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Technical Information => Drivetrain => Topic started by: MXJS on April 28, 2012, 01:40:50 PM

Title: I've been burned on two transmissions in a row! Need advice.
Post by: MXJS on April 28, 2012, 01:40:50 PM

Went to the track last night only to find out that my brand new built powerglide isn't holding.  This is especially frustrating considering this is my second transmission in the past year (different builders, both local).  I have an FTI converter, but I think it is still holding good.  I calculated about 5.5% slip through the traps.  Basically when I build boost, the RPM fluctuates up and down, then when I go to shift it hits the rev limiter before engaging second gear.  Here's the data log of what was going on, the white indicator line is where I shifted to second gear.

(http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz52/justinshafer1/slip.jpg)

So now I'm wondering what to do. 
Question 1: Do I order a transmission from a well respected transmission shop like FTI or Rossler and eat the $1000 I've already invested into this one? Rossler has this for $1100 http://www.rosslertrans.com/terminator_1.htm (http://www.rosslertrans.com/terminator_1.htm)
Question 2:  Should I go with a 3 speed to help the launch because I plan on doing a Ford 8.8 with 3.27 or 3.55 gears at the same time.

Title: Re: I've been burned on two transmissions in a row! Need advice.
Post by: cool on April 28, 2012, 04:28:36 PM

I'd be taking it back to the builder.

Title: Re: I've been burned on two transmissions in a row! Need advice.
Post by: MXJS on April 28, 2012, 04:48:57 PM

I had some local "car guys" build it so I doubt there is any kind of warranty.  Even if they do fix it, i'm not sure I want to put it back into my car.  I'm getting so frustrated with this situation that I just want to sell my damn car  >:(

Title: Re: I've been burned on two transmissions in a row! Need advice.
Post by: zbrown on April 28, 2012, 04:58:33 PM

trust me you do not need the 3 speed to help with launching.
 
 
 
the glide should tame it down and make it easier to hold traction, it certainly did for me
 
you shouldnt need anything special to get the glide to hold together for you

Title: Re: I've been burned on two transmissions in a row! Need advice.
Post by: wayne on April 29, 2012, 06:58:15 AM

If your close to springfield ohio. I have a super trans guy i can hook you up with.
Did you put anything in these glides? (race parts) Or did they just do the clean/rebuild? which is clean and new gaskets. I willing to say they probably used the old clutches thinking they still looked good. Its always a smart thing to add the extra clutches in high hp racing apps. What did they charge you?

Title: Re: I've been burned on two transmissions in a row! Need advice.
Post by: MXJS on April 29, 2012, 03:03:12 PM

I'm in Utah.  It was a race trans with a trans brake.  I bought the original glide used for $500 and it was $500 in parts to rebuild it reusing only the trans brake and pump. I got to see the old parts so i know they didn't reuse the clutches.

Also, the original trans held but the clutches were dragging so it made a grinding noise and burned everything up.

Title: Re: I've been burned on two transmissions in a row! Need advice.
Post by: AndreS on April 30, 2012, 04:09:01 AM

I don't know much about who my niece's in-laws use for trans work down in UT, but they drag race too... I just don't keep in touch with them much at all...

better options: My brother used to know a guy down in Las Vegas, NV that knows glides well (ran a place I think was called 'the chevy shop' they built tons of stuff for drag cars back in the day).... I don't know if he's in the biz anymore.  If LV is an option, I'll see if I can hook up contact info. If not there, he probably knows a place up in Boise, ID that will build it right as well...

Quote from: MXJS on April 29, 2012, 03:03:12 PM

I'm in Utah.
Also, the original trans held but the clutches were dragging so it made a grinding noise and burned everything up.

my 4l60E had the 3-4 clutch pack set up too tight and had an warped pressure ring  which cause no oil to get through the plates, and it burned up in 1200 miles... just outside of the perfomabuilt 1 year warranty. >:( I took it to a local trans guru and all is well now. :drive:

Title: Re: I've been burned on two transmissions in a row! Need advice.
Post by: MXJS on April 30, 2012, 10:17:30 AM

Is there anyway the converter could be the issue?  I'm inclined to say no because of the RPM spike during the shift and also I calculated just over 5% slip through the traps.  But i'd like a second opinion before I call the trans builder.

Title: Re: I've been burned on two transmissions in a row! Need advice.
Post by: cyipher on April 30, 2012, 10:52:15 AM

Am i missing something or is your mph not there?

Title: Re: I've been burned on two transmissions in a row! Need advice.
Post by: zbrown on April 30, 2012, 11:43:35 AM

the flash on the shift is a typical PG thing, though mine doesnt do it

seems like the transmission since it is so goofy in low and then nice in high

PM "hutch" on yellowbullet with that log snap shot, he is a good guy

Title: Re: I've been burned on two transmissions in a row! Need advice.
Post by: MXJS on April 30, 2012, 02:40:49 PM

Quote from: zbrown on April 30, 2012, 11:43:35 AM

the flash on the shift is a typical PG thing, though mine doesnt do it

seems like the transmission since it is so goofy in low and then nice in high

PM "hutch" on yellowbullet with that log snap shot, he is a good guy

Cool, thanks for all the help zbrown.

Quote from: cyipher on April 30, 2012, 10:52:15 AM

Am i missing something or is your mph not there?

My powerglide doesn't have a VSS.