mrvedit

The FTI is an excellent converter. Nice that the dealer will swap a non-GM converter for you.

Tig

I am sorry, I should have been more clear.
I had the dealer diagnose the situation. It is going back to the shop who did the work so I wont have to pay anymore out of pocket.
They will also diagnose it as well, hopefully they will get the same results as the dealer. I didn't get a good feeling calling and telling them this.

The dealer wanted $3300 for a new converter/valve body and spacer plate.

mrvedit

That makes $700 for a hammer look reasonable.
Or just f...ing outrageous.

Tig

I'd buy the hammer to beat the rep with, haha. He was a nice guy but, aint no way I'd spend that much on OE reman parts. I contacted GMPartsdirect and got a quote for the same parts for less than the price of that hammer
I just have to sit back and wait, the original shop is getting it towed Monday. Once they diagnose the situation, they will contact me and we will go forward.

Tig

Long story short, they didn't do anything.
They don't seem to think they did anything wrong.
I went to the dealer to get it re-flashed back to the stock tune.
I have a question = How can you get it re-flashed when it was never tuned?

I called FTI and spoke with Justin, great guy, willing to do anything. He seems to suspect that the DOD is the cause of all this.
The only thing is, this never happened before I got the work done.
Why would it start now?

I also found another transmission mechanic who is willing to work with me to figure it out before throwing more money at it.

Hopefully something will come out of this, its pretty f**king aggravating driving around at 35/45mph and having to listen to the chatter, its so damn loud.

mrvedit

The dealer put in a stock tune to ensure they knew what the tune was.
Sorry, what is "DOD"?

I would start by putting a pressure gauge on the trans to ensure the line pressure at easy throttle and low rpm is high enough to fully apply the TCC.
Next is a tough choice - replace the TCC PWM valve in the valve body or try a different converter. If the line pressure is OK and your trans is only 6 years old, I suspect it is the converter.
Hopefully your new trans mechanic will be able to figure it out.

Tig

The dealer was going to re-flash it back to the stock tune because the original shop had told me and I paid for a tune. They did not tune it, yet I paid for it.

DOD = displacement on demand = shuts down 4 cylinders when at cruising speeds

I will bring this up to him when we talk.
Thanks for the info.
I'm hoping he can figure it out.

bbond105

This may help you determine if it is the converter or not. Go for a drive at the speed where the shuttering takes place. Once it starts shuttering depress the brake pedal just enough to turn on the brake lights but not apply the brakes. If the shuttering stops with the brake pedal depressed then it has something to do with your converter.

Tig

bb,
I tried that but, from my understanding it's equipped with what's called pulse width modulation or something like that. Just more electronics involved. Which in turn does not react like the older model trans.

If someone could please clarify this that would be great.

Tig

I just have a few questions, hopefully someone can chime in with some info.

Does it makes sense that it could be the converter because it only happens when it locks up?

When its warm out, the shudder does not feel as bad as it is when its cold. Why would that be?

Before I had the work done, it had a very slight shudder at around 43mph and the same thing would happen but it was very slight. Why would there be a change in lock up time with addition a new converter?

I could go on and on, sorry. Trying to figure this out has been a f*ckin nightmare. Especially being in a new state not knowing anyone and getting screwed by the first shop to do work for me.
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks

Roarin_8

iTrader: (5)

What state are you in? Earth really isn't specific enough

Tig

Haha, yeah earth gives you a general idea.
I'm located in central NC

Roarin_8

iTrader: (5)

I'm sure you can find some help in the North Carolina area. I have HP tuners (will be taking the class next month) and will be getting into the tuning business. I will also travel to other states to help out with tuning needs as well.

Tig

Well, I called RPM Motorsports just now.
Told him my situation and made an appointment for 04-01.
I will just sit patiently and wait for that day.

How's HP Tuners? I know nothing about tuning. Is there any kind of literature on it?

Roarin_8

iTrader: (5)

I find HP tuners to be great. I used the scan part of the program last week and saved what my current tune is. It has to get adjusted because of the 243 heads that were put on. As far as literature, hptuners.com they also have a forum on it. Tuning seems to be quite involving which is why I'm going to take the class on it.

Tig

I'll have to check that site/forum out.
If I knew more I would've saved myself a lot of aggravation.
Is there class info on the site?

Roarin_8

iTrader: (5)

Class info is at the tuning school: www.thetuningschool.com

Tig

Hey, thanks for the info, I appreciate it.
I'll go through both this weekend.

Thanks again

Roarin_8

iTrader: (5)

No prob

Tig

Had my appointment today, great guys there. Very cool and very informative, not like the original shop I went to. RPM gets 2 thumbs up.
They dyno and road tuned my Tahoe, it drives like a new truck. I'm going to have to get used to it after it driving like crap for so long.

Unfortunately it still has the vibration. He recommended I replace the u-joint and check the trans mount. I'll try to tackle that this weekend and see what happens.

If anyone is in the Raleigh area and need some GM LS based parts or services. Check out RPM Motorsports in Garner NC, they are close to 42 and 40.