Switching to GM TH400

[Jimmysmk3]

hey guys im looking to go with the gm auto trans, im looking for something better for the track and the r154 im using no longer will stay in first gear.
ive looked into the adapter plates and all either be getting one from ATI or a member here on the forums. i already have the trans itself it has a full manual reverse valve body with trans brake. the mount i will be able to fab up myself and i also have a place to make a custom driveshaft. the only thing i havent figured out yet is where i can get a custom converter. i think ATI can make one but does anyone know where else?

thanks

 

[Bigdough666]

Intersted as well. This R154 is a POS, Ive broken 2 already.

 

[Kai]

The R154 is pretty good, you just have to know how not to be a bell end when you use it...

 

[suprarich]

If you use an ati adaptor palte, you need an ati made custom converter. It will run near the 800.00 mark for the converter. They sell them, but do not have the converter listed in a book or the website. Each is custom made to your spec.

 

[Bigdough666]

The R154 is pretty good, you just have to know how not to be a bell end when you use it...

No its a POS. 2 down and no more to go, Im done with it.

Anyone else make a converter? I know they are expensive but DAMN....:aigo:

 

[HommerSimpson]

cant drill flywheel ? to fit converter ?

 

[suprarich]

cant drill flywheel ? to fit converter ?

the factory flexplate has a raised area in each of the areas the converter mounts to it. You would be better off moving the mounts on the converter to match the toyota flexplate. The ATI kit comes with a SFI cert. solid steel flex plate. The factory flexplate is stamped steel.

Any convert made to handle a lot of hp is going to cost over 800.00 The type and strenght of converter you get from ATI for this kit is well worth the money.

 

[WhtMa71]

No its a POS. 2 down and no more to go, Im done with it.

Anyone else make a converter? I know they are expensive but DAMN....:aigo:

It's not a POS.
Ive seen people break diffs before they break r154s at the track. You're doing something wrong.
r154s arent purpose built drag racing trannys made for 5000rpm launches and 30" slicks..

 

[dragracer]

hey guys im looking to go with the gm auto trans, im looking for something better for the track and the r154 im using no longer will stay in first gear.
ive looked into the adapter plates and all either be getting one from ATI or a member here on the forums. i already have the trans itself it has a full manual reverse valve body with trans brake. the mount i will be able to fab up myself and i also have a place to make a custom driveshaft. the only thing i havent figured out yet is where i can get a custom converter. i think ATI can make one but does anyone know where else?

thanks

Check with sound performance in Chicago. They did a few, running a modified gm torque convertor I believe. Tabs are usually welded on converter and drilled for mounting holes from factory. Shouldnt be difficult to fab something up. All depends on how much horsepower your running. I would run the ATI flexplate though. It would have to be a 8 inch converter maybe a 9 inch at best.
Rich

 

[Nick M]

No its a POS. 2 down and no more to go, Im done with it.

Anyone else make a converter? I know they are expensive but DAMN....:aigo:

Try using the brakes to stop the car instead of reverse.

 

[Jimmysmk3]

i agree the r154 can take some abuse but for a car that sees mainly track use you cant beat a built auto. im just curious what some of the people on here have done like slow66 for instance.

 

[tlo86]

i agree the r154 can take some abuse but for a car that sees mainly track use you cant beat a built auto. im just curious what some of the people on here have done like slow66 for instance.

and i hear mkiv guys locally who swear that they kill built autos on stock jz engines, not making an arguement i just think its funny i like the auto and cant wait to tryit out

 

[Bigdough666]

It's not a POS.
Ive seen people break diffs before they break r154s at the track. You're doing something wrong.
r154s arent purpose built drag racing trannys made for 5000rpm launches and 30" slicks..

I broke the diff as well. The only thing Im doing wrong is still using the R-154. They arent purpose built from the factory no, but when I rebuilt it, it was built for drag racing and it still took a shit. I use a 26" ET Street, not even a real drag tire.

 

[Bigdough666]

Try using the brakes to stop the car instead of reverse.

Ummm ok....

 

[WhtMa71]

lol sounds like you need to pull an IJ and install a ford 9" IRS setup but with a GM auto tranny. The r154s will always have the weak link sintered iron thrust washer.

 

[Jimmysmk3]

well i didnt really want to turn this into a debate about how good the r154 is, im trying to get info on the auto swap

 

[suprarich]

well i didnt really want to turn this into a debate about how good the r154 is, im trying to get info on the auto swap

A really good set up will cost you a tick over the 4k mark.

 

[JesseH]

A really good set up will cost you a tick over the 4k mark.

I honestly think that that would be worth it if your breaking the 154's that much, hell i think that would be nice to even use as a DD/ strip car. the price kind of comes with the saying: cheap, reliable, and fast....pick two lol

 

[fstlane88]

A really good set up will cost you a tick over the 4k mark.

You can do it for much cheaper than that, you don't need to buy parts that are rated to 7 second e.t. power levels.

I agree it's not cheap but you don't have to spend that much.

 

[Nick M]

The THM is pretty stout. Just a nice performance rebuild will be stronger than the IPT A340E, which is what I will be dong for $3000. I agree, it doesn't need to cost that much.