White.Lightning

iTrader: (53)

Hey all, pondering going with a forward manual th400. I was wondering how this would be for a daily driver-constantly shifting the A3? I drive some (35%) highway, the rest is city driving. Setup is 346c.i. D1sc 8psi, 3.42 gear.

Let me know your experiences, pros, cons, etc of doing this A3 swap.
Also, is the reverse manual any better?

Thanks
Andy

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

If you don't need a transbrake, get an automatic valve body T400, it's what GM put in cars for 20 years... Like my 68 Chevelle SS. It will shift itself.

White.Lightning

iTrader: (53)

Hmmmm interesting. Will an automatic valve body TH400 hold up to a D1sc at 12,14,16psi? That's what boost I plan on running in the future when the motor is built. I don't think I need a trans brake since it will be more street than strip. I cna always foot brake the car.

I wonder if ATI makes a auto valve body TH400....I should check.

Thanks John!
Andy

8a8mfh

iTrader: (3)

You're right this is interesting, the valve body has little to do with transmission strength, which seems to be your main concern.

Valve body selection is mostly a preference on how you want to shift it, you should be more concerned with internal upgrades if you're worried about it holding power.

White.Lightning

iTrader: (53)

I spoke with ATI. They said their Street/Strip automatic valve body TH400 would be good for 600hp roughly. He said once I up the boost, it prolly won't hold. I guess their are only two things to do at this point....

1. Build the T56 with GForce internals to hold 1000hp or more and be practically bullet proof

or 2. Buy a manual valve body TH400 from ATI and be bullet proof

I hate making decisions....haha

Andy

8a8mfh

iTrader: (3)

My point is pay more attention to internal upgrades and less to which valve body.
This is pointless I don't think you get the idea.

Honda Hunter

iTrader: (8)

So youre saying with the manual valve body it would hold more than the 600hp they rate it at? I dont get it.

White.Lightning

iTrader: (53)

Their manual valve body trans is built differently, i am assuming with stronger internal components and is made more for competition applications. The manual valve body has harder/crisper shifts. Their automatic valve body street/strip trans is good for 600 or so h.p.. I would call them up and get a better explanation.

I see what "8a8mfh" is saying how the valve body shouldnt make a difference. Internals are internals, whether they be weaker or stronger, and the valve body actuates it all.

Andy

cablebandit

iTrader: (37)

i have a th-400 i just took out....it has a manual-matic forward vb. In drive its automatic...pull it down into 1st and it holds it until you shift....tranny builder said it would hold 1000hp...I KNOW it will hold 750 For sale for 500bux...Precision Converter for 400 both 4 months old

White.Lightning

iTrader: (53)

Why the sale?

Andy

cablebandit

iTrader: (37)

i had it built to tide me over until rock on got my 4l80e built

MountainMotor

iTrader: (2)

Cable, if I only had 900 bucks right now. Damn I hate being broke!

SILVERZZ28

iTrader: (3)

check pm

Loadre

iTrader: (5)

I'd like some more input from people daily driving manual VBs too. Getting ready to buy a TH400.

Zombie

iTrader: (2)

I just got my RMVB th400 car back on the road. I like driving it a lot. I'm going from 3.5 gears to 2.75s though so it will become an even more fun car to drive soon. Shifting is no problem at all and is quite smooth. I'm using a B&M hammer shifter and love it so far. My car use to be 6spd and I don't miss it one tiny bit. Car is way more fun with this transmission.

SUX2BU

iTrader: (14)

i DAILY DRIVE A rmvb TH350 AND LOVE IT. Shifting it yourself is the only way to go. 90+ miles a day. I would suggest a taller tire if you are going to do alot of driving. thats or a smaller gear to keep the RPM's down on the highway. i drive on 31" tires and 4.10's.

revtime

iTrader: (1)

I have a Rossler RMVB TH400 as well and while I do not Daily drive it I feel confident it would be no big deal.
It came with a 4000 stall Coan nitrous converter and I have had it in the car about a month now and I can honestly say its the best thing I ever did to the car..........RMVB and a big stall
I can only go 60 on the hiway with the 3.73s but I would give up OD again in a heartbeat after driving the car with this transmission.
Too much fun.