Ok, you've all been hearing about the issues Ive had with the converter drifting issues and eventual slipping and inability to lock. This is a BTS that has was built in 2006 and has about 60K miles on it. Like me, the PO had driven it pretty mellow but made a few laps on the track, some 500hp dyno pulls and towed a little with it.
The trans is at my local racer buddy's shop, Canby Trans, and they've been down the road and back with 4R100s. They're very familiar with the tricks and can make them live for higher power and heavy tow applications. I have local support and they will pull it back out if its not right.
Disclaimer; Im not a trans expert. If I say something below that doesn't make sense, its likely due to my misunderstanding.
Converter
-The PI converter was identified as a '2.5 disk' clutch with a Dodge RE stator.
-They aren't sure why it didn't use the stronger (in their opinion) Ford stator
-Clutches have noted wear and one clutch disk was down to almost metal
-The converter was in very good condition otherwise and will be rebuilt with same parts. Recommended to put it back in.
Trans
-Pump looked pretty decent, nothing worn, warped or broken
-Pump had a Tugger kit
-the pump springs were observed very light, concern over ability to support adequate line pressure (my interpretation from the conversation), they plan to compare to a stock pump since some of the parts selections were unusual. May explain some of the TCC drifting issues.
-Billet parts: none, late model machined steel planets (those are often referred to as 'factory billet' planets)
- OD clutch pack had extra plate
- Reverse pack had extra plate
- 3rd clutch pack, standard configuration -- condition: burnt
- 2nd clutch pack, had extra plate? -- condition: very glazed
- 1st clutch pack, typical mods, condition; good
- Uses a 2 shim spacer in the 2-4 clutch support (not typical)
- All of the hardparts were in very good condition
- Plan: clean , replace the clutch packs, center bearing
Overall, there is nothing real special here with this BTS trans. It has much of the typical strength mods to be expected for a good running, heavier towing capacity trans.
Moving forward, the concern is that the line pressure has been on the low side and may be an issue with clutch apply not keeping up with more aggressive power or towing levels. It was never an aggressive shifter (but not limp either that I recall). We are going to put the line gauges back on it again after its finished and its making me think closely about having trans tuning re-looked at.
Who does real good trans tunes? May need to look at some collaboration.
My goal is not to bash the BTS, but it has only lasted 60K miles so its not performed up to my expectations as being a bulletproof trans. For the $4200 the PO put into it, its disappointing that Im putting money in it now also.
If any trans guys want to chime in, that's great, as I wanted to have a good discussion here about these transmissions.
oke:
