GM Transmission Adapter

The other thing that is never listed is the the GVW it is designed for as well. Like the t-56 handles 550ft/lbs with a 3460lb GVW. Is the TCI designed for 850ft/lbs with a 3000lb GVW or 6000lb. That makes a big difference....
 
Weight is a big factor. The 6 speed autos are OK and thus far have proven to be suffice but they really haven't been tested long enough under big weight and moderate to high hp. For peace of mind, I would run with what is known to work. TH400 and the 4L80E transmissions are the only options I would consider. TH400 for more of a track truck and the 4L80E (which is basically a TH400) for a street/strip truck. I had my 4L80E custom built by Carl Rossler (do Google searches, top quality). Total was something like $6,### but WELL worth it. The OD is nice on the street. The Batram is not far from being completed, I will update my thread when it is. Videos in action are on here and You Tube - kicks arse.

As for the adapter. There really are only 2 options. Donato and Racing Solutions. Donato's gear (well, the gear he modifies) is good stuff but when he makes an error isn't one to rectify it quickly (Scrambler also knows what I'm talking about). Make sure you let him know what the trans is, the builder and what torque converter (lock up or not) you are using (VERY important). I did all that and even though he was in constant contact with my trans builder he still made a large error on dimension. He was given the chance by Rossler to enlarge the converter to fit and suit his kit but he turned it down and said "keep it stock, everything will fit and it'll work". Well, it didn't and we ended up making a spacer to fill that gap. Easy enough to make, just frustrating and time delaying. When I pay for goods, I expect them to fit and all be there. He was very nice about it and he did acknowledge the error did apologized for this, so I respect him for that. I just wish he came to the party and went halves on the spacer I needed to complete his non functional kit.


Keep us posted. ;)
 
the spacer that carl is talking about came from my trans builder and everything worked fine ....
 
Here is my question and TCI's response on my question about the 6-speed auto:

Question:

I have a 2005 Dodge Ram Srt-10 with a Tremec T56 that I plan on replacing with a auto tranny. I plan on using a 4L80E using a Donato adaptor kit to adapt it to the Viper engine. I came across this tranny http://www.tciauto.com/Products/6x/ of yours and it looks like something I would like to use. Only problem is that it isnt rated at what I plan on producing with my engine, it will be in the 1000ft lbs range when done. Question is can this transmission be upgraded to handle the extra power or do you have a different model available that I didnt see?

Answer:

This transmission will hold that power the only thing i suggest would be to allow use to upgrade the input shaft and you would set at that point. Is there any way you can send me a link to this adapter kit? also any other questions please feel free to call or email me. Thank you!
 
yellowfever#154 said:
Here is my question and TCI's response on my question about the 6-speed auto:

Question:

I have a 2005 Dodge Ram Srt-10 with a Tremec T56 that I plan on replacing with a auto tranny. I plan on using a 4L80E using a Donato adaptor kit to adapt it to the Viper engine. I came across this tranny http://www.tciauto.com/Products/6x/ of yours and it looks like something I would like to use. Only problem is that it isnt rated at what I plan on producing with my engine, it will be in the 1000ft lbs range when done. Question is can this transmission be upgraded to handle the extra power or do you have a different model available that I didnt see?

Answer:

This transmission will hold that power the only thing i suggest would be to allow use to upgrade the input shaft and you would set at that point. Is there any way you can send me a link to this adapter kit? also any other questions please feel free to call or email me. Thank you!
Sounds promising and I have no doubt it will work. :) I personally haven't seen or heard of the 6spds running anywhere close to those power out puts, but, I'm no pro. I have seen TCI actually advertising these tranmissions for 850hp at the fly. I hope (for your sake) they/that rep/TCI can prove that they have cars in or above your power range. One thing saying it to make a sale, another thing dealing with you when and if it fails.

From my understanding it's a 4L80E with a new planetary set, TCU and valve body mods, ie: more to go wrong in an already stout unit. It works the same as a Gear Vendors, all it is doing (correct me if I'm wrong) is splitting 1st and 2nd, so now you get 1st and 1st over, 2nd and 2nd over. 4th and 5th gears are very close ratios: 1.18 and 1.1, I personally didn't see the value in that. Just some food for thought mate, I, like others pitching in opinions, want VTCOA members happy.

I did A LOT of research through various reputable transmission builders, all were in the same boat regardless of the brand attached to it. Consensus was they are great transmissions but that the TH400/4L80E were still the more stout units and that the 6-speeds were more of a gimmick than anything else. They both cruise around the same rpms in OD. Sounds interesting though, be good to see it in and running. I vouched for the 4L80E and I think Dom is running a TH400 as-is Jack so if you've done your homework and feel safe, it'd be another combo being run on this forum, I say go for it when you're happy! ;) Have you sold your T56 yet, just curious. Keep us posted.


http://www.tciauto.com/products/6x/




Cheers
 
Donato makes good pieces but he sent me the wrong flexplate with the kit and it took months to get the correct one. Hopefully through Carl and I he's got it figured out and will get the right parts out the first time.
 
