Another thread, maybe I can keep all the plans and processes in one spot.

Background: Had the stutter shift for 40,000 miles, that helped eat the front band. Put in the upgraded pressure solenoid and adjusted the bands, that got me another 20,000 miles or so before the front band was gone. Slipped a new band in and within 50 miles the torque converter started not-unlocking.

Checked around and found Goerend is within 200 miles of me. Their backlog is 6-7 weeks, but having the builder install and test means a lot to me.

I got my name on the list for an early December install. Base price for the transmission is $3950. Started asking around here for advice on what I need. Some great information here!

Today I talked to Craig at Goerend. Craig is a very patient man. So far what I know:

Base price _______________________________________________$3, 950
Goerend installs and tests their own. I want that._____________ADD $600
Goerend uses the upgraded BW solenoid. Included.____________ADD $ 0
They recommend the billet input shaft. I want that.____________ADD $600
Goerend recommends a billet flex plate for $450
They also have a 'strengthened' flex plate for $350.
For the extra $100 I think I'll take the billet. __________________ADD $450
They will make the VB NOT lock in 1st so I can add a
lock-up switch and not worry about forgetting it's on
or the wife bumping it.... This service is included.______________ADD $ 0
Craig recommends a BD Shift Enhancer.______________________ADD $325
Shop supplies and fluids____________________________________ADD $100
Iowa sales tax____________________________________________ADD $425

Total_____________________________________________ _______$6,450.00


We discussed TC's today. Stock stall is around 2100-2300, and the tighter one is 1800-2000. I need some thoughts on which one to get. 35" tires, 3.73 rear, daily driver (work truck) and I gross between 16K and 25K twice a week for a couple hundred miles. Just moving my trailers and crew around to different jobs.

 

Get the one I have, you won't be disappointed. Tell him you want a 15 blade left cut TC. Just get the strengthened flexplate. Billet flexplates are hard on input shafts. I have the strenghted one and it works fine. Save that $100 and take the wife out to dinner.

 

By the way. Lockup switches are very hard on shafts if you make the mistake of letting it shift while locked. Don't be suprised if you break a shaft if you forget about it.

 

Yeah, but you have a different turbo and everything Spooler!

I'm not hooking the lock-up switch up unless you guys tell me to...

Craig said with the billet flex, if I put in sticks and get maybe 475 / 500 hp, I'd still be good... Hate to have to pull the trans and put in a new flex when I get new sticks. And if EFILive releases that hot tuner..... YEE HAW!!!

 

Yes, my turbo is a little laggy but I have 4.10 gears with stock tire size. If you deceide to upgrade the turbo later you will have issues even with just a HTT 62/65/13ss. Plan for the future or you will regret it. The torque multiplication of the 15 blade left cut is very very good and works very well towing heavy.

Too tight a TC is just as bad as one that is too loose.

 

What Craig said was this one is a 15 blade but not left hand or whatever. He cautioned me that if I'm pulling 25K up a hill from a dead stop, with too tight of a converter I'll have a growling smoking truck struggling up the hill.

The way he made it sound, I should even consider getting a standard stall speed around 2100-2300.

I guess that's the question of the day for this forum! Goerend will put in either the 2100-2300 or the 1800-2000. With 35" tires, 3.73 rear and towing heavy at times, which one will make me smile the most?

BTW, did you guys know Goerend will swap stall speeds for free (one time only) ? Pretty awesome!

 

Bump to get input on which stall speed you guys recommend.

And a bonus question: Do you recommend the BD Shift Enhancer for even more control of the TV motor?

 

I'd try out the low stall and see how you like it since they will change it out for free anyways.

 

Changing it out means draining fluid, pulling the trans and installing the new TC and refilling it, plus you have to figure shipping the TC both ways.

I'd like to get it right on the first try if I can.

 

I would down size the tires before raising stall speed. The lower stall is going to be much more effective across the board. With a stock turbo and the ability to remove some TQ management you should be able to spool the turbo.

What efficiency is that TC rated at?


The BD shift enhancer is over priced for what it does, IMO. There are cheaper and just as effective options available, plus, there are setup things that you can do that may negate the need for it. I would install, drive and tweak things first then see about the shift enhancer.

The flex plate is one of those gray area things. A good laminate or even a slighltly heavier one is adequate most of the time if you are not competing. A billet flex plate is not a bad idea if you want to play AND it is a true flex plate, billet or not.

I would get a better input shaft, billet flex plate then shift enhancer.

 

My question is how often do you think you will be "pulling 25K up a 4-6% grade from a dead stop"? If not very often or not at all then think about getting the lower 2,000 RPM stall speed TQ.

 

Thanks for replying guys, I REALLY appreciate your help!!

I am leaning towards NOT putting on the shift enhancer. If Goerend wants more pressure they can design it in right? And Craig said he never touches the shift enhancer, so I think just leave it out. It can be added later anyway, but if I did get it then Goerend was going to install and test with it on.

Okay, I don't tow more than twice a week usually, and often I am at 18K or under. I do use the truck as a daily driver. What I do is pull the job trailer to a site and work all week, then pull it to the next site. During the week though we are running hotel to job, hotel to bar, etc. Many of my jobs are 3 hours drive or more, running 73 on the highway. Every month or so I need to pull a heavier load up to 24K or 25K gross. That's usually when I need materials fast and can't wait to get them shipped.

So I'll go with the lower stall TC unless you stop me. Billet input, billet flex, no enhancer.