Rocky Mtn Transmission Trouble

[mikepvg]

My Gear Vendor Under/Overdrive finally decided it has had enough & protested by making strange grinding noises & vibrations. Unfortunately, I can not tell you how well this unit did since I purchased the truck used with 118,000 miles on the clock. I do know I wouldn’t drive without one, I like it that much! I put on another 14,000 miles before any symptoms showed up. The truck was still driveable but the vibration definitely was getting worse & needed some TLC. As it turns out, there is a silver lining to my expensive transmission repair. I ended up in the very professional hands of Automotive Transmission Specialists in Denver. ATS has been in business for almost 10 years in the Denver area & is also a Gear Vendors dealer. Clint Cannon of ATS diagnosed & rebuilt my Gear Vendors unit. Clint is extremely knowledgeable & has also designed & developed custom torque converters for automatic transmissions. I got to take a test drive in their shop vehicle, a 3500 automatic that I think was a 2000 model. Not only is it a superbly fast truck, the auto they designed is fantastic. ATS has incorporated, of their own design, an automatic torque lockup that self deactivates below 30mph. ATS uses 5 forward clutches instead of the OEM 4 clutches & uses 10 overrun clutches instead of the OEM 8 clutches. There are many more details regarding their automatic that I do not understand since I’m just not an automatic kind of guy. All I can say is, if you have an automatic transmission & you want to put some BIG Cummins power through it, you should, no I mean you need to talk to these guys. I didn’t get Clint’s entire professional background but I did get his associate, Don Ramer’s background. Don started out as a diesel mechanic in the Coast Guard. He then moved on to a company in Florida programming robotic equipment then spent 17 years with Caterpillar before coming together with Clint. There is a ton of diesel experience between these two guys & they are heavily involved in drag racing over at Bandimere. Racing is always a good test bed for products. As a matter of fact (this WILL BE of great interest to you 24 or overvalved guys) ATS is running Bosch experimental pumps that came right out of an 8 second dragster with great success. Here’s a couple of pictures of the BOSCH VR6 EXPERIMENTAL FUEL PUMP.

"Competition Only" designation

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/manowick...owicki1/lst?&.dir=/ATSproject&.src=ph&.view=t





Bosch VR6 EXPERIMENTAL PUMP!

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/manowick...owicki1/lst?&.dir=/ATSproject&.src=ph&.view=t





Bosch VR6 Plate ID

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/manowick...owicki1/lst?&.dir=/ATSproject&.src=ph&.view=t



BTW, for all you guys that don’t have an EGT gauge or don’t pay attention to it, check out these pictures of a MELTED CUMMINS! This Cummins was using the Stage III injectors.

Melted Cummins Head

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/manowick...owicki1/lst?&.dir=/ATSproject&.src=ph&.view=t





Melted Cummins Piston

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/manowick...owicki1/lst?&.dir=/ATSproject&.src=ph&.view=t

So, do you STILL don’t want to spend money on an EGT gauge?



Here’s a picture of my NV4500 after they split it open. While we were waiting for GV parts, we decided to take a look at the rest of my driveline for potential problems. As it turns out, my 1st & 4th gear syncros were approaching the end of their limits. There was substantial rocking on the 5th gear mating surfaces, but the 5th GEAR NUT WAS STILL TIGHT! Imagine that…

Split NV4500

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/manowick...owicki1/lst?&.dir=/ATSproject&.src=ph&.view=t



ATS also rebuilds NV4500’s to their own specifications to deal with the well-documented DESIGN FLAWS still being produced by NVG. ATS uses a heat treated & hardened head gear & pilot bearing. Of course a fully splined 5th gear main shaft & split locking nut is incorporated. They are confident enough in their rebuilt NV4500’s to offer a 2 year, 65,000 miles warranty on this unit! That impressed me, so I had them put one in with a new LUK Gold clutch. BTW, the clutch is super smooth & has the OEM light pedal pressure. MY CTD still puts out stock power & I have no plans of going over 700 ft-lbs when I do decide to let the power out, so I’m very happy with the LUK. ATS also installs the dual McCleod clutches for you guys running the big torque numbers.



So what else does ATS have? They are currently experimenting with a DUAL TURBO setup that puts in 100PSI! I was told that EGT’s for this setup never exceded 1100 degF NO MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL WAS USED! Looking for custom Power Trak Lockers? How about 2000degF marine coated manifolds? Or Stainless Steel exhaust systems? Or custom built valve springs, converters & valve bodies? Again for you overvalved boys, do you want to get BIG POWER by stacking the TST Competion Level 3 box with an EZ module?



Anyways, the ATS name they are using does not in anyway indicate what these guys are doing. Even so, the biggest problem these guys have indicates that hasn’t been problem, they are SWAMPED WITH BUSINESS. But, this is a GREAT BUNCH OF GUYS & will bend over backwards to get you back on the road quickly. As an example, we needed to get out of town on a high country llama trip to the mountains. Normal shop hours close around 5:30 but ATS seldom closes on time. They stayed until my truck was completed which worked out to be 9:30pm! The biggest delay on my truck was waiting for the GV parts to arrive. (GV snafu'ed the delivery method) However, Everything performed as advertised. We & the llamas had a great trip over the 13,000 foot Jones pass. So, if you need some advice on high performance modifications for your Cummins & or its driveline, I can wholeheartedly give these guys the two thumbs up! The only thing ATS did not have was some of that, TDR member Mike Nowicki endorsed, Redline MT90 for my NV4500!!!

