Now what?

Im torn between looking for a turbo or getting a torque converter. Anybody with great 12V knowledge know what should be my next move with the current mods I have. Looking at getting either a Goerends Single disc or saving more for the right turbo. What do yall think? I appreciate it.

 

I'd go for a turbo and maybe do a 3400 GSK or a 4000 GSK with valve springs. The tighter TCs will "lug" the engine and with a bigger turbo you will suffer lag with a tight TC- the sloppy stock TC will help you spool a big turbo, and with 3400 rpm under fuel it gets really zippy
(At least that's how I did for some of my customers and they love it)- the only downside is that you will have to lift before the lockup engages, otherwise you will fry the TC lockup clutch.

Just my 2c

AlpineRAM

 

Is the converter you have going out? if so do it first otherwise you'll have a new shiny turbo and will have to fork out more cash for a whole new tranny when you throw more power at it. but when you do get a converter get a goerends they are sweet

 

IMO a torque convertor should be the final piece to a built transmission. If the rest of the trans is worn, your going to be sending junk into the convertor and when it dies, the convertor will be toast.

 

Put it in an envelope and send it to Lonsdale, MN at my house.
Sorry I couldn't resist !!!!


Anyway, I would go with Goerend FIRST, then turbo later otherwise you would not have much time to enjoy it.

 

My thoughts- if the tranny is still good you can get by if you increase the rpm but not the torque- hence the turbo plus higher gsk.
If you go for a low stall converter you will need to beef up the rest of the tranny too- because there is more torque at low rpm entering the tranny. I do really like my DTT TC, but I know that there has been a lot to be done to the rest of the tranny to make it hold.
I'd like to have a 12V because you can increase rpm and therefore the powerband easily. You can make the stock tranny and TC work up to quite high horsepower and get a very quick truck that is still very driveable on the road if you don't want to play. (And smoke free) - if you want to play just plant your foot in and let it rev.

Just my 2c

AlpineRAM

 

Tranny is giving no signs of failure. Just wanting to add another cherry to the top of my cake and soliciting information from those that have done it. Perhaps there are other areas outside of tranny or turbo mods that I should be looking at like head studs and machine work for down the line. Or possible like was stated, 4k and some exhaust springs and maybe a set of DV's. Just want to know what everyone thinks is wise at this point.

 

It depends on what you want from your truck. And how you use it. I built some 12Vs that were schizos. Putting around with the wife on board they were rather quiet, well-behaved etc- driving alone you'd just push the go pedal and you had an entirely different beast. The downside is that you can't tow heavy with a setup like this or you have to accept lag.

If you know that you want even more I'd start with head studs. It's always good if the engine stays together.
Then some tranny mods, but not only TC/VB stuff, do this right once and for all. Add another turbo and it's getting interesting

AlpineRAM

 

The twin equation is one I have not completely sold myself on just yet, but Im sure it is coming. My wife is pushing me to get a beater as a daily driver so I can park the truck and do what I want to it. I know the tranny should be built but that is big money and I really dont want a race truck just about 400 streetable HP that I can tow with when I want to hook up a fifth wheel and not worry at all how hot it is getting because of my race only turbo. I hope I have conveyed this clearly so everyone knows what I am looking for and can get the best advice. Thanks to everyone who has given input thus far.

 

Send that little bit of cash to me. I'll use it.

 

Im shocked your trans is holding all the power you got now if you add a turbo it will hate you for shure.

 

When I installed the shift kit I replace 3 quarts of regular fluid with Lucas Tranny Fix and have had no problems what so ever other than slight shudder when the converter locks at mid throttle. Doesnt happen all the time and usually only if I am getting into it hard and then let out.

 

This sounds like twins to me...

I went ahead and did the tranny first, it killed me spending $4k on something that didn't make me go any faster, but I will never have to worry about fooling around and having my tranny crap out then spend $4k when I don't have it. Also I had no choice but to do my WHOLE tranny because I waited to long and my clutch packs and my planetary grooves were in the pan when it was dropped.