1cdub

iTrader: (5)

Looking to make the th400 a little faster/lighter/less parasitic. Anyone have any direct experience with the lighter drums for the th400? I've been contemplating it for the last year or so and its time for a refresh.

Coan has a special on the aluminum direct drum and aluminum forward drum right now. Anyone here have some input or real world experience with either?

Streetability is a MUST.

slow67

iTrader: (2)

For the lightest possible th400, call Kilgore.

jakeshoe

iTrader: (14)

I'm a dealer for the Kilgore Superlight 400 module. We can build a Superlight 400.

bad6as

iTrader: (17)

how much do you think you will save? iirc mine was 147lbs

Jake's Performance

iTrader: (2)

It reduces the weight by about 30 lbs.

Vince B

iTrader: (1)

As mentioned above billet aluminum drums are the way to help with what you are trying to accomplish. I have built units using these components. When you hold a factory piece in one hand and a billet aluminum one in the other hand it is a night and day difference. Some other things to beef up that trans is to get a case strut to reinforce the intermediate snap ring, oversize intermediate piston, and also a billet pressure plate for the intermediate clutches. Best of luck with your build. Vince

Jake's Performance

iTrader: (2)

The superlight module doesn't use aluminum drums.
It uses a TH180 drum to replace both the forward and direct drums.
It eliminates the direct drum turning backwards in first, and all the front section is similar to the 4L60 in that it turns as one assy in one direction.
It is lighter and more efficient than even the aluminum drums.

built408

iTrader: (10)

Kilgores stuff is real nice, but comes at a hefty price. But I'm not sure how well they hold up to some power, the module is just a stamped steel piece. Have you seen them behind anything making decent power? Say 800+.

Jake's Performance

iTrader: (2)

Everybody assumes the stamped steel drums are weak but they are being used in 200-4rs, 4R70s and other units at 800+.
Steel doesn't fatigue like aluminum does either.
I've never seen the sheetmetal drums come apart.

Kilgore conservatively rates it at 650 hp/tq.

Vince B

iTrader: (1)

Personally IMO I do not like stamped steel drums. I have personally broke two in my mustang with an AOD. In all my years of building I have seem them break in many different applications. I guess maybe you have been lucky Jake.

1cdub

iTrader: (5)

What kind of gains are typical swapping to the aluminum drums? Is a tenth of a second realistic? What about the seals wearing the aluminum with several thousand street miles?

Vince B

iTrader: (1)

That's kind of an open ended question but a good one. Reason I say this is the gains in a car that make maybe 600hp might be more than a car that makes 1500hp. I think a tenth might be possible if the hp gain was substantial. That would be a good test if this is the route you choose to go. Please let us know as I personally do not have any hard facts. IMO it is more of a safety thing. I do have a friend that builds many units with these type of parts. Next time we talk I will have to ask this question. Thanks Vince

JAC

Its Junk and no faster.Broke them several times.....biggest waste of money ever

I ran back to back tests with two different first gear ratios......ran the same.....even with the static weight out of the car.....still ran the same.

Caused me more grief than you can imagine.

My new trans guy showed me what was wrong and why they broke.never again.would not give me my money back...just kept sending more that broke......another scam

Gray86hatch

iTrader: (83)

Call Rossler. Very honest guy.