so im looking into putting a billet input shaft into my or 48re and a local business owner (drake from total performance diesel in santa rosa,ca) has a used sonnax single piece (350$) that he wants to sell me and my only fear is that it might be a little "warn in" because it was first used on his truck which is completely built and runs a 10.39 quarter mile. meaning 4 wheel drive slicked launches! do these shafts lose strength what should i look for to see if its a good buy?

 

You should find out how many launches he has on the shaft. The Sonnax is the best shaft available, you just want to make sure it hasn't been used beyond its worth. Other side of it is what is he asking for it.

 

hes asking for 350$ but as for how many launches ill have to give him a call to find out

 

Stop it!!! Your killing me here!!!


I would not take a new Sonnax if it was GIVEN to me, let alone a used one. They breaky for no reason at a lot less than full power.

If you are going to spend the money on a billet input get an Opie and don't worry.

 

tell me about this opie shaft???! I heard once it needed something special to use or?
How much are they and will opie do a group buy??!

 

The Opie 1 piece requires a special converter setup but the 2 piece works in a normal 48RE TC.

The one piece is a MONSTER, for BIG power. The one pieces seem to be good up to around 800 HP. You will break the VB or trans before the input breaks most of the time.

Last person I heard from got one direct from IE for $795, or so he said.


Hey, look at that!!! Opies watching!

 

what about billet servos, clutch kits that add more surface area, and wider bands made of kevlar or carbon fiber are these things necessary. im comin up to 130000 miles on my 06 48re and it kind of makes me want to buy a rebuild kit of some sort. any suggestions
and can someone give me a link for these opie shafts

 

You will want all of those if your building lots of power, most of them if your looking for just a solid transmission.

Red Eagle clutches and Kolene steels for a race ready trans, BorgWarner High Energy clutches and stock or Kolene steels for less power and more longevity. The rear band is pretty good as is, the OE front band is borderline when you go over 500 HP or do a lot of racing. A rigid band in one of several materials depending on what you want is a good choice. Upgrade servos and sealing is a must do for pressure enhancements. More clutches in the direct an forwards won't hurt, the OD if your racing and making lots of power.

Same with billet shafts, you can throw the full range of upgrades at it up front or pick your levels and build to that spec. Decide what where you want to be when your done then go from there.


Here is IE:

Welcome to Intelligent Engineering, Inc - Manufacturer of the strongest high performance diesel parts in the world!

 

Not going to start a war with Opie, or anyone using his stuff. Good stuff is good stuff and if it works who cares, right? However, in our competition and towing transmission we use the Sonnax and they have treated us quite well. Suncoast, HTS, and Goerends all use the Sonnax shaft. Not saying anything negative about your choice, just sharing ours.

I do agree on the front band, you NEED to run a higher energy friction to get good bite on the front drum. A rigid band we typically reserve for comp units, usually a full faced Borg Warner is great for most transmissions, but with an HD strut, either the TCS billet or the Sonnax reinforced strut. I like the billet servos and accumulator piston because it cuts down of pressure leaks allowing the pump output to focus more on clutch engagement and lubrication flow.