I've spent about 30 hrs total trying track down videos or information on the internet to figure out if I want to Build my Auto transmission, buy a built one, or swap in a nice manual. Taking costs, and brand specifics out of the decision, I just want to pick the transmission that will make me the happiest, and I'm starting to feel that the information I am looking for isn't out there and only personal experience will tell me, but that could be a waste of money if I decide I made the wrong choice, and I would like this tread to help others clear their head as how many threads there are on the internet about transmissions..

The questions I would like this thread to answer is;

1) What upgrades it takes for a Dodge Automatic Transmission to handle certain HP output.
As in, what will an Auto (Lets use a 47RE as an example) with a billet Flex Plate, Triple
Disk Torque Converter and Valve Bodies be capable of handling power wise. And little
Ad-ons here or there to be able to handle more power.

2) If going the route of buying a built Auto, Where would the HP output caps be for adding
billet shafts? At what HP should one add a billet input shaft to a built transmission, etc.
Also how often is it that a built Auto might have serious problems, such as reverse going
out, or something similar if any.

3) Finally if one were to go the route of having a manual transmission, obviously the choice of clutch would determine the HP capabilities, but how is the ride quality being matched with such a torque monster of the Cummins. Are the Shifts real rough, shaking the passengers heads after each shift. Is starting off from a stop a real jolt like some high HP cars can be? Or is it a pretty smooth ride, even in mild builds (lets say 500 HP as an example) where a passenger can sleep while one is driving.

As for me specific, and those few who can relate, I don't have a heavy right foot. I drive my truck like I want to keep it for the rest of my life. Drive it slow til it warms up, and even then I barely ever see WOT, but I have my days where I like to know how much power my truck has. I don't drag race, or tow that often. My rig is mainly a daily driver. Before my truck, I refused to drive an Auto car, as I just enjoy rowing gears all day. This is my first Auto.

Anyone with experience please share!
Thank You!

 

Personallt it's your choice. For my truck i can swap to manual trans for about what it will cost me to do a "mild performance" build. so you can guess where my slush box is going. and as for the smotthness thats all in the operator.

 

As far as smoothness on a manual transmission shift. Depends a LOT on the clutch also. Button clutch is known for not being near as smooth engagement. You can just look at the clutch and see that though.

(I have had single disk stock and single disk button clutch.)

 

I decided early on that I wanted an auto, so I can only speak to that, although there does seem to be a general consensus that once you start getting into bigger power numbers, a built auto is stronger than a manual.

I have been talking with Dave and Matt at Ultimate Transmission quite a bit lately as I'm hashing out an auto build myself. They think that a good quality single disk torque converter and a billet input, along with the rest of their typical buildup will be good for up to 450hp or so. After that, it's time to start looking at a triple disk and a billet output. Keep in mind, these guys have a lot of other custom tricks they use, so the power limits may vary with someone else's design. I would highly suggest giving them a call and asking some questions. They are more than happy to take the time, and they won't try to over sell you. If you can give them a good idea of what you are trying to build for power, and what you want to use the truck for, they can give you a good idea of what you need to build and spend on a trans.