My latest JEG'S catalog shows an Allison trans by BD Diesel Perf on page 180. Is anyone familar with these folks and their methods of upgrading the Allison???


I want to upgrade my trans in my 2002 Duramax before performing any serious power mods. I've been thinking about either the Suncoast or the ATS packages, now there appears to be another player. Thank you.

In the latest Off-Road Adventures mag, they feature cool upgrades for the diesels and they mention a Bully Dog Allison Transmission Upgrade. Here is what the section said about it:


Bully Dog's shift enhancer can support a 50 rear-wheel hp increase (over the stock about 250), but then what can you do? Given that the Duramax can crank out 350 rear wheel hp quite easily and a lot more than if you work it, you might well find yourself with Fricassee ala Allison beside the road one day. The cure is one of Bully Dog's upgraded Allison trannies. With increased clutch capacity, special valve body and the line pressure mods and a new converter, torque capacity is increased 244 percent and Bully Dog will guarentee the tranny to hold 550 rear wheel hp.


I am not sure if this is what you are looking for, but it is another alternative.

Thanks for your input but the trans in question isn't a Bully Dog product as I didn't see the dog's logo in the add "BD Diesel Performance"????

It will likely be bd power. www.bd-power.com (http://www.bd-power.com)

If you drive down the road with a Ben Franklin in your left hand, lower the drivers window and raise your hand out the window, then release..... Thats what you gethttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif

Eric,


Have you any experience with BD Powers' transmission, or know of anyone that has? tpitt

I think eric was talking about the bully dog tranny upgrade that holds 50 more hp over stock. Heck, the stock tranny will hold 90-125 more hp over stock.

Eric,


Have you any experience with BD Powers' transmission, or know of anyone that has? tpitt I cant say I have any personal experience with that upgrade, but I do know enough about the operation of these units that just changing trim valves is only a patch, just changes pressures. And from the pics I have seen it doesnt even do it like a transgo kit does. Point being save your money IMO. Like Mike said, 50hp over stock isnt worth draining the pan when most will hold a 90 hp edge box

Thanks for the quick replies. I have a BD Power torque converter and a Transgo kit, I'm planning on installing when I have time. Wish I lived closer to you, or Mike L. I'm not planning on going extreme with the power. I learned my lesson on my 2002.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif tpitt

Hi, I have been a member of this forum for about a month and have learned alot from you guys, and want to say thanks? I also am interested in a Allison upgrade. A freind at Dave's diesel told me I should go with the B.D. Powers Transmission (not Bullydog) over ATS . (they sell both and still install some ATS transmissions as well) His reason was alot less problems when insalling and down the road. He said B.D. is great to work with as well. He was not slamming ATS at all but just thought B.D.was better. He has a Duramax and pulls it. It is a strong running truck. (2 turbos,chips,ect.) The B.D. tranny has been in his truck for 2 years. Daily driver as well. Really interested in feed back as this was just one mans oppinion! THANKS AGAIN

http://www.bd-vfi.com/gmc/gmc_1000.html


The info on this page says their mod can make it hold 300% more than OEM. That doesnt like 50 more. Maybe the 50 more is 50 on top of the 90-125 posted above. That would make it up to 175? I dont have a clue as I dont know much about tranny mods, but from reading their site it doesnt look like they are changine valves it looks like they are changing plates.


Now this: http://www.dieselperformance.com/gmc/product.php?pn=BD%20Power%20Pod&tt=gmc (http://www.dieselperformance.com/gmc/product.php?pn=BD%20Power%20Pod&tt=gmc) seems interesting. Looks like they are trying to compete with the Painless Wiring extra fuse block. Looks like it could be promising.

Doesn't BD use a single disc converter?

Doesn't BD use a single disc converter?

Last I checked they only had a single disc available.

"The electronic controlled trim solenoids have been modified and oil circuit integrity has been improved with our high quality build. The pump and pressure regulator have been modified as well as improvements made to prevent convertor drain back."


That sounds like a Trans go kit to me....


The shift kit they offer is 299.xx.... Priced similer to Trans go as well


Shift kit w/ frictions is 719.00,.... which frictions? who makes them?


