VB & TC Upgrade On Stock Engine ?

[ramfan2]

I was wondering what would be the major difference one would notice if they upgraded their VB and TC to an otherwise stock engine?

One of the things I do not like about the stock AT is, when it feels you are just powering up and around 45 mph, it shifts to overdrive and the rpm's drop way down. Then it feels like it's bogging and the pedal is heavy. Would a heavy duty towing torque convertor take care of this?

If you rebuild or buy an upgraded VB with a Trans Go or other kit, what does it do to your shifting points and can they be adjusted to how you may like it.

Would someone in layman's terms, please explain what high stall and low stall torque convertor means. What type of stall does the stock AT use, and what type does an HD torque convertor do?

I'm not looking for any brand names. Just information at this time.

Sorry about the length.

Chris



------------------
1998. 5 4x4 Laramie SLT 2500 Quad Cab, AT, Long Box, Loaded Except Leather. Black/Grey,
Matching Totem Canopy, Bed Liner, Diamomd Plate Rails and Tail Gate, Carr Steps, y2k Driving Lights, K&N Air Filter, Magna Flow Muffler (no resonator)Monster Chrome Tip. Auto Meter Sports Comp Boost and Exhaust Temp on A-Pillar. TC & VB next, then... . ????

1998 27ft Nash Trailer. 6K, no problem!

 

[CumminsAholic]

Chris,
I think you'd be happy with a valve body upgrade. It'll firm up you're shifts and take care of that "bog. " At least it did on my truck. I'm very happy with the modified VB. I think it's one of the best mods I've done. I don't know about the TC because I have never ridden a truck with a different one.
Corey



------------------
1998. 5 2500, 4x4, SB, Red Sport, Agate Interior, Quad Cab, O. H. Console, Auto, 4. 10 LSD, Trailer Tow and Camper Special Packages, Mopar Aluminum Nerf Bars, Spray In Bedliner, Pioneer/Jensen System, 255/85's, Bd Adjustable Preformance Box w/boost module, Boost Elbow, 4" Exhaust Split Into Two 3" w/5" cans, K+N Scotty Style, Exhaust Blanket, Bill K's Valve Body, Mopar Tow Hooks, Factory Fog Lights, Front Bumper Step, 55 watt Back-up Lights, Etc, Etc... .

 

[work2muchplay2little]

Chris, IMO a torque convertor and valve body would make a significant difference it your truck's performance, especially if you tow. My understanding is that the stock auto trans. was designed for a higher revving gas engine, with stall speed well above the "working torque range" of the Cummins Diesel. I would recommend calling Bill Kondolay at 800-922-7782 http://www.dieseltrans.com/DTTech/index. sht and discuss the question with him. BTW I love mine and feel that it was as significant an upgrade as the Stage 3 injectors #ad


------------------
Kurt Voss
********* 1999 2500 24VCTD AUTO 4x4 QC LB Laramie SLT, Luverne stainless steel nerf bars, 3 piece bug deflector, mopar mud flaps, Line-X bedliner, Blue Chip Fuel Management System (Premium), Psychotty Air, DD3's,TTPM, DD 4" exhaust, HX40, DTT VB/TC(91%) , Mag-Hytec transmission pan... YEEEEEHAAAA!!

 

[Joe G.]

Chris,

What is happening to make it feel like it's bogging down is that the TCC locks up and causes a big drop in RPM. A replacement VB and TC will not change the way it performs AFTER the TCC is locked up. The stock TC is VERY inefficient so you get a lot of noise and not as much power to the ground at you would like. The reason for the big drop in RPM is because the TC is slipping so much before that happens. A GOOD aftermarket VB and TC will put more power to the ground so the drop in RPM at TCC lockup won't be so dramatic. My advice would be to call Bill K. at Diesel Transmission Technology and talk to him about it.

------------------
Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,3. 54,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,DTT TC/VB,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

 

[inarush76]

Stall speed is the rpm attainable without wheels turning. That is the simple explanation. It has a great deal to do with the efficiency of the conv as to the power that gets to the ground. Just a vb upgrade will help the trans shift firmer and quicker along with better lube flow. However ,without the more efficient power transfer of a lower stall AND more efficient converter you still have the inefficient blast furnace the factory installed in the truck. The feel of your truck after a conv/vb upgrade is hard to explain. If you could hook up with someone on your area that would let you ride in their truck you will likely say within the first mile "I GOTTA HAVE THIS!!!!!!" So far all of the customers I have upgraded have left with a large grin plastered on their face. #ad
#ad


James Northum

 

[ACoyle]

1) TC and VB upgrade. I am assuming that you are talking the DTT unit. The TC will put more engine power to the road. It will not make your truck any faster. What you have will be considerably better applied. I am not an expert, but, I do have the hardware in an otherwise stock truck.


