Trans brake or not?
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,303
Likes: 4
From: Delray Beach, Fl.
Trans brake or not? Here's my dilema...
A 4L60E IMO is only gonna last for 125 runs and then its gonna need clutches.This isnt too bad but IMO if u actually drive your car too I believe its gonna shorten that number alittle bit more?
So I've been thinking of going THD400 or THD350 but I'm worried about losing ET with a 3 speed.If I lose a few MPH who cares,I want a trans that I dont have to take out every yr to freshen up.
Now I would think the 350 would be the better of the 2 and I would need the better sprag,rebuild kit and the lower 2.75 first gear to offest losing my 3.06 first but do u think a trans brake is really worth any ET?I was wondering if I could get away with just a reverse manual pattern and foot brake my car?
I do have a 400 core just sitting in my shop so I could do that one instead but I believe they hurt u even more with HP loss?
Converter choice would be the next issues and I would probably run a ATI/COAN?What kind of stall would u run with a TQ peak of 4600/4700?I was doing some math and it looks like a 4300 would be just about right for my setup but I would wanna shoot the car with alittle N20 from time to time so I might go more like 3800 or 4000 stall?
Any thoughts on this George,Pain,Terry,Col,Trev?
Do u think I'll lose ET running a 3sp and should I run a brake or not?
JS
<small>[ February 28, 2003, 06:57 PM: Message edited by: JS ]</small>
A 4L60E IMO is only gonna last for 125 runs and then its gonna need clutches.This isnt too bad but IMO if u actually drive your car too I believe its gonna shorten that number alittle bit more?
So I've been thinking of going THD400 or THD350 but I'm worried about losing ET with a 3 speed.If I lose a few MPH who cares,I want a trans that I dont have to take out every yr to freshen up.
Now I would think the 350 would be the better of the 2 and I would need the better sprag,rebuild kit and the lower 2.75 first gear to offest losing my 3.06 first but do u think a trans brake is really worth any ET?I was wondering if I could get away with just a reverse manual pattern and foot brake my car?
I do have a 400 core just sitting in my shop so I could do that one instead but I believe they hurt u even more with HP loss?
Converter choice would be the next issues and I would probably run a ATI/COAN?What kind of stall would u run with a TQ peak of 4600/4700?I was doing some math and it looks like a 4300 would be just about right for my setup but I would wanna shoot the car with alittle N20 from time to time so I might go more like 3800 or 4000 stall?
Any thoughts on this George,Pain,Terry,Col,Trev?
Do u think I'll lose ET running a 3sp and should I run a brake or not?
JS
<small>[ February 28, 2003, 06:57 PM: Message edited by: JS ]</small>
TECH Junkie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,987
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From: Melbourne, FL
Re: Trans brake or not? Here are some opinions from someone who's had a few different tranny combos in his car. <img border="0" alt="[angel]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_angel.gif" />
You won't lose ET going to the 3-speed.
Go with a TH400 the first time. Even beefing up a TH350 won't get you the strength and longevity of a TH400.
Don't do a transbrake if you don't think you'll ever use it. The clutch clearances are set up differenty for a t-brake application, and it isn't quite as street driving friendly.
There is only a very negligble ET difference between the TH350 and TH400. Do a TH400. Besides, if you decide to go with a brake, you don't want to go through the hassle of trying to make a TH350 transbrake work. They are inconsistent and unreliable.
JMHO, but I do have a lot of experience to back up my opinions. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
You won't lose ET going to the 3-speed.
Go with a TH400 the first time. Even beefing up a TH350 won't get you the strength and longevity of a TH400.
Don't do a transbrake if you don't think you'll ever use it. The clutch clearances are set up differenty for a t-brake application, and it isn't quite as street driving friendly.
There is only a very negligble ET difference between the TH350 and TH400. Do a TH400. Besides, if you decide to go with a brake, you don't want to go through the hassle of trying to make a TH350 transbrake work. They are inconsistent and unreliable.
JMHO, but I do have a lot of experience to back up my opinions. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,341
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Re: Trans brake or not? Go with TH400 and brake for sure Joel.