What kind of claims do they make? How much is 300%? My calculations that would be 900 FWHP.


BD single disk convertor is 1150.00... almost a triple disk....http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


My money will still be heading to Joe for my trans

Their Holding capacity is 450 FLYWHEEL last I heard.Their not taking any chances or risks.


That isn't even a HOT Juice add-on.


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

Were you talking with the guys at Angola or Muncie. I have talked with them, to me, they are just salesmen. I have tried to talk with them about stuff and it always ends up being a sales pitch. I am not knocking them, just saying, dont believe everything you hear. I believe some others can say the same.

the pewter Daves Diesel 03 Chevy doesn't have two turbos on it because he pulled in the single turbo street class at Thunder in Muncie

I was speeking with Rick in Angola. Also when I saw the truck a couple weeks ago it had 2 turbo's. I see you guys are running the ATS tranny .Is this what you would reccomend? I want to get into the truck pulling, and I also farm and will be pulling up to 70,000# of grain at a time all day long. I want to do this right the first time. Rick at Daves diesel did say If ATS gets the bugs out of the co-pilot that it will be a tough tranny to beat. Is this true? Are they having some problems with it? I would rather here from you guys than a salesman any day!!!! THANKS AGAIN

I figured you were talking to him. I have talked to him a couple times. He did not have 2 turbos at Muncie in the beginning of June. It could have now though. I have had my ATS for about 3 monthes or so and I dont have any problems with the co-pilot. It could be toned down just a tad in the lower levels but I like it overall. I think they have it figured out. I would reccomend ATS if your going to be pulling.

"they have it figured out"? They have not changed it. Some people don't care if the upshift and down shift sometimes jerk your teeth out. They have not figured it out nor are they interested in figuring it out. The copilot has its place in racing, but take your wife out to dinner in the truck and you will hear about it.

I'm sure Suncoast is a good trans, lots run them but....Lets see now, who on this forum has had the most consistent success drag racing and truck pulling and what does he run?


ATS


Lock it and Rock it! http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Rock%20On.gif


I think every truck is going to shift different depending upon which power adder and at what level you drive at. Having the flexability of the Co-Pilot to tune the shift for your preference is awsome! For me I leave the Co-Pilot off during my daily driving, with the TTS set for 120. My truck shifts a little firmer than stock. When a Corvette pulls up next to me at a stop light, I do four things.


1) Shift to Tow/Haul mode
2) Move the TTS switch to EXTREME!
3) Turn on the Co-Pilot.
4) Shift to 4x4 HI.





When the light turns green the Corvette driver is left in tears. Now whether he is crying because I just beat him badly or because of the cloud of black smoke I just left him in, I'm not sure. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


Mr. Mtomac care to comment? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif





Edited by: Trippin

Guy


I never had to do any of that stuff with Steves truck. My biggest problem was if the Vette was on my left side, there was a good chance I would run him over. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif Of course, there were no stinkin 4X4 buttons for that shotgun launch that the fourwheelers get. Someday I'm going to put some horsepower in my truck and see what you guys are talking about. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


mike


I'm going to count to 10 and see if you know who chimes in. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

Mike, its too late for me save yourself! Keep that sweet ride of yours just like it is and just beat the snot out of mine instead.


Well I would make one minor change to your truck. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif Did Steve win the bet yet?

Transmission posts always turn into pissing matches so I usually just stay away.

If you want the best tranny for towing & daily driving get the Suncoast

If you want the best tranny for towing, daily driving, dragracing & truckpulling get the ATS

Edited by: mtomac

Transmission posts always turn into pissing matches so I usually just stay away.

If you want the best tranny for towing & daily driving get the Suncoast

If you want the best tranny for towing, daily driving, dragracing & truckpulling get the ATS




Your right, Someday I will learn. I just lack self control!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif

I had a BD torque converter in an Allison transmission a few years ago. The torque converter caused transmission failure in less than a year and BD wouldn't own up to it. Buyer beware!

Boy, I guess Mike L is just the transmission god, know all there is to know about every trans out there. I thought you said you never installed an ATS and know you everything about whether they have updated there co-pilot. Well they have just to inform ya. Call Clint and ask him.

