Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Trani mods

[Bseg]

I'm getting ready to put a TST plate on and thinking of going to the 230 H. P. range. Trani is stock, with 70k miles on it. Would I be wasting my time and money on the plate without completely rebuilding the trani? I would like to try and spend as little as possible but don't want to cut corners and have to do it again.

 

[Koa Man]

You should be able to run the 230 hp plate w/o transmission mods. A VB would be nice and gauges, EGT at least.

 

[Bob Wagner]

A Custom valve body would be a wise investment, for right around $375. 00

 

[Bseg]

Is the valve body hard to install? Would the new valve body be a temporary type of fix or would that last me more miles without having to go to another torque converter and possibly a rebuild?



I'm probably gonna put the gauges in before I do the plate, I would like to be able to reference temps etc. before and after.

 

[Dennis Garrett]

I've had the same 230HP TST kit since my truck was almost new, I have over 160k on it now with the stock TC & transmission, & no problems so far. I'm putting approx. 300 hp to the rear wheels too. This is what I've done to mine... ... . I drive by my 3 pos. lock up switch almost 100% of the time, I NEVER let the truck decide when lock/unlock is appropriate. I do it myself. I installed a spin on filter in the rubber line going to the hot side of the cooler. It's a wood splitter return line hydraulic filter, bolted to the front cross member behind the front bumper. It filters 10 microns, & flows 20 GPM. I change it and the internal filter at 25-30k miles. I've dropped the pan, and turned up the light throttle shift speed a little, and increased my line pressure some at the same time. (the two screws on the driver's side of the valve body just above the pan lip) I've always been a believer in Lucas trans. additive, and use a quart of it each time I change the fluid. (It's thick, just like red STP) Make sure you use the correct +3 or +4 Mopar type trans fluid, not Dexron. My transmission is in fine shape, but in August I have an appointment with Goerend Bros. to check out the transmission, update anything it might need, and install a lower stall, tripple disc TC.