T- converter

[losh1971]

Hi is a 1397 stall converter an upgrade over stock?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...,transmission-automatic,torque+converter,8668

 

[losh1971]

Found a better one at TCE in Melb $490 inc freight for a 2000/2100 stall. Is this worth the cost while the trans is out or is it something I would be better to wait until the trans needs an overhaul? I just wouldn't want a slipping trans, if it did fail to ruin a newish TC is all.

 

[EYY]

The 3.8’s make great torque off idle and are relatively weak in the top end. It’s almost a backwards step for a daily driver if you ask me. Take advantage of the torque below 2200rpm. If anything, you’d be better off looking at diff gears.

Don’t bother with trans work for a relatively stock 6 - they have same internals as the v8 and last very well.

If you’re keen to play with the trans, buy a second hand one and have it looked over and shift kit fitted etc. but not worth the cost vs benefit imo if the existing trans is still functioning well and fluid is clean.

Did you get the engine noise sorted?

 

[losh1971]

I was just thinking it might have been worth it while the trans is out. I will just leave it. I am planning on having the Vette servo fitted while it is out by a trans tech, so that I know it is done right.
I was under the impression the trans' needed work as they were fairly poorly built. I did discuss getting SH one kitted and tidied up but the trans tech said he would want to rebuild the one I have, as he could run into issues with it not working properly, if it isn't exactly the same trans that I have fitted now. Mine is still going strong, I believe, and already has the bigger valve body, plus boost valve upgrade. I'm only doing servo as it will be 30mins labour now that the trans will be coming out in just over 1 week.

 

[losh1971]

If you’re keen to play with the trans, buy a second hand one and have it looked over and shift kit fitted etc. but not worth the cost vs benefit imo if the existing trans is still functioning well and fluid is clean.

Did you get the engine noise sorted?

Mech is confident the timing chain or something to do with the timing chain is the issue. Engine and trans is coming out and timing chain and gears are being replaced, along with the tensioner. I gave him the go ahead as I have a leaking sump and rear main. So since the sump is coming off to replace the chain I have decided to have the oil leaks fixed at the same time. Engine is sound with good compression as well as good hot and cold oil pressure. Parts are setting me back around $200 labour will be around 8-9 hours I suspect but he is going to look after me as he did with the engine mounts.

 

[EYY]

You'll mostly hear people bagging out the transmissions when they're running highly modified setups. Biggest issue is when people have ls1's cammed and tuned and expect a 20 year old 4l60e to cope. They don't like to rev over 6000rpm (this is the rpm limit as specified by GM) without internal mods and stock stall. Many tuners don't know what to do when tuning for 4l60e's either - trans specialists suggest its best to upgrade the trans itself and leave stock pressure tables alone and only change upshift/downshift speeds.

They do bloody well for what they are. Issue is even most transmission places aren't willing to spend the time to put them together properly. Google performabuilt transmissions for more info - I believe they're one of the best 4l60e trans building co's in the world and they've shared their info all over the internet.

 

[losh1971]

The bloke I normally use for a rebuild or minor work is great. All he does now is trans and diffs builds and trans servicing. Trouble is, because he is the best in Tas, he was booking out three months ahead. I called today and now he has too much work booked in that he is not accepting new jobs.... Now I have to find another trans tech that I can trust like I do with Harry.
Sounds like the bad wrap is not as bad as it's made out. My little V6 won't overload it. Sounds like maybe the main issues are fairly easily resolved anyway, like adding better boost valve, ream valve body and fit the Vette servo. These do seem the easiest and worthwhile upgrades. I'd consider a shift kit but if the trans needs to be out to fit it, I'd rather not worry as I have to be careful that I have enough to cover the current work. However if it is something that can be done next service then I am keen for it.

 

[losh1971]

If it's not a big job to fit a shift kit I could probably look at one. I just have no idea on what a kit is worth and how many hours I'd have to pay for it to be fitted. I did look online but the kits range from $60 - $360 and up to 4hrs work? But I don't know how accurate this is and what kit I would need?

 

[Utel67]

this shift kit is all you need.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TransGo...504369?hash=item4d928272b1:g:ouQAAOSwo61cwenL

Also fit a boost valve and Vette servo.

 

[losh1971]

If I can find a trans tech I will talk to him about fitting a kit. The boost valve and valve body upgrades are already done. Can this kit be fitted with the trans still in place or does it need to come out?