Hey guys,


I finally found a place to build my transmission or upgrade it should I say. I am going with Suncoast, so I was thinking of buying all new clutches, 1 thru 5 and a transgo shift kit along with a triple disc converter. What do you guys thinks? Would this buy good enough to hold about whatever I want? I need some opinions. I have the edge right now and I am wanting to upgrade to the "hot" version and run on that stage 4 or 5 all the time. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

the suncoast stage 3 is what the masses are going with.... upgraded clutches not just replacement stock ones, triple disk and a transgo, deep pan and pickup included from what i read


http://www.suncoastconverters.com/gm/stage3.htm


im waiting for my lottey tickets to hit

I'll let ya know in two weeks...........


Will be installing a Suncoast Level III


Pics to follow.........


Thttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gifNY

just got my first ride in my truck with suncoast stage 3 kit. even running on level 3 with hot juice there's a big difference over stock. so im guessing edge was backing it down. huge difference pulling 10k with the way tranny shifts. on level 3 while towing i couldn't help myself to start moving and mash pedal. end result, when shifting into second it lite the rear tires up. it wouldn't do that with just the truck and no trailer. running on level 5 all the time priceless http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif also did a 1500rpm holeshot. truck spun 1st through 3rd and then caught traction midway in 3rd. just when you think tranny upgrade is expensive. i predict many rear tires in my future!! suncoast all the way. ps make the trip to joe's at suncoast. your not to far away. i had a buddie of mine drive 500 miles each way for my rebuild from eric in MI. i know alot of local tranny shops and they all said no problem. but for my hard earned bucks i went with the most experienced. and happy i did.Edited by: steve stiller

The @(^$ clutches are made here in Alabama. The stock ones are nice and seem to work well but the Alabama blues are just freak'n wicked.


BTW...... you would not want those to slip... I promise. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif





Burner------------>http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gifEdited by: Burner

So, Stiller, another happy customer I seehttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif


From my experience, the hard core racers/pullers opt for the ATS version. Those that flog on the street and occasional track lean on the Suncoast.

This is all getting me very excited!! I can't wait to get this done and be back on the road and no longer have to worry about my transmission. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

can u get suncoast in canada

Yes, dunno where, but I bet Joe could send you in the right direction

HeartbeatCanada has a Suncoast. He's here in Ontario.

can u get suncoast in canada


You can get Suncoast in hell. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif I have been offered a position down there from one of his dealers. Problem is; it was not elective.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


mike

HeartbeatCanade drove to Florida for his Suncoast.


Mike, I think the real reason you didnt get the position down there is you would have took over the top job.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil Smile.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif

Eric


Ever see a UPS truck with flames on the side? When it left Suncoast it didn't have any. Seems the driver lost a lot of weight. Don't envy Joe on those core returns. YIKES http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


mike

MikeL,


Allison Trannys too heavy for us UPS guys to handle....thank God *LOL*


NOW..if UPS would allow me to install a Duramax/Alllison combo in my package car..that would be way cool, and fast as heck! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


Tom http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Pig.gif

[QUOTE=dmaxalliTech]

HeartbeatCanade drove to Florida for his Suncoast.

YIKES. Sorry.

some people are crazy to drive that far for work on there truck....


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif

When I can get some $$$ put together, I may come and see you.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif

i'll be waiting friendhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Thanks pal. If ya met me once, ya may reconsider.....http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif

I'm not crazy, just insane http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif Gotta do what ya gotta do, besides there was alot of good scenery down by the beach out on the islandhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif

can u get suncoast in canada


I beleive that NADP in Edmonton should be able to help you out with a kit. Great products and a reasonable price. If you want the address and number ...PM me

For Suncoast upgrades, I'd definitely suggest the level III. The stock clutches should definitely be upgraded rather than replaced with OE.

For Suncoast upgrades, I'd definitely suggest the level III. The stock clutches should definitely be upgraded rather than replaced with OE.











There has not been anything proven better than OE clutch material period. Suncoast does one hell of a job with their Stage 3. If the Borg Warner clutch lining ( OEM) was available, you can bet your bippy Joe and ATS would be buying it. It is not available, therefore we can not improvise thickness and add clutches to the packs. I know what BW clutches are capable of handling and demand them in every one of my rebuilds on everything where additional clutches are not required. I recomend Suncoast Stage 3 because it works, if the OEM lining was available for this mod, it would be sweet. OEM B/W clutches with a Transgo shift kit and a Suncoast converter will handle more than you think.


mike

What will they hold Mike? The stock clutches and Transgo kit?

