I can not decide on the upgrades to get. I have at most 550hp and 950 torque at the crank. Please tell me what option and why? Is it more important to have the transgo or new C4 and C5?

Option 2 claims that a new input shaft is needed due to the heavy converter. What do you guys think?

I know most everyone on here will says Suncoast but It does not seem like it is the best kit for the price.

Option 1: $2,410
Suncoast
Included: triple converter, C1, C2, C3, C4, Transgo
Does Not Include - C5, Gaskets, Seals

Option 2: $2,145
TCS
custom package
Included: triple converter, C1, C2, C3, Transgo, gaskets, new seals
Does Not Include - C4, C5

Option 3: $2,340
PATC - transmissioncenter.net/allison1000.htm
Level 4 Allison 1000 rebuild kit
Included: triple converter, carbon fiber C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, gaskets, new seals
Does Not Include - Transgo

Option 4: $2,380
PPE - Level 4
Included: triple converter, C1, C2, C3, C4, gaskets,
Does Not Include - C5, transgo, new seals

Doesn't anyone have anything to say?

Suncoast stage IV from Mike L. Get it built right the first time and it will last! Usually guys dont put shafts in unless they are over the 600rwhp mark or are competing heavly.

Also as far as I know the weight difference between the stock converter and the suncoast isn't really that much and definatly not enough to do damage. The stock input shafts are usually good for 600rwhp. But this is strictly just a baseline. Different "driving styles" warrant differnt parts;)

You'll drive yourself nuts doing the numbers comparison thing and which is a couple $ more or less, and it won't get you anywhere. Just go with a Suncoast and don't worry about it.

Suncoast stage IV from Mike L. Get it built right the first time and it will last! Usually guys dont put shafts in unless they are over the 600rwhp mark or are competing heavly.

Also as far as I know the weight difference between the stock converter and the suncoast isn't really that much and definatly not enough to do damage. The stock input shafts are usually good for 600rwhp. But this is strictly just a baseline. Different "driving styles" warrant differnt parts;)
X2 on Mike L and Suncoast.

Not all kits are the same. don't compare them like that. If you want to really know, research usage, failures, etc. A few hunded dollars vs never touching it again is pointless when spending 20 times that. You will spend the couple hundred in fluid alone.

Another note, do some reading. C5 is very very rarely needed. Gaskets are less than $100 for it all. Make sure you get new apply pistons with the kit you get, you should but some of these brands are not well known, so check. Shift kit is needed for your year of trans. Convt flow valve would be good since you are there. Then get a book and be done with it. And again, not all clutches are the same. Read read read and read, then learn from others failures. OEM clutches aren't bad. Suncoast are good. ATS are good (they bond there own from what i have read). Raybestos is making some nice units the big tranny experts on here say, might just be coming out about now. Other than that be careful. And marketing hype is marketing hype. Most trans will hold XXXXXX power for one pull. How long and how well afterward are where the games are won and lost.

Then you get into converters. NOT all the same. Even just look at the suncoast options out there. There is differences in price and design there. DON'T get an unknown convt. Once locked up, that is holding all the engine throws at it. You slip the convt clutch and it doesn't matter if you have a stage 50 trans behind it, power is lost to heat and damage. And match the covt to your needs, call one of the experts on here for guidance. You pick the wrong covt spool and you won't be happy.

Last note. Look above at what you type. You have 4 different options with a price swing of $265 min to max. That alone would make most not debate this. I built my own and put together what i wanted just like a lot on here. Keep at it, and read read read, and then ask for clarification one more time before handing over the Visa card.

Thank you!
Here is what I am getting from you guys. These were my thoughts as well.

C5 is not important if I have the others.
Need a kit that has transgo.

This leaves me with Suncoast and TCS.
Of course, TCS says that their torque converter is heavy and needs a new output shaft.

Anyone reading this with a TCS Converter?

I havnt seen anyone on here or in person use tcs. I'm not saying their product is bad as I have no experience with it, but go with something proven. The suncoast is tested and has been around. Mike L is the man and will give you all the info you can handle and the tech support to go with it.

Thank you!
Here is what I am getting from you guys. These were my thoughts as well.

C5 is not important if I have the others.
Need a kit that has transgo.

This leaves me with Suncoast and TCS.
Of course, TCS says that their torque converter is heavy and needs a new output shaft.

Anyone reading this with a TCS Converter?
I believe they are just trying to get somemore money from ya. I cant see em weighing much more than a SC. Most people on here is running SC. Some are running ATS stuff. But do a search of TCS stuff over in the tranny section see what others have said. I happy with my SC IV and with the reviews they have got on here.:D

Stock converter is 62lb
Suncoast is 72lb
ATS is 75lb
Precision is 70lb
TCS; don't give a shit cause I won't use it.

Stock converter is 62lb
Suncoast is 72lb
ATS is 75lb
Precision is 70lb
TCS; don't give a shit cause I won't use it.
Mike don't sugar coat it.:)

Guys you and these kits drive me nuts ;) get a good kit one that has everything you need to take care of it once and for all some of these kits are a joke they give you bits and pieces do it like a pro rebuilder and do it right your going to spend the same time half a*( ing it so you may as well do it right and I know mike L will tell you the same. I don't mean to be mean but spending the money once makes sents, not two or three times ..your call

agreed.

I had a TCS. Not bad but not what I wanted. Went for ATS. Good but not what I want. Im getting a Precision.

Go with a kit from Mike L or PPE. Get a Precision convertor. Ive heard nothing but good things about this convertor.

TCS does make some very strong billet input and output shafts. That is the company from where Suncoast gets the billet shafts from. I've got TCS in my SC4 with a 1054-3D. I also have not heard good with their converters tho. They are an ok converter.

Shift kit is needed for your year of trans. Convt flow valve would be good since you are there.


what years need a shift kit?

if you have an allison trans, you need a shift kit.

Guys, there are two different TCS companys. One in Canada and the other in Arizona. I was refering to the one in AZ.

Guys, there are two different TCS companys. One in Canada and the other in Arizona. I was refering to the one in AZ.

Very good point there. I was unaware.

With that in mind - TCS in British Columbia Canada makes some good billet shafts.

The TCS in AZ makes some not so hot converters.

Hye mike u know any one good in the detriot area that could whip in a SCV in a day? I looked into shipping one to canada and I luaghed at the price. I would take a few days off of work. Drive 2 hours to Detroit to have it done.

2 hours to Detroil, how far from Merchant are you. He is the MI version of Mike L.
http://www.merchant-automotive.com/

He is a well know and reputable vendor on here.

it's 4 hour drive plus all the hassel at the boarder. DOes he install them too or just sell them? I would want to do it all in one shot while there. Is there many issues once it's put in? I'd hate to have to drive 4hours with a busted/malfunctioning tranny to get it repaired.

plus I don't see a stage V tanny posted on there site. Just transgo Jr (barf) the 5-6speed conversion and a few other things.

Call him, he does installs and rebuilds from mild to wild. If you want a good experience builder to turn key, that is driving distance to you, go there. I am going to guess that is who Mike L would tell you to go see.

John Wood(cali) who built my Ford tranny said the same company makes 95% of the aftermarket Converters. Not sure if this is true but I thought it was TCS.

John Wood(cali) who built my Ford tranny said the same company makes 95% of the aftermarket Converters. Not sure if this is true but I thought it was TCS.

No they don't.

Apples to Oranges, Listen to M.L. call him he'll tell the skinny without no B.S.

95% of the billet covers come from India. They can machine them down to fit or the converter shop can.