2) When you shift you will not have a free weheeling sensation whihe the trans changes gears. It just does it.


3) When you accelerate, you will get a bit more of being pushed back into the seat.


This is me second Dodge. My first was a 1972 gasser. Both trucks towed. Oddly enough the '72 droped a torque converter putting my trailer in the driveway. The trans shop said that the factory dod not put a strong enough one behind the 360 motor. He put in the one form a police car. End of problem. This time I opted for the preemptive strike.


I have 2 months and about 3,000 miles on mine. More power to the road. better acceleration when I need it in traffic. A far better feeling that what I have will last. I am up about 2 MPG since before the mods. I have yet to tow this year, I have every expectation that hills will be less trouble.


The intangable plus is Bill and Stefan Kondolay. They will provide absolutely factual information. They will not mislead you an any way. The products are first rate. If you want the tech terms explained get a hold of them. I can tell you first hand the truck is better off for it.
Andy

[This message has been edited by adillo (edited 04-15-2001). ]

 

[ACoyle]

1) TC and VB upgrade. I am assuming that you are talking the DTT unit. The TC will put more engine power to the road. It will not make your truck any faster. What you have will be considerably better applies. I am not an expert, but, I do have the hardware in an otherwise stock truck.

2) When you shift you will not have a free weheeling sensation whihe the trans changes gears. It just does it.

3) When you accelerate, you will get a bit more of being pushed back into the seat.

This is me second Dodge. My first was a 1972 gasser. Both trucks towed. Oddly enough the '72 droped a torque converter putting my trailer in the driveway. The trans shop sais that the factory dod not put a strong enough one behind the 360 motor. He put in the one form a police car. End of problem. This time I opted for the preemptive strike.

I have 2 months and about 3,000 miles on mine. More power to the road. better acceleration when I need it in traffic. A far better feeling that what I have will last. I am up about 2 MPG since before the mods. I have yet to tow this year, I have every expectation that hills will be less trouble.

The intangable plus id Bill and Stefan Kondolay. They will provide absolutely factual information. They will not mislead you an any way. The products are first rate. If you want the tech terms explained get a hold of them. I can tell you first hand the truck is better off for it.
Andy

 

[Jim Nunn]

Originally posted by inarush76:
The feel of your truck after a conv/vb upgrade is hard to explain.
James Northum [/B]

I would certainly agree with this statement, after driving few two days with my new upgrade. I can say a few things about the change of performance.

1) The power band is more robust all the way from 40-115 mph. When cruising at 100, a push on the pedal gets a very noticible response right on up.

2) In the parking lot, cruise at idle is about 30 mph. Foot on brake is required.

3) I get the impression that the Dodge is just BEGGING to have something to tow, something very heavy, and a big hill to climb.

4) Shifts are firm and quick up to third, and with pedal down will stay in third up to about 3000-3200 RPM beform dropping into 4th... at which time you should have blown by anyone.

Subtle changes, but a definite improvement. I would not think it would matter if you upgraded your transmission now, or after other upgrades. Face it, you are going to do it eventually, and if you plan to add propane you'll probably want it for that too.



------------------
James L Nunn
2001 Flame Red Quadcab 2500 2wd, Diablo Power Puck, K&N, 4" exhaust, injector upgrade, DTT TC & VB, brite lite, Viper Remote start, Turbo life saver timer

 

[ramfan2]

Originally posted by adillo:
1) TC and VB upgrade. I am assuming that you are talking the DTT unit.

 

[ramfan2]

Originally posted by adillo:
1) TC and VB upgrade. I am assuming that you are talking the DTT unit.

I wasn't thinking of any brand of VB or TC. I would assume that any up grade would be better than stock. I am curious to how a stock truck would feel with an upgrade. Would it preform better towing with only a VB, TC upgrade or would I not notice anything until I added power to it?

Chris

 

[Bob Wagner]

<font color=red>Chris one word answer YES you will feel a improvement with your stock Ram.

Its up to You to make the final decision.

and only You will decide which brand to use.

We have exchanged email and I gave you my input.