What will they hold Mike? The stock clutches and Transgo kit? Trans go claims 600hp at the flywheel. Thats just the trans though, stock converter will laugh at you with that much

So transgo, and single or triple disc will hold?

Mike, give us your take on Alto clutches. Compared to OEM they are good, bad or better?


Thanks,


Burner-----------------------> http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

I think what Mike L is saying, is if they could use the material on stock clutches to use on Suncoasts or ATS's clutches, (more clutches in a pack) that they would hold better, not just factory clutches.

[QUOTE=Burner]





Mike, give us your take on Alto clutches. Compared to OEM they are good, bad or better?


Thanks,


Burner-----------------------> http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif





Personally i don't see the advantage of the altos, other than spending more money to replace or upgrade at the time. If your gonna be a dyno queen or just use the power on the street then maybe they are the way to go, and maybe they will last. If your gonna go to the strip, your gonna be replacing clutches wether they're the single sided or double sided. The single sided only got me 40-50 runs at the strip and they are hosed.


Needless to say i will not be putting single sided back in as its a waste of money. Even Joe at Suncoast laughed at me when i said i expected more than 40-50 runs at the track, i guess he didn't expect them to do much from the beginning. Seems i know someone else with the suncoast altos has been through 3+ stage 5 trannies as well. Not worth it in my books if your gonna compete with your truck and not show boat it on the rollers.

Tomac is able to get infinity runs done at the Track? I don't see him swapping .





Are you saying Koleen or Stainless ? When I cooked a Stage IV I swore I was gonna go back to a stock C1 but I am making a whole lot more power now then I was.





Mac

Tomac is able to get infinity runs done at the Track? I don't see him swapping .





Are you saying Koleen or Stainless ? When I cooked a Stage IV I swore I was gonna go back to a stock C1 but I am making a whole lot more power now then I was.





Mac





What did you do to this Stage IV? I thought those things were suppose to be indestructable? Guess not huh...

Less then a 100 Miles in.





Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gifEdited by: Mackin

Tomac cooked his stock C1's and cooked his ATS C1's from the initial install. Clint then sent along some, at the time, pre released C1's. We have done other updates to it since, and everytime we look at them, no marks or distress, they are holding VERY well

Eric


I believe its the monster pressure that are holding Tomacs Ally, not the clutches, 350 psi +. That helps the trans under racing conditions but makes for a terrible shift on the street. I heard something new is coming, let you know more when I learn about it.


mike

He laughed at the thought of 50 hard WOT runs!? Wucking funderfullhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif Hopefully my level 3 fairs betterhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif We shall see. Screw a nice shift on the street if it means I'm going to keep droping my trany to swap out 500$ set clutches. Gotta pay to play though I guess. I was just under the impression that the SC would fair as well at the track as an ATS in terms of longevity and ET's now I'm kinda hearing maybe no? I just didnt like the idea behind the ATS craming all that pressure donw my tranys throught all the time.


Something new coming eh?http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif Man the phone Mike it should be ringinghttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

Eric


I believe its the monster pressure that are holding Tomacs Ally, not the clutches, 350 psi +. That helps the trans under racing conditions but makes for a terrible shift on the street. I heard something new is coming, let you know more when I learn about it.


mike I was thinking that after I posted and am too lazy to edit it. The problem is that while C1 may be lasting, long term effects on other parts is questionablehttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif

[QUOTE=Burner]





Mike, give us your take on Alto clutches. Compared to OEM they are good, bad or better?


Thanks,


Burner-----------------------> http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif





Personally i don't see the advantage of the altos, other than spending more money to replace or upgrade at the time. If your gonna be a dyno queen or just use the power on the street then maybe they are the way to go, and maybe they will last. If your gonna go to the strip, your gonna be replacing clutches wether they're the single sided or double sided. The single sided only got me 40-50 runs at the strip and they are hosed.


Needless to say i will not be putting single sided back in as its a waste of money. Even Joe at Suncoast laughed at me when i said i expected more than 40-50 runs at the track, i guess he didn't expect them to do much from the beginning.


Seems i know someone else with the suncoast altos has been through 3+ stage 5 trannies as well.


Not worth it in my books if your gonna compete with your truck and not show boat it on the rollers.








I don't want to take a gamble on this......... who would that be?