Transmission posts always turn into pissing matches so I usually just stay away.

If you want the best tranny for towing & daily driving get the Suncoast

If you want the best tranny for towing, daily driving, dragracing & truckpulling get the ATS




So all it takes to get in the Winners Circle event after event is a transmission?


What about longevity and pump failure? I'm not meaning to rain on your parade or accomplishments . I haven't seen anyone with a LS CC shorty able to shave enough weight with a Sunhcoast to back up your claim . Have You or anyone ?


Mac

Is some of the reason the ATS is prefered for the hard core drag racing crowd because of its adjustability? you can quicken the shift at will instead of waiting for the alli to learn to deal with the temporary added power?


If some did nothing but run a SC at the track and the alli just knew what a WOT pass with spray or a big program was instead of getting confused when some one runs it on the street with a bit less power and then flogging it at the track how do you guys think it would fair compared to an ATS time wise?


Just wondering....its kinda a non issue because if the co pilot offers the adjustability to make it faster then it is still faster.


Although it does make you wonder what a great set up truck would run in the 1/4 with a SC. And it also sounds like a good excuse for me to keep her cranked up 100% on the streethttp://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wacko.gifhttp://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil%20Smile.gifhttp://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

Is some of the reason the ATS is prefered for the hard core drag racing crowd because of its adjustability? you can quicken the shift at will instead of waiting for the alli to learn to deal with the temporary added power?


If some did nothing but run a SC at the track and the alli just knew what a WOT pass with spray or a big program was instead of getting confused when some one runs it on the street with a bit less power and then flogging it at the track how do you guys think it would fair compared to an ATS time wise?


Just wondering....its kinda a non issue because if the co pilot offers the adjustability to make it faster then it is still faster.


Although it does make you wonder what a great set up truck would run in the 1/4 with a SC. And it also sounds like a good excuse for me to keep her cranked up 100% on the streethttp://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wacko.gifhttp://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil%20Smile.gifhttp://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif





13.00 @109 MPH with a crappy 2.2 2WD 60' time. That is at 7,300 pounds and a "wimpy" SC Stage 4. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif


If I shave off 700 pounds and get a good 1.8 60' hook out of the slicks what do you reckon it will do?


How's that for adding to the pissing match? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif I think that you can be successful with either tranny so go with what you like.

Boy, I guess Mike L is just the transmission god, know all there is to know about every trans out there. I thought you said you never installed an ATS and know you everything about whether they have updated there co-pilot. Well they have just to inform ya. Call Clint and ask him.


Raymond


I am nothing of the sort, only a transmission student. There is a lot I don't know but I learn every day. I know more today than I did yesterday, and a hell of a lot more since I talked to you a couple of months ago. The quest for knowledge is relentless. In no way was I trying to belittle the ATS product, it is a good one. I just like what Suncoast does a little better. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


mike

BMDMAX,


Pretty impressive. Have you thought about shifting back to the stock tiny tires, and launching in 4x4? I am really interested in rotational momentum and the effects on 1/4 mile times. The problem is initial traction. Sounds like you are trying to lose a full second with the diet and slicks. . . .


Dennis

biimpala...he would have to put in a transfer case and front axle to launch in 4x4 http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

BMDMAX,


Pretty impressive. Have you thought about shifting back to the stock tiny tires, and launching in 4x4? I am really interested in rotational momentum and the effects on 1/4 mile times. The problem is initial traction. Sounds like you are trying to lose a full second with the diet and slicks. . . .


Dennis





Dennis,


I have thought about putting the stockers back on the front to see if it would help. I have a 2WD truck so 4W is not an option. I normally get sub 2.0 60' times on the slicks so it will run better than the 13.00 I posted, I just have not been back to the track since I ran that number. I don't really plan on stripping the extra weight either, it is just a PITA to remove the stuff for my daily driver.


I will just make up the weight difference with more power! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

I think that you can be successful with either tranny so go with what you like.


Already done, we shall see what she runs. I have a 4x4 reg cab so it should be interestinghttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil Smile.gif Yikes! You need to stick that fat lady on a diet, she is pretty porky for a 2wdhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Tongue.gif

Mackin, there is nothing stopping anyone with a Suncoast from proving me wrong but it has not happened yet.

