VB Mods

[DR]

I just bought a 95 2500 CTD Auto and have started buying componets to start bombing. TST #6, Governer Spring Kit, K&N Filter and a Transbutty VB Kit. I probably should have done more reading before I purchased, but was excited and ready to bomb.



I'm just looking for a little more power and a better shifting trans. After reading the forums for the last couple of weeks I'm confident that I made the right choice on the engine parts, but I'm not sure about the Transbutty. The truck has 65,000 on it and the trans shifts Ok with a little TCC shutter if you give it too much throttle at low RPMs. Once the trans needs a rebuild I'll probably go with a DTT trans and converter, but for right now I just want crisper, better time shifts and a little more pressure to help the trans life. After ready the instructions for the Transbutty I'm confident that I can correctly do the installation, ( I worked at a transmission shop for a while after High School and was known as MR. Torqueflite for a while, as I built a number of them for local drag cars. ) But I'm concerned that this might not be the best kit for me and once installed, the VB is probably not worth a core exchange on another brand.



I don't want to start a brand arguement. But would like input from some body who has used or knows of this product. Should I install it now or turn the line pressure up a little and do the whole trans at later time? I also plan on installing a 3way switch on the TCC to prevent it from seeing the low RPM torque.

 

[JConley]

What is a transbutty VB kit?? I have never heard of it. I got exactly what you are asking for by replacing the entire VB with one from DTT.





Also. . . Welcome to the TDR

 

[DR]

Thanks for the welcome. This is a great website.



Transbutty is a shift kit made by Dunrite. It includes valves, springs, check balls and seals. You have to install some plugs,drill some holes, change some of the checkballs, even includes some welding to the band strut. If it's design is for my application it may work very well. Also it was only $125. 00 and I enjoy this type of do it yourself project as much as the end product.

 

[SlyBones]

Seems like its kinda risky. Doing my own welding on the VB. And make sure you drills those holes exactly. Seems I have read posts where TC drainback problems can be caused by over-drilling. -- Changing springs, installing plugs and checkballs is prolly not too bad. But dont mess up with that drill bit.



$125 and risk messing it up or $350 range and its all done. Just swap them out. I dont know your skill level. For me the risk is/was too high.

 

[Joe G.]

SlyBones,



FYI: the band struct is not part of the VB. It is the part that transfers motion from the kick down piston to the front band. It can bend in a transmission with higher than stock pressures.



DR,



In any case, I don't think I would want to mess with welding it unless you are a pretty good welder. If it were to fail the band would be banging around loose. I'm with SlyBones on this one. The difference in price is not worth the risk.

 

[inarush76]

transbuddy vb kit

Dr, the Transbuddy kit works well, I have installed a number of them. You are right about the core on your vb, once modified it won't be worth much as a core. I found the Transbuddy to shift very quick and firm with a stock converter, but with a DTT converter which is much more efficient it can be uncomfortable. Installing this kit is very involved and takes a while. If you are looking for a kit that will help, and not ruin the core value go to the TransGo shift kit. However having installed TransGo,Transbuddy,BD valvebodies,and most others out there, I feel the DTT is the best over all as it doesn't shift overly hard (unless that is your preference)even with the more efficient converter, the shifts are spread more and occur at rpms that enhance driveability, increase cooler feed which in turn increases lube to the gear train and so on. I don't mean to bash Transbuddy or anyone else out there, but in my own truck I have tried TransGo,Transbuddy, and after installing a DTT conv and vb changed mine to DTT and haven't regretted it. I have a slightly used Dunrite conv(about a 1000 miles) that I swapped for the DTT after I intalled the first one and drove it. HTH. If you have any other questions you can E-me direct. Sorry for the long post.



James Northum

DTT dealer/installer/Bill K. approved builder

25+years ASE certified

 

[DR]

inarush76,



Thanks for the info. It's great to get help instead of starting something.



I did speak to Bill K. , he recommended that I just tweak my transmission and not do a vavle body unless I change the lip seals. But Dunrite has sugestions on adjusting their kit (different size holes). I'll probably will start with tweaking, my be all I need for now. When I do need a rebuild, DTT does have a good complete package.