Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Ready to upgrade

[Hddriver]

I bought the truck new in1995. It is a daily driver. Many highway miles 107000 a little towing and even less off road. I am one to the lucky ones and have had almost NO problems with vehicle. I am now ready to upgrade the torque and HP.

I am currently looking at ISSPRO guages as first upgrade. Told by everyone to do guages first, ads well as many on TDR

Next will be a beefie auto transmission. Read that this is good prep. prior to any HP upgrade.

Looking at DTT (lots of good comments) and the ATS (also Lots of good comments)

I know very little of automatic transmissions.

After reading both of the websites a couple of times I am completely confused which way to go.

I know I need a transmission but which way to go????

Would like to hear your side to the debate on which is the superior transmission.

From my search so far it looks like I will alot a budget of about $8000. 00 to buy as much Horsepower and torque as I can get.

Current the only none stock items on the truck are Trailblazer SSV shocks, heavy duty springs, Wide tires, and rims fender flares, Leer top.

I ordered the stock transmission cooler and tow package as original options.

I live in Northern Virginia and would prefer to have the work done locally but will travel to "where ever" for quality products and good customer service.



Very interested in what you have to suggest.



Thanks

Chuck

 

[Rammin On]

As usual ... this will turn ito a war ...



I suggest you go with ATS ... an awesome trans and an aawesome TQ convertor. You'll be happy you did. And when you do ... . get the whole package.



The ATS setup REALLY puts the power to the ground. The convertor is practically bulletproof. You can shift this trans locked through the gears and back which is wonderful if you are towing. The fluid coupling in the ATS convertor is perfect ... . you don't get the engine lugging like some of the others.



I've driven trucks with DTT and BD - my opinion is the ATS is much smoother and firmer than either of the others..... and ATS customer service is the best in the industry IMHO.



I had at one time a BD valve body and Pro-torque convertor in the original trans on the first rebuild ... I liked the set-up ... but going to the ATS was like night and day.



I'm sure others will chime in on this ... . but can we keep this civil for once????

 

[jwilliams3]

ATS Triplelok torque converter, simply the best converter on the market.



I have had nothing but top notch customer service and technical advice from the ATS crew.



I would suggest giving Clint Cannon or Don Ramer a call at ATS

www.atsdiesel.com.

With the miles on your truck and transmission, I would suggest a complete rebuilt transmission setup from ATS.



--Justin

 

[illflem]

I'm in the same situation as you except I have 186k on the stock AT, been bombed since 5k. Know that something's going give before too long but so far no sign. All my research is pointing towards ATS. Most any of the modified transmission builders will ship the trans closer to your location for installation.

 

[KatDiesel]

Each transmission has "Setup" has pros and cons. Just do some research and see if you can locate some people around your area with whichever vendor you are interested in installed in their truck. My personal choice is DTT, I've put it through hell and back... and still going. The smoothness can be adjusted, I am assuming the poster above was refering to the shifts.

 

[Bhale]

Yep, Go with ATS.



Have them ship it to Jim Jennings Transmissions in Baltimore, Md. Jim and his crew will take good care you, i know 'cause they did mine and Ed Shaw transmission. ATS will ship it to them and when it arrives, Jim will setup an appointment with you in the following 2-3 days (usually) They'll power flush your entire system, check your universal joints and TPS and road test it till it's adjusted right. They'll even take care of shipping the old unit back to ATS. These guys are GOOD!



BTW, ATS is the only builder i talked to that insisted on pre-qualifing the installer before shipping the transmission out. The others didn't seem that worried about who installed it. Thats just one of the many reasons i went with them.



Jim Jennings is about 1 - 1 1/2 hours from you.



~32k on my transmission and no problems. With the camper i weigh ~10,500 lbs and it shifts just like i'd want it to.



Brian

 

[Hddriver]

Thanks for the replys!

I sure did not want to start a war. I am glad you have strong opinions about your choices of upgrades.

It is great to hear from other than the factory propaganda how these products actually work and that they are performing up to the standards of the folks that depend on them. In a very short time I have come to respect what you guys say about the Diesel world. Can't beleive I have not heard of this group earlier.



Still researching... .



Found guys locally to install but would gladly go to baltimore or South Virginia to have the work done by a proven performer.



THis info is priceless! Specially for a someone who could easily be screwed by guys with claims of good things.



An insurance policy against crooks!



OK so where do I send my check! HA HA