fastnblu

iTrader: (2)

I previously stated if workin w/in a budget, the rules as to what 1 can afford, affects their decision, as it should. Likewise, if 1 plans to send healthy power thru tranny. In the latter instance, they must plan to spend more dough to deal w/. the punishment. Assess current budget to current/future goals, & plan/ spend accordingly. I certainly won't say that a built unit can't fail just as I won't say the same on a stock one. It just improves the odds if you're running a modded truck. It's like livin in a good area. it doesn't mean crime doesn't happen, it just happens less than in the hood.
Driving habits can make a stock rear or trans pop too. Hard, abusive, slicks, track use, etc.
In his case, I just want him to look into future if goin to a 6L. Will that be all or...define goals. I'm not a sponsor coattail rider. Planning just goes a long way, plus I'm not a fan of doin trannies on the floor. Everyone drives different, but I for 1, have a heavy foot, & will be adding power that I didn't foresee. At least not to this extent.
For me, & my application, I don't see it as unnecessary $ on a built unit.

I'd like to add, a warranty is only good as people who stand behind it. And, very important, will be there & not shutdown in a few months due to poor mgmt/ workmanship issues.
You do know a $25 servo can destroy a stock trans, right? Installed wrong, it can.

I gotta ask, how can performance aspect be the same? Explain.

While u can spend that $ elsewhere & get same performance, sooner or later, as 1 adds to the power quotient, they'll come back to fortifying the 60e. Their TQ capacity isn't that much. If buyin a new GM 60E from dealer, it won't cost much more for a built unit from a reputable builder capable of more abuse if needed. Just my .02. Good luck.

budhayes3

iTrader: (19)

Well put, I have many of the same sentiments. Obviously any part of any vehicle can break, but the likelyhood of that happening decreases when a mechanical unit's shortcomings are addressed.

Let's not forget, GM put torque management into these PCM's for a reason...in an effort to maximize profits the General adopted an F-body transmission to work in a truck, then de-tuned the truck to protect the weak link which is the trans.

Personally, if I were going for a warranty and a warranty only, I'd spend the extra coin and get the trans done at the dealer...I can not stress how incompetant the majority of the supposed transmission shops are out there. Of course, if you're familiar with a certain shop that has a good rep with very few comebacks and they have good pricing, and the warranty that you're looking for, then more power to ya. But it's been my experience that good shops with good reps are not the least expensive, as they shouldn't be.

But hey sometimes people get lucky, and get a good unit for the cheapest price...and sometimes people win the lottery...personally I don't know anybody who's done either

fastnblu

iTrader: (2)

True, any part can & does.
I don't remember hearing the Fbody tidbit. Interesting. I need a Mr. Burns rollin his fingers smilie here.

You're also on target on the warr. if that's all u want. But at $2200 or whatever, I'll spend a lil extra cause I know my goals/ intentions. That piece of mind is worth it to me, & it sounds like you. Mr. hayes, u sound pretty smart, are u a tech or somethin?

BTW, I won the ... I'm goin to get a TVS2300 on a AFR headded 408. Might go bigger.
Actually, I don't need to for the prey I'm stalkin.

02'Z71ONDUBZ'

iTrader: (8)

Your 100% right as far as driving habits and their effect on drivetrain... I popped the G80 in mine one day doing an unnecessary powerstall, before the tires even started to roll over.

Your also right on the warranty, as far as it being only as good as the company who stands behind it; I'm sure you could find a pretty reputable company that provides a good warranty if you looked long and hard enough. I know that the company who builds the tranny that I posted the link to provides 2 different phone numbers on their ebay listings, and also list that their company is a member of the BBB in Florida. Those are both a sign of a business who serves it's customers wishes, and is striving to build/continue a good reputation. A phone call is probably all the piece of mind I would personally need to purchase one of their products.

As far as a servo causing a transmission to fail due to installation issues... Come on man. This statement applies to ANYTHING automotive; How many truck enthusiasts do you think have installed servo's in their trucks on the driveway, based solely on the pictures,knowledge, and know-how learned from this forum? Probably dozens... Parts failing due to an incompetent install is a pretty generalized argument.

And on to the performance aspect... I don't claim to be a tranny guru because I'm not, but I know a little about the basics. What components other than a stall (besides servo's and a shift kit), would really affect the performance of a 60e behind a mild 4.8 in a noticeable way when driving??? The tranny in the link I listed comes with a shift kit installed, and we have already went over the process of adding a servo. Other than this, you are paying pretty much solely for stronger internal components that will give you the extra needed reliability in high performance applications.

I also understand looking into the future when it comes to planning your performance mods; It will save you lots in the long run. However, he clearly says in his original post that the 6.0l will be coming in the distant future, 3 years from now once he finishes college (similar plan here). Thats 40K miles down the road lol; his plans may change a few times before then, especially once he graduates college and the $$$ starts rollin' in.

All I'm saying is, if I was in his situation, I would save my money and opt for 3 times the warranty all in the same breath. He doesn't have a need for a built tranny right now, and who know's when he will need one; at least 3 years down the road according to him. I think we can all agree that transmission failure can happen at the most random of times, without warning, and that's where the warranty becomes invaluable. He will get pretty much the same driveability either way, so I don't see that as being an issue either. As long as he buys from a reputable business, it's an easy choice IMO.

fastnblu

iTrader: (2)

I hope for your sake, u do more than just a phone call. Asking the right questions & research are keys to a happy consumer, IMO. I research the daylights out of thing. Anything over say $250 or $500, gets a lot of scrutiny from me.

Generalized argument, but valid.
True on any part is only as good as it's installer. I meant that just cause a part's $25, it could be a .01 o-ring or a $1,00,000 o-ring as well, install is everything. I've just read of improper servo installs, that's all. Or, another way, a $25 part takes out a $1400 trans. Not makin an assumption on skills of anyone.
Clutch material would be one, programming is another. True on the internals. Build it for the 6L not the 4.8. Plans change, as stated from us both. My experiences & those from others too have influenced my decisions.

A tranny cooler is always a good idea towards tranny preservation too.

budhayes3

iTrader: (19)

ASE Master + L1 + Undercar Specialist (insert gorilla pounding chest smiley here )