I am building a DT466 powered hot rod and right now I have a Allison 545 that I was planning on using. I figure it can handle stock output (let me know if I figured wrong) and my idea was to get it all running and then when I want to crank up the power; go with something else if needed.

Questions:
Is this a good transmission?
Is there a better choice? I want to avoid a manual because of the space I have in the vehicle, but If a manual is a much better way to go - somebody please let me know. I am definitely not against the manual.

How much power can I get out of DT466 and use it on the road -reliably? This is a hot rod, but I plan to drive it A LOT.

Keep in mind that I am new to this, so you might have to dummy things down for me!

Thanks

 

its what truck with dt 466s came with from the factory, should be fine

 

Thanks! I have been reading posts from guys saying the Allisons are hype. I know that the truth is usually somewhere in the middle of peoples opinions, but is the 545 a GOOD choice if I plan to build this engine to about 500-600HP?

Looking at the limited aftermarket for this powerplant - I am not even sure that is possible. It seems it's stock (or nearly so) or some Hypermax 3000HP Monster.

Is there a middle ground? How can I reach my goals?

Help me out guys - cuz I am strugglin' here.

 

what are you putting this in, the dt466 came in alot of international 4300 and 4700s, with an at545, and they had decent power to pull 45 foot trailers at highway speed with the right rearend gears, i had a fleet of about 20 trucks spect that way, we had some faiulres, but no more than any other automatics, the only thing is they shift hard! the other thing is are you running electronic injection or mechanical? if you go with electronic you have a tps cable that controlls downshifting since the 545 is all mechanical abd we had some problems with those but overall i think they were good units, if you are putting this in a pickup , it should handle whatever you do to it since you arent pulling a 30000 pound load, ive done burnouts and donuts in single axle 4300s with the 545 and the hard shifting sure helps brake the tires loose

 

Thanks again. I am putting it into a 1931 Buick with a custome frame and suspension, so the motor and trans weighs more than the vehicle. I am using the rearend out of a fed ex truck (front beam as well). I am replacing the rear dually's with a set of Rickson Wheels Singles.
The truck has mechanical injection. Everything is mechanical on this beast - no electronics at all. I imagine it may shift super hard in the light set up I have eh?

 

I believe the 545 has a final drive of 1 to 1, without a lock up converter, which means no overdrive. I have the 540 and it's ok, but I would like a lock up converter and overdrive.

 

I would like to see some pictures of this project!! I have a 466 lined up for my next monster truck... still looking for a donor body