TC and VB upgrade questions
 

Ok so I am getting this trans out of a 99 and I want to put in a new TC and VB. Here are my questions:

1. What TC should I purchase that isn't extremely expensive? My power mods probably wont get more intense than what they are now.

2. I am gonna get an aftermarket VB and was wondering what the difference is between a John Woods and a BTS? Which one does everyone prefer and why?

In your opinion does a new TC, VB and a Transgo shift kit sound good enough to withstand my right foot with the DP on the high settings?

Thanks,
Ben

I was told by JW that the pump should be modified,don't know if it's the same stuff in tugger kit or not
I think any of the three VBs would be fine

I'm not sure either. Anyone else have any insight on this? I want to make sure I'm not buying and installing somthing that I don't need.

IMHO, I would go with the Tugger kit. This would do the VB mods and pump mods at the same time. I would also add the 4R100-LU kit to the pump. Depending on the the pump, the '99 trans could be equipped wth this type of valve or a "pulse width modulated" valve. The LU gives a positive-type "on-off" engagement, instead of a slow "regulated" engagement. Without knowing the condition of this trans, I don't know how well it would hold up to the DP tuner and add'tl mods. I wouldn't want to lunch a trans and have pieces in my new converter. There are many good converters on the market, but many require a core. I got my triple disc billet without a core for around $900. I did all my upgrades at the time that I rebuilt mine.

I went the easy way and installed a BTS-VB. I also went with this one because I live closer to BTS then JW, and when my tranny takes a dump, I will get it rebuilt by Brian.

1. I'd leave it stock till the trans takes a dump then you replace the TC and the trans.

2. I prefer the BTS one because, AFAIK, DP-Tuner has files set up for BTS but I am not sure about JW.

IMO, get the VB, DP-Tuner tunes, and a 6.0 Trans cooler. You shoudl be set for trans temps. With the BTS trans and the 6.0 cooler and on stock tunes, I am about 55 deg above ambient in the summer. With the 80E tunes, I am at 75 deg above ambient because I can't keep my foot out of it.

Another question: If I go with this transgo shift kit do I need to get a BTS or JW VB? or does the transgo make modifications to the VB to match the BTS or JW VB?

AKLIM,

Thanks for remindind me about the 6.0 trans cooler. Forgot all about getting that

IIRC, with Transgo, you will have to take apart the VB. With the BTS one, you remove the VB, replace it and forget about it.

Anytime

It is kinda like DIY or let someone do it for you. I prefer the DIY route on all my repairs and upgrades. You can save a substantial amount of money if you are confident enough to do the mods yourself.

JW can build his VB for DP tuners as well- he told me so on the phone. As for BTS vs. JW VB, I just heard that the price of the BTS went up to $400 which makes the JW much more enticing- not sure if it's true or not.
I'm in the same boat with my 99, I was told on another forum to get a VB AND the Tugger kit, along with a new TC. The 6.blow and 6.4 converters have a pretty good reputation and are affordable- $200 + core for the 6.blow TC.
Roland- would this pump mod you speak of get rid of a long lagging shift in my 99 trans? By long shift, I mean it feels like it shifts twice between each gear.

Factory Tech is another good VB 1997-2003 E4OD/ 4R100 Diesel Valve Body

I am by no means a transmission technician, but I did rebuild my own with upgrades to the valve bodies, TC, pump, and clutch packs. The pump mods will increase overall pressure in the trans and the lock-up kit will speed the engagement of the TC. The valve body mods increase "holding" pressures to certain areas and quicken the engagement of the clutch packs. Quicker means less slippage. I didn't like the "feel" of the stock TC lock-up between 3rd and OD. My DP tunes put the lock-up sooner and the TC lock-up kit, in the pump, quickened its engagement. Feels like it's shifting into another gear.

This may be an ignorant question but should I take out the sonnax shift "improver" for the new trans or is the transgo/JW VB going to be covering what the sonnax does?

Thanks to all of ya. the advice and info helps tons.

Ben

Roland

Where did you get your TC @ for $900?

Got it here: E4OD, 4R100 Transmission from PATC, E4OD, 4R100
See item # 3-B near bottom of the page.
I built my trans using the #K-100 kit, along with a few other parts that were not included. I had upgraded to the billet converter.