Burner-------------> http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Rich


Gamble http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif


Are you implying ?? Nah aint him !





Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

When I cooked the C1 I also had a TC issue so this may have played into the quickness of it's demise. I had a Booster Valve hanging up in the bore causing the converter not to fill and also not drain properly.Also this was pre Koleen steels if IIRC ,I'm not getting in to details.


So far the single sided Alto Stainless has not hiccuped ... I will admit burn outs have been on the back burner but I have boost launched quite a few times.





Mac Edited by: Mackin

[QUOTE=Burner]





Mike, give us your take on Alto clutches. Compared to OEM they are good, bad or better?


Thanks,


Burner-----------------------> http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif





Personally i don't see the advantage of the altos, other than spending more money to replace or upgrade at the time. If your gonna be a dyno queen or just use the power on the street then maybe they are the way to go, and maybe they will last. If your gonna go to the strip, your gonna be replacing clutches wether they're the single sided or double sided. The single sided only got me 40-50 runs at the strip and they are hosed.


Needless to say i will not be putting single sided back in as its a waste of money. Even Joe at Suncoast laughed at me when i said i expected more than 40-50 runs at the track, i guess he didn't expect them to do much from the beginning.


Seems i know someone else with the suncoast altos has been through 3+ stage 5 trannies as well.


Not worth it in my books if your gonna compete with your truck and not show boat it on the rollers.








I don't want to take a gamble on this......... who would that be?


Burner-------------> http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif





You've been around here long enough to probably figure it out, i'm not letting names out as its not my place. As far as i know that truck has switched tranny teams and i don't know how its performing.


I'll let you know Tuesday what my alto's clutchs look like, as it goes under the knife. For now i'm just doing something simple and waiting for another month or so for some "other" stuff to come out for the allison, can't see putting the single sided back in if there still going to get smoked, or i might switch tranny brands as it seems to be handling the power better for competition.Edited by: heartbeatcanada

What will switching do? Everything will have it's limitations. Perhaps it would be best so we can finally get some full disclosure .


Way to much silence going on.


Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gifEdited by: Mackin

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


What will switching do? Everything will have it's limitations. Perhaps it would be best so we can finally get some full disclosure .


Way to much silence going on.


Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif





I didn't say i was for sure, but as far as i know the other switcher hasn't had a problem, as of the last time i chatted(sp). I will be waiting till late summer early fall from what my source has told me, and then make a move. For the mean time, what i will put in will do just fine for sled puling which is what i'm concentrating on this summer.


Mac, your right there is alot of silence, but most of the silence is learned or talked about thru pms, which is why i won't spill any info as i'm not that type to betray the boy scout honour oath http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

I lowered the line pressure on my ATS 5,000 miles ago. And just went back to the big pressure 2 weeks ago. I had Mike L. handle it as I was just too busy to get it done myself. The truck was running great I just wanted to go back to the high pressure. Bottom line for me is, I like firm shifts and firm breasts http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif and with the Co-Pilot off my shifts are firm, not harsh, no hesitation just nice crisp shifts. With the Co-pilot on, set for kill at the track and she is a neck snapper. Adjust it anywhere in between to suit your self.


What did my clutches look like after the abuse I have put my truck through? 20 psi 20 second 4x4 launches drag racing? C1, C2, C3...perfect. C4...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gifblack. These were the OEM C4s as ATS didn't supply new C4s in their kit I bought back in Feb. Did I blacken the C4s in the 25,000 miles of Attitude level 5 abuse before the ATS upgrade or 10,000 miles after? High line pressure? low line pressure? I don't know. Bottom line is C1 + C4 = 2nd gear. Seems silly not to replace them during an upgrade http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gif but they are in the back half of the trans and we never took it apart before. I'm still happy with my ATS and would do it again, I would just be sure to repalce the C4s in the first place. I spoke with ATS and they offer C4s, its just not on their web site yet. I told them to Git "R" Done!


Mike L. feel free to correct me wherever necessary and add your thoughts. Be candid...I'm sure Joe Webb never reads this stuff anyway. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


I know Mike and Eric still prefer Suncoast over ATS. And thats cool everybody is entitled to their opinion, thats what these boards are all about, sharing experiences.


I stay with ATS just because Mack hates the Co-pilot, http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif I like to be different and Tomac is my hero! People have called me "different" my whole life! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


OK, enough bench racing, I've got some Attitude mounts to make!

