Ok, so what auto tranny 48RE (2006) upgrades do I need to safely handle a Smarty (170 hp) and aftermarket intake/exhaust? Don't plan on going crazy with this truck just the three mods listed above, should end up with close to maybe 200 hp over stock to be safe and need the auto tranny to hold up.
I'd say major transmission work if you plan on using the higher levels. Smarty's manufacturers state it is safe with a stock auto only to the 60 hp level, so to do what you want you'll be looking at upgrading the torque converter, valve body, billet shafts, etc.
To run on the 170hp level I would say a full built trans. Billet input/output (output if you ever may race or powerbrake, ect) Converter VB Rigid front Band High energy frictions Increased Clutch count all that good stuff! You up for building it yourself or you looking at a drop in replacement?
That does not sound cheap! I was wondering about the shafts as they are pricy. Not sure I would do the auto tranny myself, I could install a complete unit myself but not sure I would rebuild one.
Adding a full 170HP on top of an already healthy 325HP is a lot. I'd agree with the others on basically a whole new trans with at least a billet input, and with obviously all the internal "soft part" goodies. I'd imagine you'd need a turbo too to run that much fuel?
If you were looking for a built tranny to 'drop' in, who are the good companies? Are there any good threads that compare the big ones (ATS, BD, Suncoast, DTT, etc)? I havent been able to find any..
It's not really worth searching for trans threads. Mainly, because it turns into a brand war. For every trans shop you listed, a guy will post up that you should never buy anything from said shop because he had problems with their product. Then, another guy that swears by the same brand will post up that the first guy doesn't know anything and the posting war is on... From what I have gathered... ATS is a bit pricy, but make good stuff and can't go wrong with them. BD, I don't know a lot about their transmissions. I don't see a lot of guys using them. But, BD is a good company and backs their stuff. Thats the most important part. Suncoast, lots of people run Suncoast, lots of people have blown up Suncoast stuff, and lots of people swear by them and wouldn't run anything else. I have a Suncoast valve body and have been happy with it. Their prices seem to be some of the best, and they have good customer service too. DTT.. they used to be real hot, but it seems some folks have had problems with the company and their customer service in the last few years. Again, there was(is) a LOT of guys running around with DTT trannys and swear by them. Look into Goerend. He is getting more popular by the day. I have never talked to the main guy before but I hear his customer service and satisfaction is second to none. Also, he has some really good prices.
I use and Carry Suncoast. I use them for parts when I build units here. Now, for complete units I get them from NADP because they are closer to me, use Suncoast parts, and cost about 2-3K less than a build Suncoast. You would be amazed at how many people use Suncoast parts. I know HTS is another transmission company that uses Suncoast parts. Only difference is a full race Suncoast has a 1 year, unlimited mileage/hp warranty. The NADP is 1 year 25K miles. I, as a dealer and installer, tend to stay away from ATS. I'll sell it if a guy really wants it, but prefer to offer other lines. BD is a great company and I do alot of business with them. However, I have yet to use or sell any of their transmission parts. DTT is decent, however it all comes down to the installer. Some are better than others and it can really make for a nightmare if you get a bad one. Let em know if I can help anyone with any questions. Been down this road once or twice!rotfl
So you do agree that who installs the tranny plays a big role in how reliable it will be? I only say this because I talked to a local tranny shop and he was telling me its not worth getting any fancy tranny because he has installed them before and they blew up before a reman unit wouldve. I told him maybe he should look closer at his shop and not the performance tranny..
I completely agree that the builder is important. The guy you talked to doesn't have a clue. A person has to remember, built transmissions and what not still aren't perfect. If a guy goes out and beats on a high horsepowered truck every day or weekend whatever, he's going to break stuff. Parts wear out, it's just a matter of how long you can deter that. I kind of wish I would of used a different builder. He reccommended the wrong converter to me. He said a single disk would hold my power level, I asked repeatedly for sure, and now I can slip my converter if I really try.
i know the builder has to be important...and anothere thing i dotn think i will ever have a tranny rebuilt again if the option of getting a new one or a good replacement is there, the only experiance i have had was with a 81 blazer i had it was a auto and took the place 3 times to get it rite every time blaming the problems on me.....i guess thats why it screwed up all within 250 miles of the first rebuild work and i didnt have a problem after the third time at the shop...jackoffs
With DTT for the most part they sell parts and your installer builds the transmission. So, your installer is the Quality Control guy as well. As for the replacement units, I prefer to go that route here for a few reasons - 1 - I don't need your truck for a week to build and adjust your transmission while still trying to complete everything else I need to get done. 2 - Usually its cheaper or about the same cost as having me build one. 3 - The thing is dyno tested before it's shipped to me or the customer, so we know its set up right. Nice thing about a drop in is you can go to United Rentals and pick up a transmission jack for about $20 a day. You will only need a day or 2 depending on your skills. Only need basic hand tools, nothing special. (besides pizza and beer to bribe a buddy with)
If ya don't mind, I would like to keep all pricing below retail in Private Messages. Since I won't be selling you guys at retail, I'll message you 2 and anyone else that would like a price. Jason
