03 denali with ls2 needs stronger transmission

[t_ahan]

ok so here it is! i have an 03 denali with ls2 heads and slightly bigger cam shaft w/ratio ultra gold rockers and an lsxr intake manifold with few other power adders and i have heavy a** SS replica 22in wheels that dont help my trans...my transmission finaly went out after 6months of driving with only first and fourth gear!! so i am lookin for a stronger unit but only found these- performa built, monster transmission, finish line transmissions, performance automotive and transmission center, and then a slightly better than stock rebuilt unit from ronnie smith transmissions... i have done way too much reading and have found pretty much jus as many good things about each vender as i read bad things...i would like to hear what every recommends b4 i pull the triger and end up doin a trans r&r 4 times in 12months!! btw i abuse the truck really ******* the street but def wanna have something i can finally go to the track safely and see what kinda numbers i get b4 i super charge the truck in a year or so...

 

[JennaBear]

We have an RPM Level 6 in the SSS, handling over 600HP

 

[waxworkz]

a level 6 should be able to handle at least 700 shouldnt it??

 

[t_ahan]

level 6!!!

well i must say i have never known anybody to have an RPM trans but i def trust u and your expeirence!!! not so sure that i need level 6 unless u think it would last long enough till i get my money back up and s/c the truck..any issues with that trans and how many miles u have on that level 6 ...ps do u daily drive the tbss! thnks

 

[chacho44]

slap an 80E in there

 

[waxworkz]

slap an 80E in there

not worth the fabbing. easier to get a RPM tranny and be done. if you get an 80e, its still a stock tranny

 

[t_ahan]

which rpm?

which rpm trans u think would be strong enough with out goin level 6 or will that be worth the extra money really?i dont want to have to replace the trans agian in 50k ..and will thier unit work fine with my diablo tuner that i use to adjust line pressure shift points etc

 

[waxworkz]

depends on you, price is relevant. if you got the money go bigger than you need now, so you wont have to upgrade later. how much power you gonna end with? i'd be looking at a custom tune, instead of that hand held tuner.

 

[t_ahan]

inthe end

in the end i goin for a 550hp motor but i dont kno what that would be after goin through the transfer case then to all 4 heavy ass 22's

 

[waxworkz]

i think a level VI would be plenty for 550hp. just invest in a good convertor and maybe re-gear depending on what you have now.

 

[t_ahan]

3.73 what tc and should i do a high stall or no

 

[uvacarbuff]

I have used FLT (talk to Chuck) for my Impala SS LT1 Level 4 4L60e rebuild in the past and was very happy with their work. They were only 10 minutes from my home so that made it easier... but they do have quick shipping.

http://www.finishlinetrans.com/

 

[t_ahan]

what level?

what level trans do u think i should go with to have a daily driver thats not too harsh of a shift..

 

[bottomline2000]

check out this guys setup. its a 5.3 but power is in the ballpark of what your are planning.

http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25684

I think re-gearing may be the saving grace for a built trans in the long run for a heavy truck.

 

[t_ahan]

re gearing?

so u think if i did 4.10's it would be less stress on the trans?

 

[JennaBear]

Both the TBSS and the Silverado SS are daily drivers, but the SSS is the one with the RPM in it (the TBSS has a TVS1900 on it with a stock tranny). The SSS has a TVS2300 on it, a few thousand miles on the new transmission, no issues.

I would not recommend a handheld (other than AutoCal) to adjust for your transmission settings- not enough info to properly set it up.

EDIT- I was running a stock transmission (only a Vette Servo) on my 04 Tahoe 5.3L with 11lbs of boost. Was right around 550HP, was still running strong after I took the blower off and sold her.

 

[t_ahan]

so i f was lookin to spend around $2-2.4g's which trans should i buy?

 

[ferr1s]

Performance Automatic

I can't recommend a tranny shop for the 'Hoe, but since you live in VA, I will tell you to think twice before heading over to Performance Automatic.

I've got a Mustang w/ a pretty stock motor still (intake, fuel pressure regulator, exhaust - seriously, I can hardly call these mods since they are so mild) Took my good tranny to PA, they built it w/ a stall for $3k, and I reinstalled it. I drove it on the street (ie truly never raced it) and 6 mos later it died. They want to charge me another $1500 to look at it and tweak it with some HD parts...that I already paid once to have intstalled. PA has had pretty poor customer service from start to finish as well, but I chalked that up to just some cocky performance guys originally. I haven't been pleased with the product or the service that they have given me over the last year.

Hope this helps.

- Ferris

PS- I'm interested to see what you chose, as I have similar plans as you for a s/c and tranny to back it up.

 

[t_ahan]

got the money time to buy!!

jus got my tax return back and im ready to buy a strong enough trans i jus cant make up my mind????i jus wann pull the trigger but dont now which trans to get

 

[ferr1s]

Did you ever make a decision?