Ilikebikes

Here's the mods I have coming up on my truck within the next few weeks, plus the ones in my sig:

-DDP stage IV injectors
-3200 spring
-more gauges (obviously, trans temp included)
-HTT stage IV with 16 cm
-4" exhaust
-old smoky power pin
-possibly some internal pump mods (such as an AFC lever grind)
-2nd gen flex plate

I have an A518 trans. It was rebuilt a few years back, and the fluid is still perfectly clean. I'm going to be upgrading the converter (more on that later) and the valve body. I looked at ATS valve bodies, and I if I remember correctly, they were about $500. On the other hand, a shift kit is under $100. What can ATS do to the valve body that I can't do? I know they have a lot more experience on those things than I will ever have and I know they have great products, but if I can wrench on my tranny to adjust bands and whatnot, is it worth it to spend over $400 more for the pre built valve body? It's hard to justify that cost, for me atleast. Could my valve body with a properly installed shift kit handle what I am going to throw at it?

Now, another thing holding me back is my torque converter. Even with the mods in my sig, it slips like ****. I'm pretty much narrowed my choise down to a hughes converter. I've seen people here reccomend the 15XFM and I think the 24XFM. What would you guys reccomend? I called them today (and plan on calling them again on monday) but couldn't get through to them, they were too busy. Anyone know the prices of these off the top of their heads?

kennedy

I've got the 15xfm, i beleive they don't make the 24 anymore, if I can recall when I talked to them, it was early last spring. And i'm drawing a blank on the price, it was either 299 or 399, i''m thinking it was 299, plus shipping, which from central Indiana to Phoneix was about $40 each way. It was well worth it. A tranny rebuild w/ a transgo shift kit and the torque converter were my only up grades, and i'm seeing 1-2mpg difference in town, and 2-4 on the highway, that is if I lay off the skinny pedal some...

Ilikebikes

Anymore input? I would like to know if an properly installed shift kit could work almost as well as a $500 valve body.

12vchevydually

I am sure you would really like it. There is only so much you can do too a valve body. (I am no expert!!!!!)
I would save your money and buy the shift kit over the valve body!!!!!!!

jrussell

This is a dang good question. I would also like to know the real differences between a shift kit and a full-on performance valve body?

12vchevydually

450 Bucks,LOL!

flashgordon

there the same if you have the Time ......carfull .......above alll! clean,steirle invirment!!!!!!!!

Ilikebikes

Thanks for the input. I'd much rather spend $80 or so on a shift kit and have a few hundred go towards #2 (I mean, smoke ) than spend $500 on a valve body that won't do any better.

Here are my thoughts: I'm sure that out of the box, a full on vavle body from a reputable manufacturer will out perform a shift kit installed by someone. Maybe with more tuning of the valve body with a shift kit, I could get reaalllyyy close to that $500 valve body... I sure hope so.

Austin'sDodge

Most valve bodies have machined valves I believe. Worth the extra money, probaly not. I think a properly set up shift kit would work great.

j-fox

I built my trans, with a transgo kit. I had it in and out 4+ times to get it where it is.
i built a trans for a friend and we used a DTT parts, only real diference was the VB from DTT. His is much better shifting and has mods I never dreamed about.
My vote is DTT!

Austin'sDodge

I'm very happy with my DTT.

ChrisLib

IMO, unless you are having a full trans built by one of the "Big Three" you really don`t have a need for any trans specific valvebody calibrations (i.e. pressures, shift valve timing etc.). For a stock trans you just want to "firm up" a good shift kit (Trans-Go, SMR etc) will do just as good a job for ya. And if not your probably in the market for a Big3 trans anyhow. my .02... on edit, all i did to mine sofar is a slight line and TV pressure bump and even that made a significant improvment in shift quality...and it was free except for the $$$ of a pan gasket and the shortening of an allen wrench.