Question about BTS VB +DP

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Dec 11, 2008 | 09:32 AM

HKusp

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From: Hampton, Maryland.

Question about BTS VB +DP

I have been running my BTS VB for almost 2 weeks and I got my DP back mid-week last week, so just over a week all buttoned up. The thing that I am noticing and subsequently have questions about, is that the TC seems to lock up a LOT earlier, which in and of itself wouldn't be a bad thing, but the thing that I am having a hard time getting used to is the fact that when I let off the gas the TC stays locked and is dragging the truck down a little and it downshifts relatively early. I'm guessing that it's the way Jody has it programmed in order to keep the truck in the optimized RPM for max power and efficiency. But it's weird to have to maintain pedal pressure in order to keep it from down shifting, and when really just wanting to coast. The coasting thing, you really don't realize how much you really coast until you have to work at it more.

So any input on this? I am interested to hear what y'all think.

Dec 11, 2008 | 09:48 AM

UP_There

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From: Flagstaff, Arizona

Hmmm......I have a John Wood VB Jason, so I can't really give an honest opinion about the BTS, but I do know that........the shifting pattern hasn't really "changed" from stock, it's only been improved. Much firmer shifts, and it seems to "hook up" alot better with the torque converter. I don't get any extra downshifts that I can tell......I would think the programming would be similar for the two VB's. I would call the man himself.....Jody can answer this better then we can

Dec 11, 2008 | 09:56 AM

miller_feed

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From: Grand Lake, La.

Jason, I am on the other side of the coin. I like the TC staying locked when towing. It seems to help slow down the truck with a load, and not having to use the brakes more. Are you trying to save fuel by coasting for a long way?

Dec 11, 2008 | 10:09 AM

F350-6

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From: Texas

Sounds like you won't have to use the brake pedal as much this way. Brakes should last longer now that the truck slows down when you let off the skinny pedal.

Dec 11, 2008 | 10:20 AM

Izzy351

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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth

Mine doesn't lock until ~43 MPH. If I let off the pedal anywhere before reaching that speed, my RPMs drop to idle. It's almost like a 5th gear. I haven't tried my tow tune much, so not sure if that one behaves differently. And I'm running Tony's tunes, so apples to oranges, I know...

Dec 11, 2008 | 01:09 PM

STROKIN'IT7.3

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From: Bridgewater, VA

Mine locks at 45 and will unlock around 40 when i let off, regardless of speed i'm coasting from. With mine, if i keep light throttle up a hill per say, it will downshift at 40 and lock 3rd. Dont know if this helps? I have the Bullydog SK

Dec 11, 2008 | 01:22 PM

HKusp

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From: Hampton, Maryland.

Quote:

Originally Posted by miller_feed

It does help save on putting on the breaks, it's just unusual that when I lift off, it's trying to bring the truck down a little, not like on a downshift in a standard shift or anything, but you know what I mean.

Quote:

Originally Posted by F350-6

Sounds like you won't have to use the brake pedal as much this way. Brakes should last longer now that the truck slows down when you let off the skinny pedal.

This is true, I guess I will get used to it. It doesn't seem to unlock on mine until waaay below 40mph, maybe 30ish. I will see if I can get a more accurate estimate the next time I'm out and about.