Don Ramer or Clint Cannon can be reached at ATS in Denver at 303-431-7973

Clint’s Email address is -- email address removed --



ATS Crew

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/manowick...owicki1/lst?&.dir=/ATSproject&.src=ph&.view=t



Happy motoring!

Mike



Damages were as follows:

LUK Clutch Kit w/o labor= 263. 90

GV rebuild kit including labor= $548. 15

NV4500HD w/ updated main shaft, input & 5th= $2300-TDR Discount=$2,150



I also had the transfer case resealed, etc. . With everything like resurfacing the flywheel & all labor to do the entire job ran me just under $4,000 & a small heart malfunction! But, I will be relying on my truck heavily in my future line of work & needed everything done professionally. Its one thing using the TDR guy's advice to correct a KDP issue but to tackle that kind of transmission work, by myself, for the 1st time would have been foolish.

I need absolute rock reliability or at least a good warranty!.

 

[Extreme1]

Glad to hear it worked out well and you're happy with your service. I know it helps to lessen the hurt of the expense when things come out good and you feel your truck is in good hands.



BTW - I couldn't get the links to work - I get a "Forbidden" error.

 

[JCook1]

Links not functioning.

Would be nice to see the pictures you put up with the links. I was not able to view the links in your post. I was given a "FORBIDDEN" error.



Please correct the links so that the forum may see the pictures.



Please give us a grand total for having the work you described done. I will (do) need to have some work done on my transmission and would like to have an idea of the cost of a complete rebuild by a good professional.



By the way I am sitting down with nitro in hand so the figure won't be the cause of any terrible damage to the heart anyways.



Thanks

JCook1

 

[mikepvg]

I've adj'ed the links & verified security access to where they are stored.

Pls let me know if they still do not work.



Mike

 

[mikepvg]

Re: Links not functioning.

JCook1 (& others),



Regarding your desire for transmission work; I did get to take a ride in Don Ramers autio equipped truck. I'm not an auto type of guy but his auto equipped truck was a tasty morsel indeed. And I believe a 3year 65K warranty is industry leading & IMO could not be offered w/o great confidence in their product.

Here's an email notification I just recieved from ATS:



Just wanted to inform the general the market that we have a new custom set of turbo chargers for all applications. We offer a new very sweet single turbo that takes the place of the HX40. This turbo charger spools up almost three times faster and is handling the heat. The new turbo is custom manufactured by us and it's new model number is TE40H. This turbo can be used with 3 ½" down pipe or a 4" down pipe which gives the ability to us a direct exhaust brake. This product almost eliminates most of the low-end lag & smoke. It's currently on a 2001 24 valve & also it will be sent to Cummins for extra testing. Also want to let all know that we also offer a twin compound turbo set up also for the 12 & 24 valve 65psi to 100 plus pounds of boost. To give all of the diesel heads something to ponder is that we need to remember that higher the boost pressure the lower the exhaust heat gets. Well enough of that I wanted to send you an overview of the company that will help all of the scuttlebutt of our company and what we do. Please let all of the people know we don't want to be involved in this negativity AT ALL.



Let’s take a moment and discuss some of the products that ATS is working on and making improvements. The Dodge truck was just one of the products that we wanted to make some positive changes with. The transmissions torque converter has had some weak spots that have needed some work.

The beginning of the work on this converter was efficiency of the torque ranges and the lockup surfaces along with the lining compounds. We know that the friction needed some thing better than the paper mainly for longevity to withstand heat. The paper friction could not stand slipping for very long we brought out some better lining compounds that can with stand better chances of slipping but yet still offer good feel under lockup conditions like paper can.

The next thing was to make better stall ranges for higher horsepower conditions using many different stator combination the angle ramping and number of blades that our custom stator can use. This makes custom benefits for any truck and the numerous applications. This offers long term towing and engine braking with shifting under torque & Load. This gave us the ability to offer a torque converter that works well and can be adjusted to any truck high horse power or stock.

This gives Automotive Transmission Specialists the ability of offering a better product and warranty to the general public. This type of product we offer for Dodge, Ford, GM and others. Our product line includes heavy duty towing stock applications and full out racing for the very high horse power and torque. In doing this with the torque converters we also made some changes in the transmissions to give them the cutting edge technology for all applications.

We wanted a better product that could work for the general public the government, law enforcement services Ect. Leading on with the performance of the diesel market making fuel and air changes was also the topic. The market that we live in just happens to be one of the hardest tests on vehicles.

The diesels have to be set up very well in order to survive the long haul since we live in the Colorado Mountains with altitudes above 5,280ft the ongoing progress has lead us to making better turbo chargers fuel system upgrades and other modifications for lower heat better performance less smoke and maintain power. The best part of the diesel engine is that higher the boost the lower the exhaust temps gets. When fuel is increased along with boost than it all moves in a forward direction this can offer better performance without heavy smoke, heat and damage to the engine. So within these ranges is how we offer our custom packages.