You'll want the ET gain from launching off the brake. Also do NOT get the 2.75 first. Weakens the tranny and there gear spacing (drop from 1st to 2nd isnt as good)
I did a lot of research the past two months and if/when I go TH400 it will be with a brake all good clutch, alum drum and 2.48 first.
That with a 4.30 gear and 4400 converter will be tough to beat. If you want OD get a GOV unit and custom DS.
Cheers,
Chris
<small>[ February 28, 2003, 08:00 PM: Message edited by: Chris ARE 360 ]</small>
You'll want the ET gain from launching off the brake. Also do NOT get the 2.75 first. Weakens the tranny and there gear spacing (drop from 1st to 2nd isnt as good)
I did a lot of research the past two months and if/when I go TH400 it will be with a brake all good clutch, alum drum and 2.48 first.
That with a 4.30 gear and 4400 converter will be tough to beat. If you want OD get a GOV unit and custom DS.
Cheers,
Chris
<small>[ February 28, 2003, 08:00 PM: Message edited by: Chris ARE 360 ]</small>
Re: Trans brake or not? It's all in what you want. I wanted something that was just like my 4L60E only with 3 gears (and stronger). I went with a Yank lockup TH350, TP4500, 2.75 1st gear, auto valve body. So far I'm happy with the tranny choice, not so happy with the workmanship. I don't think you need a brake and the TH350 is lighter than the TH400. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,303
Likes: 4
From: Delray Beach, Fl.
Re: Trans brake or not? Does the alum. drum hurt streetability/longevity?
I thought parts like that were more geared towards the track only and not meant to be HEAT abused by street driving?
Who likes the 2.75 first gear?I find it hard to believe that going from a 2.75 to a 1.48 would hurt you?The 4l60e runs a 3.06 to a 1.62?
I want to hear from the guys that run a trans brake,what does your car run ET WISE going from foot braking opposed to t-braking...
JS
<small>[ March 01, 2003, 10:22 AM: Message edited by: JS ]</small>
I thought parts like that were more geared towards the track only and not meant to be HEAT abused by street driving?
Who likes the 2.75 first gear?I find it hard to believe that going from a 2.75 to a 1.48 would hurt you?The 4l60e runs a 3.06 to a 1.62?
I want to hear from the guys that run a trans brake,what does your car run ET WISE going from foot braking opposed to t-braking...
JS
<small>[ March 01, 2003, 10:22 AM: Message edited by: JS ]</small>
Re: Trans brake or not? i only have one foot brake pass on my th400 combo and about 8 T-brake passes, but the foot brake pass was a high 1.6, and all the T-brake passes were high 1.4s/low 1.5s
<small>[ March 01, 2003, 11:58 AM: Message edited by: chevyguy3 ]</small>
<small>[ March 01, 2003, 11:58 AM: Message edited by: chevyguy3 ]</small>
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Re: Trans brake or not? JS the brake is not going to be worth any ET! It's just something that bracket racers do for consistancy. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> I thought you were going back to full street anyway? Just rebuild the 4L60E when it goes it, its much easier!
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Verdad Gallardo Re: Trans brake or not? its probably just something in the way my suspension is setup right now, but it actually hooks much better with the shock from the t-brake. when i footbrake it or flash it i spin, when i use the t-brake it hooks even though i launch at 4200
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,303
Likes: 4
From: Delray Beach, Fl.
Re: Trans brake or not? Thats what I was told too.
The T-brake will plant the tires even better.
I have the trans sitting here along with a shifter,dipstick.
I still need a speed sensor from a GM P/U but that can wait and I'll need a verter too...
I'm gonna run the 4A til it craps out and then I'm gonna go 3sp for good.Terry do u like the 2.75 first?George what about you,Running a 2.75 first or not?
JS
The T-brake will plant the tires even better.
I have the trans sitting here along with a shifter,dipstick.
I still need a speed sensor from a GM P/U but that can wait and I'll need a verter too...
I'm gonna run the 4A til it craps out and then I'm gonna go 3sp for good.Terry do u like the 2.75 first?George what about you,Running a 2.75 first or not?
