from stop with TT or the "curb test".



If I had a DTT installer close by, I don't think it would be a choice but with Suncoast right next door I have to take a look. Briars place is not that far 8-10 hrs for an install but thats a loooong way if I did have a problem.



Thanks



Tom

 

[BigUgly]

Sure Tom, I'll see what I can do. The DTT seemed to have a slightly tighter TC in fluid coupling. I hate to say it, but that's about all I can come up with, except maybe the shift into lock-up was smoother with the DTT, but that would be due to the tighter fluid coupling. Also, the DTT truck was a bit more responsive, however, my DTT has 4. 10s and about 80+ HP, I tried to take that into account as best I could. In the end, I'd have to say both Suncoast and DTT will get the Job done pretty durn well. In talking to a mechainic who's been a Suncoast distributer for many years, he's only had a very few that have failed. I hate to say this, because I'm such a DTT fan and a real fan of Briarhopper, but heck son, Suncoast is almost or as good as DTT and only one beer away... ... ...

Josiah

 

[illflem]

My feeling is they're all good, the installer is what makes the difference. Choose the brand with the most competent installer that you feel comfortable with close by.

 

[TKilgore]

Good Info

BigUgly, thanks for the info. In my limited dealings with DTT I am also very pleased with them and would like to have the "full meal" but have the other factors to consider.



Can you tell me if both have any drain back and how about transmission heat in traffic. By the way, I was born in Beaufort.



Illflem, That is a very good point to remember.



Thanks



Tom

 

[BigUgly]

Tom;

Wasn't able to check the traffic heat in the Suncoast, only had one test ride. As to the drainback, I can't really tell you. I alway drop it in Neutral as soon as I crank it up. I leave it in N while I put on the seat-belt, Sunglasses, set the XM radio, etc. Also, on first start-up in the morning I usually let the truck Idle for 2-3 minutes to get all the fluids flowing.

Now, in traffic, the DTT will heat up. As soon as it breaks in, I'm going to switch to Amsoil, if that doesn't knock it down enough, I'll swap out the single-deep Mag-hytech with a Double-Deep.

Sorry I couldn't be more of a help.

Tom, where-'bouts in Beaufort did you live, were you a Military kid?

Josiah