Its a very uneasy move getting off the fence... #ad


[This message has been edited by Bob Wagner (edited 04-15-2001). ]

[This message has been edited by Bob Wagner (edited 04-15-2001). ]

 

[Mopar-muscle]

ramfan2 , 2 things , first off , under 50 - 55 mph you should have OD locked OFF , you are lugging the engine and that is not good for the engine or the trans . dodge should have made it so the truck starts with OD locked off , making you turn it on , get into this habit NOW .

second , though you asked for no specific product name , you knew you would get them , funny thing is though only 1 was mentioned ... and there is a reason for that ... 40% more power to the ground than any OTHER convertor on the market UNLOCKED . the others claim it , DTT puts its money where its mouth is .

will a TC and VB make a difference in a stock ram ??? a DTT TC and VB will !!! a vb will firm up shifts and allow more pressure to to help hold the TC locked , any correctly installed shift kit or VB will do this , the TC makes the difference .

i put 370 HP to the ground UNLOCKED at a recent dyno event . more than any other truck in attendence , and some were using LOCK UP SWITCHES ... granted i did have DD3's , an EZ ,a HOT power edge ,a K+N cone filter ( which was 10 hp better than a stock air box and factory paper filter)and a 4" exhaust , all thru the factory supplied fuel pickup and line to a carter HP pump ,a modified for flow fuel filter housing and a banjo fitting with modified bolt still at the injection pump . all trucks at this event were down on HP figures due to the dyno not being able to load the rollers more than 5000 lb , i estimate i would have been in the around 420HP with a real load and a LOCKED TC .



[This message has been edited by Mopar-muscle (edited 04-16-2001). ]

 

[John]

Originally posted by Bob Wagner:
<font color=red>Its a very uneasy move getting off the fence

..... I don't know Bob. As strange as it may seem, I jumped over the fence in a he!! of a hurry to have Bill install his VB and TC in my Ram... and as you know, I already had a BD enhanced trans. at the time.

DTT, the best move I ever made! I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

Chris, just like my email response to you, a DTT VB and TC would make your Ram a REAL pleasure to drive, lower the trans. temps. , reduce wear on your TCC lining, and make the seemingly weak link in the system virtually bulletproof (especially with stock or near stock power).

 

[RobbyRam]

Ditto!!! #ad


------------------
Y2K Awesome Black LB 3500 QC SLT, 24Valve ETC ISB, 4x4, 4:10 LSD, DTT Custom prepared Auto transmission VB, Power Edge 'EZ', DD2's, K&N, Polished Stull Billet Grill/Fog inserts, Chrome Smitty-Built Step Rails, Mopar Chrome-Tipped Mud Flaps, A-Pillar mounted West-Tach Turbo/Pyro/Trans Temp gauges, Rancho 9000's, Diamond Plated Tool Box, + a bunch of other stuff. Fact:The First Fords' had 'DODGE' Engines! The new PSD's need them!

 

[Joe G.]

ramfan2, if you think we're a bit opinionated about this you're right! There is a reason for it. The best product for our transmisions along with the best service on the planet.

 

[ramfan2]

Originally posted by Joe G. :
ramfan2, if you think we're a bit opinionated about this you're right!

I appreciate all opinions that are given. I also know DTT has a loyal following too. I posted the question to find out info. about the workings of the transmission (TC&VB) v. s a stock engine(I'm not a mechanic). I like to research and learn as much as I can, so as to make an informed decision.

Take a look at all the signatures. There are many people using DTT, BD, Suncoast, not to mention all the different power upgrades being used. Most guys seem happy with what they have. I want to make sure I am too.

Chris

 

[John]

Originally posted by ramfan2:
There are many people using DTT, BD, Suncoast...

Most guys seem happy with what they have.

True HOWEVER (and this is a BIG HOWEVER), out of the TDR members on this BB that have upgraded to anything OTHER than DTT after DTT became a serious contender in the performance transmission arena (say the last six months), I would suspect that percentage to be quite low. Informed TDR members recognize a superior product.

 

[Bob Wagner]

ramfan2 do me a favor. Read the following thread
www.turbodieselregister.com/ubb//Forum4/HTML/005326.html

Read Bill k's reply in the thread if this doesn't tellyou about Bill business practices nothing will...

Case closed its time to "get off the fence"

 

[jackrea]

I had DTT install a TC and VB 6 months ago, the only thing I have done is install guages. I am not here to run down anyone's product, as I have had no exposure to anyone's elses product. I am very happy with Bill K's product and the treatment that I received from him and his people. Shift and power is very good.

------------------
00, 4x4,ISB,Quad Cab,LWB,Bed Rug,Smitty Built Side Rails, Century Canopy,Westach Combo Gauge, Bill K's VB,TC

 

[ramfan2]

Originally posted by Bob Wagner:


Read Bill k's reply in the thread if this doesn't tell you about Bill business practices nothing will...

Case closed its time to "get off the fence"

Bob

I never questioned Bill K's business practices. In fact, I've talked to Bill on the phone twice and he answered all my questions and seemed very friendly.

I also do not think asking questions about a function of my truck ( in this case the TC and VB ) is "sitting on the fence". I consider it getting an education so that I can make an informed decision.

Thank you for the input.
Chris