I don't know if I'd bet a buck but just guessing it's got to be somebody here. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif


I noticed the SunCost menu said they had a "Mack'n" C 1 speical....where did that come from? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif





Heartbeat, Do you think the OEM material is better, just not enough of it? Edited by: Burner

The ats isnt raising line pressure a lot until you turn the co-pilot on. I drive with the co-pilot off everyday and the shifts are nice, not harsh or abrupt but a solid shift. Turn the co-pilot on and I can increase the pressure from a little to a lot and make it shift nice and firm and also command converter lockup. I installed the upgraded C4's in my tranny when I did it. They were fairly easy to install also. Not the cheapest things, but they are nice. Oh, Mike L with the co-pilot all the way up, I think it is a great shift on the street, arent the tires supposed to start spinning when it hits second through 3rd and bark in 4th?http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

The ats isnt raising line pressure a lot until you turn the co-pilot on.





That's what I thought too, until I put a gauge on the port. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gif Try it.


If you put in the main pump spring as supplied by ATS then..............you gots the pressure. The Co-Pilot either dumps it or sends it through to the clutches. But it is always there. Its a beautiful thing!





Edited by: Trippin

The ats isnt raising line pressure a lot until you turn the co-pilot on. I drive with the co-pilot off everyday and the shifts are nice, not harsh or abrupt but a solid shift. Turn the co-pilot on and I can increase the pressure from a little to a lot and make it shift nice and firm and also command converter lockup. I installed the upgraded C4's in my tranny when I did it. They were fairly easy to install also. Not the cheapest things, but they are nice. Oh, Mike L with the co-pilot all the way up, I think it is a great shift on the street, arent the tires supposed to start spinning when it hits second through 3rd and bark in 4th?http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


I hate to tell you but this is totally incorrect.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Disapprove.gif ATS has the line pressure at max all the time. It will make 350+ no matter what you do with the co pilot at anything above 1800 RPM. They defeat the converter cutback pressure as well. What the co pilot does is control how much of the line pressure gets to the clutch packs via the trim valves. What does all this mean??? The pump and internals less the clutch packs see 350+ pressures all the time, stock they see 240 psi non lockup and 155 psi in lockup. The wear and tear goes up with psi so it will wear out sooner than the lower pressures units. How long before it wears things out........ we will have to wait and see. I'm sure it's fine for racing but I'd like to see one after 20,000 mile of towing.

<snip> The wear and tear goes up with psi so it will wear out sooner than the lower pressures units. How long before it wears things out........ we will have to wait and see. I'm sure it's fine for racing but I'd like to see one after 20,000 mile of towing.








And every day driving .





Mac

Thats the thing I have noticed in the installs/advice I have done/given. The guy who wants to race the truck competetively (sp) goes the ATS route everytime...


Most of my customers are trailer towers, snow plowers, daily drivers with occasional track passes and choose the Suncoast. Again, I suspect that the high line pressure may be a problem down the road, but I am not in a position to second guess it. I have had talks on the phone with Steve Cole and Mike L and discussed both units. I know what I prefer, but I base that on my use of the truck.


Kyle Micheal, White Duramax, Mike Tomac I know are VERY happy with ATS units and I dont take that away from them, they are all fairly diehard pullers/racers.


Steve Stiller, Wolverine, The Boss, DSTRBD, and more that i have done that are non board members are very happy with the Suncoast kit.... Again, use of truck seems to be the biggest factor in which way people go.

I have 20,000 daily driver miles with towing and over 100 1/4 passes with countless dyno runs to boot. I beat on my Suncoast every day. I don't have the Alto's in my Stage 4. Shifts smooth day in and day out.


I have zero complaints about Suncoast reliability and it seems to be holding a fair amount of power so far.

<snip> The wear and tear goes up with psi so it will wear out sooner than the lower pressures units. How long before it wears things out........ we will have to wait and see. I'm sure it's fine for racing but I'd like to see one after 20,000 mile of towing.








And every day driving .





Mac





10,000 miles down, I guess that means 10,000 miles to go.


Just another Trippin test in progress. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif

I don't know if I'd bet a buck but just jessing it's got to be somebody here. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif


I noticed the SunCost menu said they had a "Mack'n" C 1 speical....where did that come from? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif





Heartbeat, Do you think the OEM material is better, just not enough of it?





http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


I don't know what the singles look like until Monday or Tuesday, then we'll see what she looks like compared to my others that have been scorched. Until then i'm Windstar(ing) it up, and hunting for those 01 dmaxs with no pcms to pass then doing 160+ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


In all seriousnous, i didn't expect them to be the "be all of end all" but i did expect them to last longer than that. Maybe i expected too much, but i think others feel the same way.