JS
TECH Junkie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,987
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From: Melbourne, FL
Re: Trans brake or not? 2.48 1st gear in mine...
The transbrake is only worth ~.03 seconds in the 60' vs footbraking my car. I have the 2 step set at ~3400rpm for transbrake launches. Any more RPM and it either blows the tires off or stands on the reat bumper.
The transbrake is only worth ~.03 seconds in the 60' vs footbraking my car. I have the 2 step set at ~3400rpm for transbrake launches. Any more RPM and it either blows the tires off or stands on the reat bumper.
Re: Trans brake or not? When I did my TH400 I decided to hold off on the t-brake because I didn't have adequate traction.
Some time later I got it worked out and now plan to install one. I probabley should have done it all at the same time in order to save money and hassle.
Some time later I got it worked out and now plan to install one. I probabley should have done it all at the same time in order to save money and hassle.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Chi-Town
Re: Trans brake or not? </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by JS:
<strong> Thats a big improvement...
Looks like a Trans Brake is worth it...
JS </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">IF...you can hook it
<strong> Thats a big improvement...
Looks like a Trans Brake is worth it...
JS </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">IF...you can hook it
Tire Smoking Tranny Blowing Director
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From: Barto PA
Re: Trans brake or not? I got a th400 with a 2.75 1st and transbrake. I like it. The shifts are really hard and quick. I kindof like shifting my car now. On the highway it revs 60-64mph at 3000rpms with 3.42 gears on it and stock 16in tires. Might want to take that into account to if its alot of highway driving.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 358
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From: Alta Loma, CA
Re: Trans brake or not? </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by SILVER BULLET:
<strong> When I did my TH400 I decided to hold off on the t-brake because I didn't have adequate traction.
Some time later I got it worked out and now plan to install one. I probabley should have done it all at the same time in order to save money and hassle. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I think the car needs to make it to the track before you worry about a trans brake. Have you made any passes? I have never seen a post with your times or even dyno numbers.
<strong> When I did my TH400 I decided to hold off on the t-brake because I didn't have adequate traction.
Some time later I got it worked out and now plan to install one. I probabley should have done it all at the same time in order to save money and hassle. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I think the car needs to make it to the track before you worry about a trans brake. Have you made any passes? I have never seen a post with your times or even dyno numbers.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 9,246
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From: Troy, AL
Re: Trans brake or not? I would go with a TH350 (all the good stuff of course), a 2.75 1st and no brake.
Why?
1. The 350 is PLENTY strong if done right. I never managed to burn a clutch in mine. I had one hard part break once but TCI said that part (heck, I forget the name of the part now) failing was a complete fluke and offered to make good on it. I never had another problem.
2. It's lighter than a TH400.
3. It's more efficient than a TH400
4. In my experience, a transbrake ain't worth jack diddly for ET if you have the right gearing and converter. If I had it to do again I wouldn't have gotten one. I bet my 60 fts averaged better when I DIDN'T use it.
5. As you've already noted, with a 2.75 gear you will have LESS drop than with a 4L60-E...which itself isn't so bad with a good converter.
If built right, it'll be plenty reliable and a better performer than a TH400.
<small>[ March 10, 2003, 12:57 AM: Message edited by: Colonel ]</small>
Why?
1. The 350 is PLENTY strong if done right. I never managed to burn a clutch in mine. I had one hard part break once but TCI said that part (heck, I forget the name of the part now) failing was a complete fluke and offered to make good on it. I never had another problem.
2. It's lighter than a TH400.
3. It's more efficient than a TH400
4. In my experience, a transbrake ain't worth jack diddly for ET if you have the right gearing and converter. If I had it to do again I wouldn't have gotten one. I bet my 60 fts averaged better when I DIDN'T use it.
5. As you've already noted, with a 2.75 gear you will have LESS drop than with a 4L60-E...which itself isn't so bad with a good converter.
If built right, it'll be plenty reliable and a better performer than a TH400.
<small>[ March 10, 2003, 12:57 AM: Message edited by: Colonel ]</small>
3000, 450, brake, et, hp, improvement, improvment, lower, pa, stall, time, trans, transbrake, transbrakes, worth, wortth
