recommend transmission components for ~550whp

Hurley

Hurley

BLAKLUNG
Joined
Apr 27, 2008
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I've seen a lot of discussion regarding transmissions for various power levels, and the consensus is of course to get the most one can afford.

I have two questions:

#1) Are these components enough for ~550whp, my projected level with twins:

- Alto Red Hi-energy frictions, Kolene steels, gaskets, seals, sealing rings, billet intermediate band, billet strut and anchor, aluminum 4 ring accumulator piston and 5:1 ratio lever. The extreme duty rebuild kit furnishes all the soft parts to accomplish a complete overhaul. Clutches included in kit are 5 direct, 4 forward, 10 O/D direct, 5 O/D brake. (kit from suncoast, using it as a list)
- triple disc TC
- billet input
- billet flexplate
- valvebody
- billet direct drum (is that unnecessary for 550?)


#2) Is it worth spending more for a pre-built transmission that includes case modifications, etc., that I would not be performing with a standard DIY rebuild and install? (seems to be ~$800-1000 more based on my searching)



[I've graced the sites of the following vendors (in no order of preference): Goerend, Suncoast, HTS, DTT, NADP, Garmon - and looked at the components they offer.]
 
there are tricks used by a lot of builders that a typical DIYer wouldn't know about. Especially in VB work. IMO, if you're able to afford having a builder do it..... since you're in NC, going to Garmon would be smart move. He's built trannys for years and over those year figured out what works and what doesn't. He uses components not found in a typical rebuild kit which can make a huge difference.

Ask anyone here or in the area.... you can't go wrong having it built by Thee Jeff Garmon
 
Dusty at HTS would be a closer ride for you (I think)

I have reasearched all this and those items were the bare minimum for that power.
I was told you definately need the billet input, as far as the output you can do that anytime.

Dont know about the billet drum.

Get yourself one of these (cheaper on Ebay) and get to it.
A500/518/618

This was the route I was going to go, but scored a sweett deal I couldnt pass up.
As for the OD unit, you need a big press. Dave Goerend can just send you out a whole reduilt OD unit.
 
I bought the book! I also talked to Jeff Garmon; he couldnt be a nicer guy for a most basic question - that he's probably been asked 1000 times before!
 
Hey Hurley. Glad we got to meet the other Saturday.My buddy went down this same road.Bought all the parts himself and him and his friend(a trans mech) built it.It never performed up to par and after several times pulling the trans they gave up and took it to Tim Barber.All is well now.They were just missing a few custom tweeks that only someone that builds high hp trans knows.Unless you've got someone to help who has this knowledge I would just go through a reputable builder of choice.Just my opinion.
 
I'm convinced that is the way to go, yet again it's the case of needs (new home) versus wants (truck)...and the $$$ involved. Garmon will have my business as soon as I decide what level of transmission I want to purchase.... i keep running over these "what-ifs" of getting more power and having to drop the trans a second time for upgrades to handle >600whp.

I might consider full billet and wait on the power mods -

^I'ma get a few friends together one night and we should meet up for drinks somewheres.
 
If you want to learn and do it yourself if you don't mind the possibility of pulling it again then go for it. Most of the trans builders have been building them 20+ years. I would trust their knowledge. (Dave G., Garmon, Barber, Dusty)
 
triton said:
there are tricks used by a lot of builders that a typical DIYer wouldn't know about. Especially in VB work.
Click to expand...

I believe that is a common line fed to people by transmission shops (the look on a tranny shop guy's face is priceless when you go in asking to buy parts). A skilled garage hack can take on a transmission build without an issue if they put enough research time into things and are ok with doing a little bit of experimentation.

My opinion might be biased however, since I have been mentored by two guys who are very skilled in building race transmissions.
 
mondtster said:
I believe that is a common line fed to people by transmission shops (the look on a tranny shop guy's face is priceless when you go in asking to buy parts). A skilled garage hack can take on a transmission build without an issue if they put enough research time into things and are ok with doing a little bit of experimentation.

My opinion might be biased however, since I have been mentored by two guys who are very skilled in building race transmissions.
Click to expand...


I've seen the parts used and learned what the differences are to a typical build. My statement is from the horses mouth and Garmon isn't one to give people a " line ". Sure, anyone can do it given the time and knowledge but, when you don't have a lot of either, IMO it's better to do it right the first time.
 
I have decided to go full billet Garmon, when the time comes (hopefully soon!)
 
Hurley said:
I have decided to go full billet Garmon, when the time comes (hopefully soon!)
Click to expand...

Good choice, I was going to say either Garmon or Tim Barber both build excellent transmissions and your about the same distance away from them.
 
bh10 said:
Good choice, I was going to say either Garmon or Tim Barber both build excellent transmissions and your about the same distance away from them.
Click to expand...

Why not a Goerend?
Your 3 hours from him. Just seems to make more sense if warranty work ever came up. JMO
 
tony597fitter said:
Why not a Goerend?
Your 3 hours from him. Just seems to make more sense if warranty work ever came up. JMO
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Sorry Tony, but I'm missing something? Isn't Goerend in Iowa? Unless your in a plane thats more than 3 hours from NC? Or is there a certified Goerend builder closer?
 
Contact member gunracer1, I think he had 600+ hp with only VB modification.

Hes truck was 2wd short cab, short bed 2500,


Becuse Your truck is very light You do not need as much billet parts as needed in 4wd trucks


Good converter with VB makes mirackles, even with stock internals :evil
 
AsTroSS said:
Contact member gunracer1, I think he had 600+ hp with only VB modification.

Hes truck was 2wd short cab, short bed 2500,


Becuse Your truck is very light You do not need as much billet parts as needed in 4wd trucks


Good converter with VB makes mirackles, even with stock internals :evil
Click to expand...

I agree.
 
^ interesting point guys, the truck does weigh ~5200# with me in it.

I am a sucker for locked WOT shifting 2-3-4, though
 
tony597fitter said:
Wow,
I sure didnt read that one right:bang

I taking these damn Norcos, for my hip surgery and they should be called brain killers NOT pain killers.LOL
Click to expand...


Thats cool, I just thought you were geographically challenged? LOL
 
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