I have a 97 ram 2500, with an AT and im wanting to add some more hp, but ive been told that the stock AT will not hold up. Any suggestions as to what i should do?

 

I'm pretty new myself but from what I gather, there are 3 options;

1, Get a performance transmission valvebody and good converter. This will be a band-aid as the trans will eventually fail if not built. (depending on power output)

2, Build your trans along with a performance transmission valvebody and good converter. But, no warranty.

3, Buy a pre-built trans from one of many companies who specialize in these transmissions (most come with a good converter. Bonus, most come with a warranty.

 

Well the big problem for me is money. Im only eight-teen, so I dont have the funds to do all that. A guy that is well known around my area said just putting a full race shift kit would give me alot more "beef". But that it would eventually burn up my converter. Is their any truth behind what he said?

 

From what I hear, the torque converter will be the first to go then the clutches in the trans will be next. The reason main reason for a performance valve body is that it will Jack up the line pressure for more clutch hold pressure.

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On the Cheap you can order a Trans Go shift kit, TFOD-Diesel would be the one you need, and install it yourself. This will cost about half as much as a perfromance VB, at the expense of additional labor on your part. Just make sure you have a clean area to work and go slow, pay attention to the instructions.

Yes the converter can fail, but the shift kit will also help with converter clutch timing and pressure. With a shift kit properly installed or a quality performance VB I would worry about the input shaft failing, next followed closely by the flexplate.

If you beat on it, things will break..........