Time to upgrade the trans. Need some advice!

6.0bomber · Feb 11, 2013

Hey guys, mods are in sig and I'm thinking its time to beef up the tranny. Im concerned that I'm pushing too much power and the trans isn't going to last much longer. i guess my question is, is there any way that ill be able to put bigger injectors and a lift pump in and not have to put a $7000 stage 5 trans in my truck in addition to the mods already?
Thanks! :thumbup:

OBS F350 · Feb 11, 2013

What is making you concerned that it's on its way out? When it comes down to it are you pushing too much power for a stock trans? Yes and no, stock trans could blow behind a bone stock motor, or it can hold up to multiple low 12 second passes like Stonepusher on here has done (before his build). MOST people seem to have good luck with the 5r, even up to low-mid 500's on horsepower. At that point you are on borrowed time, but the same could be for just a tuned truck. Pretty much comes down to luck of the draw. And you don't need a trans built to the hill, I'm not sure what most guys do on the 5rs for mild builds, but I'm betting you could get away with a good torque converter and aftermarket clutches. Someone with more experience will chime in and give you a better build sheet then what I can from reading on here.

If it's any constellation my buddy has been running 190cc injectors on Eric's extreme race for over 20k miles on a stock trans, last 5k have been with a powermax also. No signs of getting weak yet, and he has a heavy foot.

Mdub707 · Feb 11, 2013

How much power are you making now? How much do you want to make? Most can get by with a set of conservatively sized injectors and run the stock trans. Tuning is key here.

Based off of the mods in your sig, I'd say a set of 155's would be no problem and a set of 175's would be ok too, as long as you're not beating on it all the time.

6.0bomber · Feb 11, 2013

I have yet to throw my truck back on the dyno this year. Last year on blown head gaskets and a boost leak i hit 400horse and 830ft tq. Since then, the heads have been rebuilt, new gaskets, no limit intake manifold elbow, blue spring, banjos, ARP's, a powermax and an EGR delete have been added, so I'm not sure what i should be pushing now. maybe 450-500? i do have a heavy foot, and in the last couple of months i feel like the trans is shifting much harder but NOT slipping yet. i feel like its a ticking time bomb before it goes. If I'm going to spend the money for injectors I'm planning on throwing 190's in with an AIR Dog II. And Ive convinced myself if i do that, my trans may be seeing the end.

Thanks OBS for the advice and confidence booster in the trans, i am hoping i will get some more life out of the 5r.

And Mdub, man i feel like i owe you a paycheck, your on every forum giving me ideas! Hoping ill have a better understanding as more people post their opinions

Ross@Flyindiesel · Feb 11, 2013

nah your no where near 450-500 yet. all the stuff you did is basic stuff that doesnt add anything just helps in reliabilty aspect. your maybe 420 430 but then again this is just from what i have seen. try a different tune and see if it helps the trans. when these trannies go 9 times outta 10 they slip and wont hold gear. normally if it hits the gear good and solid then thats a good thing! again you dont want super hard but you definatly dont want soft either.

6.0bomber · Feb 12, 2013

Thank you, thats good to know! I figured for sure i should be up in the 450-500 region, but ill guess well have to see what the dyno sais!

Mdub707 · Feb 12, 2013

With the powermax and stock sticks, MAYBE putting down 450.

Honestly, your driving habits will likely determine if you need a trans or not. Some guys can make them last with 190's and good tuning. Do you plan to upgrade beyond the powermax at all? If not, I would suggest sticking with a 175/50 or 175/75 or something like that, otherwise the tuner is just going to be pulling fuel from your tunes anyways. I think with a p-max and some 175's you should be good on the stock trans. Worst case, if it breaks, just pick up another stocker cheap from the forums and run it. Way more cost effective than buying a built trans. Or wait for a good used one to come up maybe?

Would you like my address to send that paycheck to? LOL It's all good man, I enjoy helping out when it's not over my head.

6.0bomber · Feb 12, 2013

Eventually when i have the money i was thinking of going to a MTW stage 2 or 3 turbo, but that would be after i get my trans situated to hold that power. and the help is very much appreciated!

OBSWIZ · Feb 14, 2013

If interested I can get you into a BTS...this month.

PM me your zip and I'll get you a quote...

That's goes for anyone else needing a BTS quick.

Cary

lincolnlocker · Feb 14, 2013

OBSWIZ said:
If interested I can get you into a BTS...this month.

PM me your zip and I'll get you a quote...

That's goes for anyone else needing a BTS quick.

Cary

bts builds 5r's?

live life full throttle