The lightning quick shifts the copilot gives help lower ET, .05 on each shift is 2/10.

I'm at 6500, the white TS Dodge is at 6275. The minimum weight for the DHRA Pro Street class is 6200 if you're running one turbo and nitrous, 5500 with two turbos and no nitrous. I think the green RC dodge from GA is at 5900. Why would I not try to get as close to the minimum weight as I can if my competition is.

See ya at the track...Edited by: mtomac

Ha, I don't say much, but when I do, it's pretty stupid. Didn't see you were 2wd. That would be a pretty neat trick, huh. Launching in 4wd with just a 2wd truck.


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


Thanks,
Dennis


At least if you don't strip it, you know you'll run it that way on the street everyday, too. That's the way I always ran my Impala, so I knew exactly what she'd run every time I pulled away from a light.Edited by: baimpala

Mike I didn't make the accusation that the Suncoast wasn't going to fit the bill at the Track's.


I have just pointed out that no one has approached the 6500# plateau with a Suncoast enhanced transmission.Once that happens well then we'll see ,but I'm not for one going to be shocked I believe in my assumption.


Again not dissing your accomplishments but I'm a reality seeker.


Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

The Co-Pilot won't help in the Adaptive learn . I believe it was Mike himself said he's fastest run isn't his first run down the track.





Mac

no it's the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th pass and so on

While my first pass isn't ever my fastest the copilot does help give you quick crisp shifts at the push of a button even after conservative driving. You don't have to wait for the tap cells and the adaptive learning of the Allison TCM to get its $^*% together.

I run with the copilot off for daily driving but have it set on kill ready to go. When it's needed on the street I just turn it on.Edited by: mtomac

I believe the copilot keeps the TCM in fast learn.


mike

I think Brandon is the only guy even close to Mike with a Suncoast and its hard to compare as he ( I think) lacks some in the launch. I do agree that parts of Mike's success is the ATS trans/co-pilot, but like its been stated, what proof have we? I think I will build a Suncoast, head to the track, make 6 runs with an ATS, quick swap and 6 with a suncoast and put the guesses to resthttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif

quicker shifts = less boost dropped between shifts & lower ETEdited by: mtomac

I think Brandon is the only guy even close to Mike with a Suncoast


I don't know about that.........


I will agree on one thing though....I also believe a Co-Pilot equipped truck will out run a non Co-Pilot truck module for module........Edited by: BIG DIPPER

I think Brandon is the only guy even close to Mike with a Suncoast


I don't know about that.........


I will agree on one thing though....I also believe a Co-Pilot equipped truck will out run a non Co-Pilot truck module for module........





I'm with Dipper. Well not with Dipper.......I mean I have a wife....uh I mean I'm not.......... well you know. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif


Anyway, I agree with the Co-Pilot statement. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif





Lock it and Rock it! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Rock On.gif








I bet you SC guys are tired of hearing that statement! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

I bet you SC guys are tired of hearing that statement! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif





Guy


actually it motivates me http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif

I bet you SC guys are tired of hearing that statement! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif





Guy


actually it motivates me http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif








You go Mike! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

If one were to raise the line pressure would that make a SC trany shift as fast as a autopilot trany? So if you had a SC trany raised line pressure you would pick up ET just from that?


That would be coolhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif. If someone can come up with something though that means I need to yank my trany again, oh well. I'll just try to figure out a way to do it without using a bobcat and an excavator next time.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wacko.gifEdited by: ratlover

If one were to raise the line pressure would that make a SC trany shift as fast as a autopilot trany? So if you had a SC trany raised line pressure you would pick up ET just from that?


That would be coolhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif. If someone can come up with something though that means I need to yank my trany again, oh well. I'll just try to figure out a way to do it without using a bobcat and an excavator next time.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wacko.gif





Good idea except the Co-Pilot only sends the additional pressure to the clutches under certain conditions (high boost etc.) based on the settings. The rest of the time it exhausts it back into the pan. Part of the Co-Pilot installation is monitoring the map sensor data. Perhaps this is the reason that ATS can get away with more pump pressure than the other guys and still have longevity.