Carlwalski said:
Sounds promising and I have no doubt it will work. :) I personally haven't seen or heard of the 6spds running anywhere close to those power out puts, but, I'm no pro. I have seen TCI actually advertising these tranmissions for 850hp at the fly. I hope (for your sake) they/that rep/TCI can prove that they have cars in or above your power range. One thing saying it to make a sale, another thing dealing with you when and if it fails.

From my understanding it's a 4L80E with a new planetary set, TCU and valve body mods, ie: more to go wrong in an already stout unit. It works the same as a Gear Vendors, all it is doing (correct me if I'm wrong) is splitting 1st and 2nd, so now you get 1st and 1st over, 2nd and 2nd over. 4th and 5th gears are very close ratios: 1.18 and 1.1, I personally didn't see the value in that. Just some food for thought mate, I, like others pitching in opinions, want VTCOA members happy.

I did A LOT of research through various reputable transmission builders, all were in the same boat regardless of the brand attached to it. Consensus was they are great transmissions but that the TH400/4L80E were still the more stout units and that the 6-speeds were more of a gimmick than anything else. They both cruise around the same rpms in OD. Sounds interesting though, be good to see it in and running. I vouched for the 4L80E and I think Dom is running a TH400 as-is Jack so if you've done your homework and feel safe, it'd be another combo being run on this forum, I say go for it when you're happy! ;) Have you sold your T56 yet, just curious. Keep us posted.


http://www.tciauto.com/products/6x/




Cheers

For sure more research will be done. As far as my T56 sale I had a member here agree to buy mine complete flywheel, clutch, tranny, release bearing system, shifter, cross member, etc and swap some misc interior pieces. But now that it has come time to do it he wont respond to my pm's. :(
 
yellowfever#154 said:
For sure more research will be done. As far as my T56 sale I had a member here agree to buy mine complete flywheel, clutch, tranny, release bearing system, shifter, cross member, etc and swap some misc interior pieces. But now that it has come time to do it he wont respond to my pm's. :(
Sorry to hear about the sale (possibly) falling through. Maybe their PC is down or they're out of town? Doesn't sound good but keep the faith. Re-advertise it to get the ball rolling again. They snooze, they lose. ;) Keep us posted on the TCI kit, sounds good thus far and you're a level headed guy so research will be done. Great price, all the module, box etc etc for around $5,700 give or take a few beans is fantastic. Best of luck with everything mate. :)
 
Ya the stalker part of the forum comes in handy sometimes, the person who I was working this out with hasn't been on in about 1 month, but that is still 2 months after my last Pm to them. Oh well, I probably should try to sell it all to someone else. Thanks for the kind words Carl, you are always a pleasure to talk to.
 
I did the math on this one. The adapter, trans, converter, crossmember, and driveshaft will run about 10K. That is about same value of 2 fully built 48re's from Dusty. I'm going to have to give this a bit more thought. Maybe I'll just change the drive and overdrive ratios in the 48re and be satisfied.
 
blackviper said:
I did the math on this one. The adapter, trans, converter, crossmember, and driveshaft will run about 10K. That is about same value of 2 fully built 48re's from Dusty. I'm going to have to give this a bit more thought. Maybe I'll just change the drive and overdrive ratios in the 48re and be satisfied.

Good observation.
 
My question is why does it cost so much freakin money for these transmissions? Its crazy, I had a 727 built with all the best of the best and it cost about $1200. I dont understand it and I think someone is making way too much money these days on trannys.
 
NorCal SRT-10 said:
They are pretty complex components. But I agree, that's a lot of money.
I agree, especially since you are already running an Automatic. If you were doing the manual to auto conversion I think it's fair and you pay for what you get. There are plenty of guys here running the factory 48RE transmissions that have been modified and they seem happy. For $2K I'm sure you could really wake that transmission up. What you don't spend on the would-be auto swap can be saved or spent elsewhere on performance/suspension mods.



2c
 
After doing some more research, I'll be definitely going with a fully built 48re.
 
In your situation and definitely in terms of bang for buck, I personally think it's a very wise decision. :)
 
blackviper said:
After doing some more research, I'll be definitely going with a fully built 48re.


you wont be the first person who's attempted to do this...although it did put up with plenty of launches at the track the 48re still didnt not last that long imo... I think 10k is alot of money...But if your ordering everything off the shelves then it does not surprise me its that much...

i would still look for the 4l80e...Get one online outta wrecked truck and if ya really need to it send it to get freshened up with the good stuff which should not be more the 1,600 bucks.... Torque converter should be 600-1000 bucks...driveshaft 500-900 bucks depending on how you want it....Crossmember, i would build it myself

all thats left is the adaptor and wiring
 

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