Automotive Transmission Specialist offers the staged power package that works for what the application needs to be. We offer our own turbo chargers fuel system packages exhaust systems drive train repair and custom manual transmission repair and custom services. We specialize in the entire drive train components and fabrication for the heavy-duty vehicles including duel axle trucks motor homes along with all makes and models of cars.

We manufacture and remanufacture torque converters with transmissions. The transmissions follow some of the best quality controls such has on site Dynamometer testing. The diesel torque converters consist of 13” billet steel covers wide carbon clutches & custom stator designs that meet warranties of three year 65,000 mile parts and labor.

We also offer custom gearing for differentials along with custom lockers and limited slips. Suspension upgrades with full state of the art electronic testing and repair for all late model vehicles. We perform all out racing products such as blowers, custom injection systems and services such as Gear Venders, US Gear over & under drives and exhaust brakes of all manufactures. Custom fuel injection pumps and the use of all quality Bosch, Cummins, International parts with manufacture support.

Auto Trans Is A Performance Company.





Not sure what the "scuttlebutt" is per se but one can only imagine. In my short time (1. 5year) as a TDR member, I have seen some total misinformation represented on this site by a few so called "experts". I have also seen many more positive things here. Fortunately the positive ones still outweigh the negative ones. All I can say is that I was impressed with the knowledge that the crew over at ATS has. They treated me right, so I'd bet they would treat you right also.



Mike Nowicki

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Man!! I thought I was long winded!!

This place sounds really cool, and is yet another place offering the twin turbos..... I'm starting to wonder if they are all originating from one place and folks are re-selling them... ...



C'mon, with so many twin turbo kits out there... . I'm sure that there must be some way to give the specs on them so that we can do some comparison shopping.....



Matt - involved in a relentless pursuit of turbo diesel nirvana.

 

[mikepvg]

Oh, Oh...

I just got a small taste of power.



With assistance & guidance from ATS & a few Buds, I installed a TST #10 torque plate.



Fortunately, I'm a logically controlled individual & will not want any more power than that!



Initial test results indicate I certainly don't need any more power.



Thanks to ATS for the help &

Thanks to Cummins for making such a killer motor that is so easily upgradable.



Mike

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Thank Cummins for making the killer 6BTA engine with the 'kickbutt' Robert Bosch P7100 injection pump!! More power is cheap, quick, and a whole lotta' fun!



Matt

 

[mikepvg]

Matt



Sounds like you might be a candidate for one of those twin turbo set ups ATS implements.



Would 100psi of boost be enough for you?



If I had bags O' cash I would go all out on this Killer B engine.



Unfortunately I don't, but fortunately (actually quite amazingly) the Killer B & the p7100 is so well designed, a simple & cost effective torque plate change shoots me well past all new stock trucks in performance.

Can't ask for more than that



Mike

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I'm more than a candidate for the twin-turbo setup... I'm an incumbant!

100psi is more than enough, but thoughtfully adjusted the twins can be turned down a few notches to 50psi or so... .



Matt - Mr. Money Bags... yeah right!

 

[mikepvg]

TST #10 performance update.



I have more than enough power to pull Berthoud Pass in any gear I want.

Even w/ a full load of firewood in the bed in double over-drive!

Should have seen the look on that Harley guy's face as I blew past him w/ this huge load of wood doing 85mph (in double overdrive) up the final approach to the Berthoud Pass North switchbacks.

It was classic.



If you pour the coal into her before you have at least 10psi of boost you can see 1400degF real quick at that altitude, otherwise no problem.

ATS was correct in telling me that any more plate would be too much for the way my truck is setup, to properly deal w/ high EGT.

I have good response & no EGT problem.

Runs great & I can not wait to test with a load of horses up over Loveland Pass.



Now where's my neighbor that drives that Powerpoop?



Mike

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I saw a FlowerPoke take out Jannetty's mechanic Frank's black dually at the drags this past weekend... ...

Frank had a huge problem with traction... even with slicks.



As for the power... . I'm being a good fellow and not putting the fuel to it until I get me some gauges... .



Matt

 

[mikepvg]

Oooooh, that must have hurt to have a superior engine & power & to still lose!



Yup, from what I've seen even with this "mild" plate, gauges are absolutely essential.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Ahh, it was bound to happen sooner or later... . the FlowerPoke didn't even have slicks... but I bet he had propane. Folks were very reluctant to pop their hoods... . TOP SECRET! haha



Matt

 

[mikepvg]

Fuel mpg follow up:

1st tank of liquid coal after #10 plate install.

Of course I was driving w/ a [b[heavy[/b] foot testing the new power curve at every opportunity, so this should be my worst mpg.



20. 5mpg



Thats an average over 450 miles including a 200 mile trip up & down a 13,000ft pass with firewood & all kinds of hooligan activity.



The Fords can only dream of this... .





Mike

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Good MPG is one of many things that the F*rd guys can only dream of. The list is too numerous to display in this forum!



Matt