I'm new to the site and fairly new to the Duramax/Allison combo (only had it for 5 months), and am looking for some recommendations on what I need to do to protect my tranny when I install the Edge Juice (possible HOT) with attitude. I only pull a trailer occasionally (usually not very heavy). Other than that and a trip or two to the drag strip, it is basically a daily driver. I've seen shift kits for a couple hundred, would that be worth the money? Thanks in advance for any help you guys can give me.

sievz

It looks to me like you'd better build it pretty stout if you want to run a Hot Juice.

At the minimum, I'd say a triple-disc torque converter, Transgo shift kit, and possible other mods to increase line pressure would be needed. Your best bet would be to have one of the transmission gurus on the board chime in, though. I'm an expert by no means!

Here we go again!!!

Here we go again!!!
Either answer the mans question or stay out of it.

sievz
I will try and cover the best options as I see them, others can chime in and disagree.
Suncoast
Stage 3 is built for the person towing and playing. Kit consists of a Triple Loc converter ( one of the best in the industry ) upgraded clutches, Transgo shift kit and converter flow valve with both filters included. Level 4 kicks the performance up a notch with more clutches, higher mainline pressure and a C1 control valve to boot. ( for the player that is more serious) Excellent choices as I have installed many.
ATS
ATS has been called a racers only choice because of their firmer shiftng trans and Copilot ( electronic controller that regulates converter clutch and pressure ). I have found them very streetable, and a lot tamer than you would expect ( from what you will read ). They have a pump upgrade for higher pressures than most other companys, and make their own clutches. I have found that their Ally mod is excellent also. They also include their Triple converter which is just as good as any in the industry.
DTT
They are new to the Ally world and I am about to install one of their mods this week. ( let you know next week )
TTS
At this time TTS only makes a single and a Triple converter. ( more is coming with development) The TTS converter will give you more lowend and midrange torque multiplication than any converter out there. I get many requests for this unit and have found their claims to be right on the money.
Whichever company you choose from my above list will satisfy you IMHO. Hope this helps you.
mike

If you are SURE you will do nothing more than a hot juice then A transgo shift kit and a good converter like a TTS, ATS, Suncoast would do you fine. If ou are thinking you might want more then better to have too much than not enough trans.

But you may have an already worn trans and need some clutches too while you are in there. Since you gota pull the darn trans anwho I would check em all and have em ready to replace if they are toasted.

Were you located?

You can run just an edge attitude with defule on on all shifts set to the 90 hp level pretty safetly on a stock trans.

Mike,

By using a torque converter that gives more low end and midrange torque multiplication, are you giving something up somewhere else in drivability, performance or longevity? I am trying to figure out the impact when driving down the road (ie: better race truck but worse everyday driver or the reverse, rougher/smoother shifts, etc). Seems most things is life have trade-offs.

I think most believe that a tighter converter just has a better feel to it driving and towing ect when the converter isnt locked up. I think most dont think there is any gain at the track. If I thought there was a gain at the track by going to a "tight" converter I would have swapped it. Maybe something else to play with eventually but not now.......

Try to take a ride in a TTS convertered truck if you can to see how you like it. Suncoast will and I would think ATS could make you a "tighter" or really lose converter from thier norm if you asked. Duno if it would be better or worse than the TTS though?

Edit: Sorry, I see this was directed at mike:o: His # is listed in his sig, give him a ring. He might even be able to put you in touch with a few guys with different trans mods close to you so you can see em in action.

Philip ... Thanks for the response. I always look forward to your informative postings.

I've been reading the transmission postings for about a year now. Although I've learned a lot, I still consider myself transmission illiterate. I read terms such as torque multiplication, higher/lower stall speed, tight/loose converter, but I am not to the point where I understand the significance of these terms and how they impact the truck going down the road.

Seems most designs have trade-offs. An airplane wing can be high lift, but with a lot of drag, or high speed (low drag), but with less lift. The designer chooses the airfoil design based on the intended use of the plane.

I would think the same holds for transmission designers. They have a choice to design a tight or loose transmission, etc. What I don't understand is what they are gaining and giving up when they make these various design decisions. What may be a great transmission for you or Trippin as racers, my not be a good choice for me as a daily driver looking for better performance for towing, passing and just having fun with the truck. A tight torque converter, or low end torque multiplication my be a good deal for someone, but I don't have a clue if it would be a good deal for me.

If anyone knows of a good of "Transmissions for Dummies" please let me know.

sign me up for a copy of that book too. i'm so confused about this subject

Takes too long to explain in written words. I can explain all the options so that you can understand in layman terms how everything works. I will explain converters and answer all your questions. Then you can decide which option fits your needs. I do not favor any brand and am not a salesman. Ask around. You don't have to buy from me to get tech info. Make the call.
mike

It's simple first decide what you want to do with your truck and to what plateau.

Then

You push on the go peddle and it just keeps pulling and pulling till you get all chicken chit and back out of it when you build up your transmission to hold and turn up the wick, way up!



Call Mike he has a good reputation around here for being very helpful on Allison upgrades.