I know i wasn't at the hp level i'm at now when i had my stock tranny, but that tranny took a serious chit kickin. I plowed snow in limp mode(nsbu switch) for over 12 hours stuck in 3rd gear. My tranny temp gauge was buried for 12+ hours. I had no back up truck and it kept snowing, so i had to keep going as no dealer was open until Monday(this happened Saturday night). Had the 125 on for a year, and then stacked with the 100hp predator, pulling and some very hard boost launches. Then finally had the edge 145 with the 215 for 2 months and it still made the trip to Florida. If you know me, i drive my truck like its my last day with it.........balls to the wall, no return. Seems to me it took alot, but with a little less hp.


Its a crap shoot, all depends if you want to compete or just spin the rollers and drive it like grandpa http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif

40k miles on my level 5 no issues.........Im sure everything has limits however my SUNCOAST is holding up great. I would not hesitate to make the same decision again with my next truck. Mine is driven daily with 450+ rwhp. Joe Is a straight up guy and I wish more people that I deal with daily were like him.

Single clutches are the way to go because of less coning. If you look at the apply piston for C1 and C2, they do not contact the clutch pacs at the optimum place (center of bottom steel plate for uniform pressure). The next best thing is to use a thick bottom steel that will not distort as much and put more even pressure on the pack. I believe single sided clutches bite harder and lock quicker. I also think they may release quicker which is a plus when another clutch is coming on. By doing all this, they run cooler. Both Suncoast and ATS increase clutch capacity and use single sided clutches in C1. Looked to me like ATS was using Alto lining and you can tell they were glued in the back room by someone. The lining was unevenly cut, and glue had leaked all over every thing. Suncoast clutches look very refined and Joe take a different route with his C2s. Wider lining to use more of the opposing steel plate surface. Without the copilot, I do not believe the ATS would handle anything close to a Suncoast. Add some pressure and control it on a Suncoast, and you just may have a totaly bulletproof Allison. I would also like to see Borg Warner build some extra capacity clutches with their stock lining, or make that lining available, but that will never happen.


mike

Add some pressure and control it on a Suncoast, and you just may have a totaly bulletproof Allison. mike





I know of one that has adopted a suncoast/ats together running the co-pilot and from what i hear he is more than pleased and thinks it is the best tranny yet. Anyone else try this and have results?????


I by no means am dishing the single sided clutches, but i did expect more out of them than what i got, could have just been a fluke. Maybe if i would have had the doubles maybe i would have had only 20 runs in, i will never know. For now i'll stick with the double sided, and wait till late summer to early fall and see what comes out, and make my decision what looks best for competition

Add some pressure and control it on a Suncoast, and you just may have a totally bulletproof Allison. mike





I know of one that has adopted a suncoast/ats together running the co-pilot and from what i hear he is more than pleased and thinks it is the best tranny yet. Anyone else try this and have results?????


I by no means am dishing the single sided clutches, but i did expect more out of them than what i got, could have just been a fluke. Maybe if i would have had the doubles maybe i would have had only 20 runs in, i will never know. For now I'll stick with the double sided, and wait till late summer to early fall and see what comes out, and make my decision what looks best for competition








There is two springs available for the Boost valve Jeremy which one are you running?





Mac

I run only the juice and was thinking of going the stage lll kit. What is the labor estimate (time) for doing the r&r of the 4x4 trans in my '02 dually? I have a competent trans shop but they havent upgraded an allison yet. Am i crazy or is this something they should be able to handle? Also, are there quality instructions with the kits?


OR, should i just pay the extra $800 or so for the complete stage lV setup?


I want to safetly run it on level 5 with LB fueling on 5 and defuel on 1-4 always for, well .........FUN! ( a tts stack may be in the future but ittl have to wait)

Tony,


I can tell you what I've found out while investigating what a Stage III would cost.


I've an aquaintance who owns a trans shop. Not much in the way of performance mods, but they do good work and he's got a Dmax. He told me $550.00 just to R&R the trans, didn't have a clue as to how much to install the kit.


I found one diesel performance shop in the area who's dealt with Joe on a regular basis with Chrysler transmissions, so they know him and do business with him. They've not done an Allison either, but Joe assured them the trans guy could do it no problem and he'd help if needed.


