Tranny probs, part 2

[MikeRenz]

Well, after visiting the local tranny shop, they've informed me that i have no 2nd or 4th gear, and that I'm definitely in need of a new tranny. So what are my options?

I'm able to get a 700r from a dealer for $1125 (about). Or I can get one from the tranny shop and installed for about $1350. I was thinking about getting a 2800 stall. And when i asked the tranny shop about that, the conversation went like this:

mechanic: "We don't recommend a 2800 stall unless you'd be drag racing or something like that"
me: *smile*
mechanic: "Why would you wanna drag race something like that!?"
me: "becuase its a 14 flat stock truck, and I'd like to be in the 12s"
mechanic: "They didn't make those to be raced"
me: "well than why'd they put a turbo on it"
mechanic: "for better performance"
me: "exactly"

heh...the mechanic was nice and it was a pleasant and humorous convo....but what it came down to was that they'd put a 2800 on, but not warranty the tranny. And since i'd be racing, they won't warranty the tranny anyway (if they can prove that drag racing was the factor of the breaking) So now i don't think I'll be getting a tranny from them...heh.

Or i could get a level 10 rebuild kit for like $600 and go that route.
http://www.levelten.com/store/gm/items/pts/GM113_9000_pts.htm


what else should be done w/ the tranny when you go to a higher stall? Or would rebuilding w/ this level 10 kit suffice? help!

 

[KGB Pilot125]

or if you want to be in the 12's you could call Brian Hartman and tell him what you are planning and he could set you up with the right tranny the first time. I will get his number and post it. Trust me you would rather have it done right instead of next january be posting "well there goes that tranny"

 

[MikeRenz]

I want 12s...but realistically don't see myself going for it until next summer. Probably about 20,000 miles from now....or whenever this stock motor goes. I basically want a cost effective way to stay driving right now, and not have to respend too much $ on the same stuff when I decide to go faster. (if that makes any sense)

Has anyone gone w/ a level 10 kit? It handles 800hp according to their info...that'd be easy 12s.

 

[Daron]

Please shop around, that tranny shop doesnt sound like a place that would have the background to build a performance tranny. I know the Chi-town guys are having some luck with a local shop. Talking to McCoy motorsports may give you an option or two.
Good luck,
Daron

 

[KGB Pilot125]

well I rebuilt my tranny myself and it cost a total of 312 bucks including upgraded GM parts and GM high performance converter. it is a little higher stall then stock. so far I am happy. I also had to re-build on a budget. I ran 13.7 with a 2.2 60 foot time and my truck is all stock. this summer with more practice at the strip a fule pump and AFPR I should be High 12's no freakin problem.

 

[MikeRenz]

I've never touched a tranny before, so I'm not sure if i trust myself rebuilding myself. I'd like to try it, but don't have the time or the space to do it right now. I'm leaning towards this level 10 rebuild...but I'm hoping someone has some feedback on their luck (good or bad) with it.
I'd also like to talk to Brian Hartman, if you could post his info or have him email me or something.

 

[bdubb]

thats right we have.

Roadmastertranz.com

they did all of ryans work, and some local trannys. they know there stuff.

 

[kwick6]

Here is Brian's info:

Brian Hartman
HHP Racing
303-649-1808
Please e-mail me if you have questions:
brianhartman@sprintmail.com

I would strongly suggest talking with him about your plans. I think the idea is to get the best you can have built within your budget to avoid having future problems.

If there is a shop in Chicago that has proven some success, it wouldn't hurt to get an estimate from them.

I live in the Detroit area, and know of a shop that builds performance transmissions. I told him about the stage kits for the 700R4 and that they start around $2K. He said they should be made out of kryptonite for that price. I don't know much about the stage kits, but from what I have heard A LOT of work goes into them. Talk to Hartman or the Chi-town shop, or if you need I'll post the number to the shop here in MI, talk to McCoy Motorsports. After talking to all these places you will probably start to understand what you need to do and how much it should cost.

So it all depends on what your needs are, and how much you have to spend. I am not saying that it wouldn't be money well spent at all, just be sure of what you are getting for your money. Don't listen to what others say about a person/shop or their pricing...make your own decisions after talking with all of them. You will get what you pay for.

I think it is very important to find the best available help you can, and work on your goals. I would stay far away from that shop you mentioned. I have heard of some tranny horror stories, so spend the money on a good one now that will support your future goals. Thats just my opinion though.

Scott

 

[jwaller]

no 2nd and 4th then you smoked the band....

 

[rockvillespeed]

i have sold a coupla customers the gm SERTA tranny, with them being very happy.
you cant beat the warranty, which covers labor, too.
put any converter ytou want in - just keep what gm gives ya w/ the trans and give it back should u smoke it
so far, so good, tho
customers report excellent shift quality; both used a precision 9/11
good luck

 

[Brian Hartman]

Man, I have to constantly bite my tongue. I wrote a big long thing and just bailed on it. I don't have the energy to deal with it. So I just wrote this. I have so much I want to say about things but I'll hold it back and say, Feel free to call me or email me if you have questions and needs help. I help good people. And help any way I can.

Your problem is what John Waller said or at least with the 2-4 system most likely. If it was gradual, it most likely burned. Smell your fluid. If you lost 4th and then 2nd, you most likely tore the anchor pinhole out or punched through the side of the servo pin apply plate.

Level Ten says 5-6 hours to install their "800hp" kit. Ha! Yeah, mine will hold a top fueler on bicycle tires too. This is a crock. You truck can snap most shops "HIGH Performance" builds without any fuss. They aren't upgrading even basic componets. Your truck can kill this one even when out of tune. Man, I can't say this enough. You get what you pay for. Believe me I know. I have the same physics applied to me as you do and experience it every day. This is the one I constantly get reminded of. You should know it too. Look a hand tools. Use the likes of Snap On or Craftsman tools then use tools from Harbor Freight and tell me what you come up with. Most like a broken sloppy tool and a set of busted knuckles and a lifetime warranty on the tool if you are stupid enough to give it another whirl. Not being cynical, just be careful.

Hope that helps,


_________________
Brian Hartman
HHP Racing
303-649-1808
Please e-mail me if you have questions:
brianhartman@sprintmail.com

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Brian Hartman on 2002-01-22 21:57 ]</font>