ALZ28

http://www.transmissioncenter.com/PA...sions_PATC.htm

Is anyone using this trans?
Any feedback on reliability, track time improvements etc please.

I know it's a bit expensive, but switching to 4l80 and all that it involves seems a long way round to solving my problems

GMCSIERRA5.3

never dealt with them but why not run a unit from our sponsers? witch ever sponser you choose will take care of you..also theres a ton of reviews on here from FLT..RPM and performabuilt..

mrvedit

There are many ripoff reviews about PATC on the net. Here are a few:

http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/PATC-P...from-Ho-936397

http://www.thirdgen.org/forums/trans...uck-patcs.html

http://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/...smissions.html

More complaints are not hard to find. Personally I would avoid them.

FinishLine Transmissions (FLT), RPM and Performabuilt are not only sponsors, but have excellent reputations.

SPRAYED 01

iTrader: (22)

Go with FLT, I have had their level 7 4l60 with a tbrake for 4-5 years now. About 12k miles, 50 track passes in the low 10s and high 9s and a million mexico runs on the highway. Still perfect.

Atlas400

iTrader: (1)

Heres a review of the lvl 5 from another site. http://www.rgvtruckperformance.net/r...gear-for-4l60e
Not sure of other companies doing the 6 pinion planetary, I think FLT does both the Smart tech and 6 pinion but RPM does the smart tech drum only. Didn't see either on the performabuilt site. They might have that in there "black edition" trans but it says to call for info.


As far as bad reviews, everyone has them, google shows that. Just more people generally use these companies and most have a good experience.

mrvedit

The "6 pinion" planetary gives closer ratios for 1st and 2nd gear; I have the one that PATC used to sell; there were other sources for them. That unit has since been replaced by the Sonnax (rebuildable) close-ratio planetary. IIRC it costs about $600 and any of the sponsors can add it for that price. While I like the closer ratio gears, I saw no improvement at the track, but that will depend upon your engine, rear ratio, traction and other issues.
Based on posted and verbal feedback, PATC greatly over-promises and under-delivers.
Stick with the sponsors.

ALZ28

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Thought it seemed to good to be true!
I will look into the sponsors on here.
Due to shipping costs to UK and already having 2 perfectly good trans cases I would prefer to buy it in a kit form. Emailed PATC, no reply.

mrvedit

None of the sponsors sell "kits". Their "magic sauce" is their skill, care and adjustments during the assembly process.
If you really want a kit, contact ebay seller TruTechTrans.
These are very finicky transmissions to rebuild, especially for performance use.

ALZ28

Update:
Looked at sponsors products, so far Performabuilt "black" looking favourite mainly due to not needing to return core and free shipping plus warranty. Will depend on final price.
They are all mega expensive.
Also looking at FTI converter SRLS 3800, any feedback on either of these products any body?

SnIpEz

iTrader: (4)

A 4L80E is not only a cheaper transmission to build, but cheaper. If you're willing to spend some cash like you have indicated, you are completely wasting your time with the 4L60E.

mrvedit

Right. A moderately built 4L80E for maybe $3000 will easily outlast a $5000 4L65E.
These very expensive 4L65E are best for e.g. a C5 or other vehicle that is specifically built for that trans and/or is very tight on space. Lots of members here have swapped a 4L80E into their Gen 4 Camaros. Not trivial, but relatively few mods are needed to make the space.