They asked him for a time estimate to install the Stage III and then told me it would be $1400.00 labor plus fluid. They also told me they charge $80.00 an hour for labor. That makes the kit $3600.00 plus fluid installed.


I thought that was a bit spendy, but dmaxalliTech and Mike L. who do these on a regular basis said that was inline. One of the other members here who is in Montana, is getting his done for $800.00 labor from a shop Joe recommended. I don't remember what he's driving, but I'm sure the transfer case adds to the labor charge.


So you need to get prices for the R&R if you go Stage IV, or labor to install the Stage III. I don't know if it's important to you, but the Stage IV is either do your trans with the accompanying downtime, or get someone else's in an exchange. I'd rather have my trans modified and sending it to, or me going to Florida is just out of the question.


That and most of the posts here about trans upgrades would seem to suggest the Stage III will hold about anything you'd still want to drive on a regular basis on the street.


Hope some of that helps...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif


edit info:


I just got to thinking, and checked the web site. The $800.00 extra you're talking about for the Stage IV does not include the triple disk torque converter. That adds $1295.00 to the price of the Stage IV since the $2195.00 for the Stage III kit includes the converter and deep pan. So the Stage IV is $2100.00 more than the Stage III, not $800.00...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gifEdited by: Zeeb

I had mentioned this in another post but will do so again.......


From what I know the Suncoast LEVEL III kit is the same hard parts as the completely assembled Stage IV transmission.


The cost of the kit and the expert assembly by SUNCOAST is reflected in the total price on the LEVEL IV and for $600 more on the LEVEL V.


The converter cost needs to be added in on both the LEVEL IV or V complete transmission assembly and the cost of the freight for the transmission to wherever it is being shipped plus the return freight.


The complete assembly is warrantied by SUNCOAST and looking at cost vs cost the Level IV assembled unit with converter is $2995 plus $1295 Triple Loc plus $1400 core charge (refundable) plus the freight.


So the complete unit is the most expensive way to go..........


In all the cost needs to be weighed as a tranny shop will charge a set fee for R&R and then another amount for the tear down and build-up.


So you can see why the LEVEL III kit is the best bargain.


If you can get the transmission out, which is the hardest part, the kit seems is mostly parts swapping out the C1-C4 clutches and installing the Transgo Kit with of coarse double checking all the clearances and also a few holes need to be drilled in the valve body plate.


MIKE L. has a Transgo book available which is excellent and so are Suncoast's install instructions as well.


So those are worried about a self install or there local shop should call JOE WEBB at Suncoast for a shop recommendation.


Those that can drive to Florida in 12 hours or less can make a 3 day trip to Suncoast and get it done.


Others close to Michigan can look up dmaxallitech and for anyone in or close to CA go see MIKE L........


I for one am tackling this myself..........having a shop pull mine out on Friday for me as I and building it up this coming weekend. They will be re-installing it as well.


I will share what is involved with the FORUM through Pics and my notes........





Thttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gifNYEdited by: GMC-2002-Dmax

zeeb & tony,


Thanks for the imput. Ill have to get my truck to the trans shop and get it in the air so they can "ballpark" the r&r. Your right the $800 didnt include the converter. My bad.


Maybe go to an experienced trans shop ???? My Trans guy sponsors the trans rebuilds in my drag car and wouldnt charge me even close to $80 per hr. I just dont want a OOPS with my 40k daily driver. Ill call suncoast this week and get more info.


THANKShttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

One more thing.........


Do not forget that the Kit comes with a new spin on and pickup for the Allison, so all you need is 6 gallons of fluid for the transmission and the transfer case.


I beleive that dmaxallitech is including fluid as well in his price, but since I am not willing to speak for him those that need info should PM him or if near the west coast Mike L. for those final cost totals.


If I was closer to either and thought it to be an impossible task to do myself I would be making a road trip............


Thttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clown.gifNY

Add some pressure and control it on a Suncoast, and you just may have a totally bulletproof Allison. mike





I know of one that has adopted a suncoast/ats together running the co-pilot and from what i hear he is more than pleased and thinks it is the best tranny yet. Anyone else try this and have results?????