I was worried about the line pressure so I reduced my pressure to about half way between stock and the ATS setting for about 5,000 miles and just recently went back to the higher pressure. Why? I feel the truck is faster with the pressure where ATS originally designed it to be. And the pump showed no signs of additional wear.


I honestly don't care which trans anybody buys, I'm just providing information so you guys can make your own decisions.


Bottom line the majority in this forum like Suncoast and it is a good trans and that's all it is and does.


I like the ATS, it's a good trans and along with the Co-Pilot it:


1) Allows me to adjust the trans the way I like it, from in the cab.


2) Removes the speed limiter for any year truck.


3) Locks the converter at the earliest opportunity in tow haul mode.


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


Maybe for Halloween this year I'll dress up as an ATS Co-Pilot. Because it seems to be very scary for some people. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

Guy


If your'e going to do that on Halloween, buy better Velcro. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


mike

Guy


If your'e going to do that on Halloween, buy better Velcro. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


mike





Mike,


You kill me! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

I honestly don't care which trans anybody buys, I'm just providing information so you guys can make your own decisions.


Maybe for Halloween this year I'll dress up as an ATS Co-Pilot. Because it seems to be very scary for some people. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif








I know your just trying to help out and arnt a blind ATS pusherhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Up.gif


I dont care what you say it will do for my ET's I aint pushing none of your buttons if you dress up like one http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Tongue.gifEdited by: ratlover

I honestly don't care which trans anybody buys, I'm just providing information so you guys can make your own decisions.


Maybe for Halloween this year I'll dress up as an ATS Co-Pilot. Because it seems to be very scary for some people. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif








I know your just trying to help out and arnt a blind ATS pusherhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Up.gif


I dont care what you say it will do for my ET's I aint pushing none of your buttons if you dress up like one http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Tongue.gif





http://www.atsdiesel.com/Smilies/killingme.gif (javascript smilie(':killingme'))

Mike, Im not saying you dont know anything about trannies, obviously you have done some of them. I just know you have stated in the past that you havent installed any ATS stuff or delt with it any. So I was just tryin to say dont knock what you havent tried or dont know about. Im not sayin suncoast is bad as a lot of guys like it. I can only comment on ATS becuase thats all I have experience with.

Mike, Im not saying you dont know anything about trannies, obviously you have done some of them. I just know you have stated in the past that you havent installed any ATS stuff or delt with it any. So I was just tryin to say dont knock what you havent tried or dont know about. Im not sayin suncoast is bad as a lot of guys like it. I can only comment on ATS becuase thats all I have experience with.


Mike was edumacated on my ATS a few weeks ago. He did the R and R and gutted the trans for inspection purposes. During reassembly he installed the ATS spring that I had previously removed and some new C-4s. During the road test it downshifted pretty hard as a result of the increased line pressure and Mike expressed his concern to me about it. We agreed to let the trans go through a learn process and then re-evaluate it after a couple of days. During the drive from Mike's shop to my house, approx. 45 miles stop and go driving the Allison did it's famous learning trick and now is SWEEEEET.


So Mike does have some first hand experience with the ATS as of a couple of weeks ago. Given all that he still prefers Suncoast. What are you going to do?.......You can lead a horse to water but..........


Dmaxallitech has experience with both and he prefers Suncoast as well. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif


Time will tell..................................

Raymond


I did not knock ATS engineering. Please do not put words in my mouth. Go back and read what I stated before you jump on me. 2 months ago when I spoke to you I had not seen the inside of an ATS; I have had very explicit reports but no hands on, or visual. I now have. I am sorry I didn't call you first with my report ( stupid me). Guy gave his report on what we found ( no damage) and it was very accurate, so I stayed out of it. I have my opinions and I will keep them to myself. I still choose Suncoast for my Allison, but if you think ATS serves you better, I will encourage you to buy it and be happy to install it.


mike

dmaxallitech has experience with both but prefers the Suncoast


I admit, I do lean that direction, I just have a hard time with that ~300 psi of line pressure all the time....


No long term tests to say either way for either trans though