I've read on here a few people mentioning decent billet cover converters for under $400. Does anybody have a clue as to where to get something with a good reputation? I know something like a suncoast or ats converter would be the cats meow, but I don't have an extra grand or so, $400 is pretty much my limit. I don't expect power to get over 300hp, unless I get a serious raise at work (doubtful!). I've also seen a few on ebay, but no advertised warranty scares me. I'd trust anyone's word on this site before those guys.

I'm located in SE Mass. if anybody has a local recommendation. Thanks again.

 

You get what you pay for! how many TC's will you go thru? just spend the money and buy a good one!

 

I bought a Reman Frt Billet converter rated at 750 ft. lbs. for about $370.00 after tax. I only have 1000 miles on it, but so far im more than happy with it. Im sure it isnt no were near as good as $1000.00 + converter but it fit my budget and is sooo much better then stock. It actually is grabby when it isnt locked up especially towing a trailer in town. It came from Transtar Industrys. It comes with a 3 yr./36,000mile warranty.

Dave

 

Call Mass Diesel, they are around there somewhere. You get what you pay for. You need to look at Suncoast [also used by HTS], DTT, and Goerend. A good single disk like DTT's old blue's or Goerend's single would work wonders, those are holding big power for alot of people. If your doing a converter youll need to get a valve body for it too, so a converter and valve body for under $400 wont cut it. The core charges alone are that much.

-Dustin-

 

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gorms:

Summit Racing now sells a pretty darn good aftermarket single-disc TC from "TCI". The price on it is around $450.00. Also, "Jegs" also has started selling them too. I would check with them. Those TC's are going to be much better than the stock unit.

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John_P

 

Just be forwarned that there are a lot of guys unhappy with TCI's customer service. Quality too.

 

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j-fox:

Thanks for the "head-up" on that. I had not heard that.

 

gorms:

I also forgot to mention a company I used and that is "Pro-Torque Converters." I had one of their single-disc TC's and had very good reliability and service out of it for almost four years. The only reason I replaced it was to go to ATS's Triple-Lok TC when they released them in 2000.

Here is the link to "Pro-Torque" for you: www.pro-torqueconverters.com.

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John_P

 

I have been researching converters for my Dad's 97 and DTT seems to be a good one and reasonble at $500ish for the entry level.

Although I have no experience with them personally, only Southbend

 

You can get a goerend for $650

they dont get much better then that

 

Sonnex builds the parts for most of them. Their single disk is around 450. with a three year warranty. Ive had no problem with mine.

 

You didn't ask, but I'm going to tell the story anyway.!!!

I bought a TCI for my 95 when it was slipping. I was just getting into these sites at the time.
When we were installing it, it tore up the front seal. We took it out and found the weld was not finish machined. I called TCI and asked them to send another next day air ---at my expence, ---until we got the truck going. They refused.
They needed mine back to examine!!!
So I had to send it--at my expense---back. ( thier converter)
Two weeks later I get a converter that was correct. And of course the bill for them to re send it to me!!!
6 months later it was slipping.
The only thing done to the Cummins was a 5 plate.
Of course I called several time to get the $$$$ straightened out, but they refused. I told them I would tell everyone how this deal went.
I paid shipping for 2 converters, two installs and it still wasn't any better than stock other than a little lower stall.
This is when I spent hundreds of hours on the internet to find what I wanted.
I had prior experience with these trans, so I dug in and figured out the hydraulics of it.
When these trans are built right (as in proper, knowledgable rebuilds) the converter clutch cannot be the first to slip if over powered!!!!
I am not a supporter of locked shifts! I had a lock-up switch and I could see it breaking shafts, motor mounts, u-joints etc.

Good luck on your purchase.

 

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j-fox:

No problem Sir,......and I am sorry to hear you had all those problems with the TCI. I am sure DTR Member gorms will read this and make his decision, hopefully to go in another direction! gorms,......sorry I made the recommendation! Honestly, I did not know that the TCI TC gave anyone those kind of problems. But, j-fox has been a valued Member here for a long time now and he is giving you some good info on this.

Thanks j-fox!

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John_P

 

Thanks for all of the insight guys! I have dealt with Mass Diesel a few times, and although they seem very knowledgable, they are also reluctant to give any information unless your truck is in their shop, which I don't blame them.

Transtar seems to be the best for my budget. Billet front cover reman, low stall, and rated for 750 ft lbs. All for $350 sounds good to me, only bummer is I need to wait until they make a batch before I can buy one. And yes, I know you can easily out-power that, and you get what you pay for, but I'm broke! I can't afford anymore power right now, and I need to get this thing on the road again. Another snowstorm I won't be making any $$$ off of is rolling through today...

PS I'm doing a shift kit (Transgo with new seperator plate), total rebuild, and new (larger) cooler and lines. Hopefully it'll hold up for a while, don't do much towing anymore.

 

I've only seen there tripple disc for a grand or better on there site?