I by no means am dishing the single sided clutches, but i did expect more out of them than what i got, could have just been a fluke. Maybe if i would have had the doubles maybe i would have had only 20 runs in, i will never know. For now I'll stick with the double sided, and wait till late summer to early fall and see what comes out, and make my decision what looks best for competition








There is two springs available for the Boost valve Jeremy which one are you running?





Mac





Don't know, only Joe or my tranny guy would know. I have never been there when my tranny has been re and re and rebuilt, too busy out doing what i do best and making money to cover the cost of this diesel racket i'm in.

heartbeatcanada


Which clutches did you roast? I would like to talk to you. PM me your phone # if you feeling like talking.


mike

I'll see what happens tomorrow with Mike L's advice, maybe not as bad as expected, fingers are crossed. If all is well, Mike is the man, even if its not Mike is still the man, looking to help anybody that he does not know is tops in my book. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Up.gif

I believe Tomac has over 20,000 on his ATS trans.

I believe Tomac has over 20,000 on his ATS trans.


Original?


Mac

Well, put a new "b" solenoid in and it helped a great deal but still not 100%. Trans is being pulled to see whats hurt, and will go from there.

What do you mean by original?? Clutches have been changed as new upgraded ones became available. I believe he originally had stock c1's.

Yeah, my truck has the all original tires. The tires are "changed" as new upgrades become available. I belive my originals were stock 245's. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


Hey Mac, you got your original tires .... don't ya?

Clint has sent various updates/revisions on a couple different occasions. Most of the stuff done was result of that, not so much failure

What do you mean by original?? Clutches have been changed as new upgraded ones became available. I believe he originally had stock c1's.


So your saying that new stuff became available.....so he pulled it out.....? That seems like a lot to go through if everything in there is holding......not taking credit from Mike or his tranny cause he does have a good running truck and isn't afraid to use it. I would just have to go back to the first rule of thumb.....if it ain't broke, don't fix it.


I believe Sdaver has about 60,000 on his Suncoast.....part with a level 4.....the rest on a level 5.....correct me if I am wrong Sdaver.

you are correct.......as usual dipper

you are correct.......as usual dipper


Dave is Dipper precisely correct or did he answer with great Precision? We know who to count on for the correct answers Superman.


Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gifEdited by: Mackin

Clint dont have many test beds like Mike's truck, not many low 12 second trucks to put things to the test..

I would like to purchase the BorgWarner clutch material......... where can I get it? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

I would like to purchase the BorgWarner clutch material......... where can I get it? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


Borg Warner

good luck getting the material. The last I heard it isn't available in any form other than a finished clutch. Many have tried to get this material already......with no success.

Here's my Allison timeline for all interested:

Stock tranny + lots of power = burned up c1,c2,c3 @ 59576K, installed ATS level 3 w/triple lock converter, copilot, ATS c2,c3 & stock c1,c4,c5

Burned up stock c1's in ATS tranny @ 65025K, put in ATS single sided c1's.

Misinstalled u-joint + mud tires out of balance = driveline vibration = cracked rear cover on Allison @ 75400K. All the clutches were in good shape, especially c1's but Clint wanted to see how they looked after 10K of pulling & racing abuse so he sent new ATS c1,c2,c3 and new stock c4&c5 to put in along with a different c2 drum that he wanted me to test.

The new c2 drum was great for racing & pulling but it caused too harsh of a shift, not good for towing & street driving, so Clint sent a new c2 drum that was much less agressive and it was installed with the same clutches @ 79102K

I have 89288K on the truck right now and over 14K on the same clutches and those aren't grocery-getter miles. dragracing, truckpulling, heavy towing & daily flogging mile after mile.
Edited by: mtomac

does anyone know of a tranny shop in or around tacoma-seattle, washington that has done a Suncoast tranny? I dont wanna be someones guinea-pighttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif.

does anyone know of a tranny shop in or around tacoma-seattle, washington that has done a Suncoast tranny? I dont wanna be someones guinea-pighttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif.





Generally if you'll call Suncoast, they'll tell you if there is someone in your area who they've worked with.

does anyone know of a tranny shop in or around tacoma-seattle, washington that has done a Suncoast tranny? I dont wanna be someones guinea-pighttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif.





Thurston County Transmissions, Larry @360-438-0900


Lacey, Wa.


Smoop

Hows that for service?

Don't forget about some Canadian dealers. Hope to give Suncoast some business in the next year. Need the $$$ though.

Have had ATS tranny upgrades in two trucks now and love them.


Just tell clint what you want to do and he will build to suit. He has really got that allison working now.