The Chevykiller's new legs...

[W1ldcat]

I believe that setup will be great and if it's not you will make it great. You have always been a leader in a streetable car that hauls ass.

 

[Eric298]

Sounds like a badass setup! Curiousity got the best of me, what you would remove that would weigh 300 lbs that woul not make the car streetable?

 

[jeostang]

How did you do your cross member for the TH400. I see a few guys just flip it and weld a box on top to mate up to the trans. And who did you driveshaft? Can you give me the specs on it?

 

[ChevyKiller]

How did you do your cross member for the TH400. I see a few guys just flip it and weld a box on top to mate up to the trans. And who did you driveshaft? Can you give me the specs on it?

Yep - you weld up a new cross member for it - same as I did for the 4r70. My DS for the 4r70 was done by Inland driveshaft and was a steel one piece and I'm giving it to the guy who bought my trans and having a new one made for the TH400.

The specs are pretty simple - just a steel one piece shaft at the right length and proper yoke for the trans.

 

[ChevyKiller]

Sounds like a badass setup! Curiousity got the best of me, what you would remove that would weigh 300 lbs that woul not make the car streetable?

I would take the crash bars out of the front, rear, and door panels. I would take all the glass out and put lexan, and I would put a front clip on the car and presto...by-by 300-350 lbs


(but no more street car)

 

[GI Joe]

Well I beleive somewhere in some of those posts there Mark, perhaps you eluded to the answer to my question "why did you take out the 4r70W". Maybe I could glean some answers from the post in which you ended with "STFU" but it appears that was directed at someone else so I'm not sure I actually got an answer...I saw some things thought that you were ranting about like no one has a 4r70W holding 800...but thats not true.
I have seen plenty of them over the years...the first one that comes to mind is Jim Fitz. He did it for 2 years and drove the car to work and to every event in the country NOT TRAILERED and won 3rd place a few years back...Not heavy enough for you? How about the notorious Johnny lightning who ran in the 10'a and even the 9's on a 4R70W built by level 10...( with a twin screw K/B)
I saved that post years ago
http://www.f150online.com/forums/lightning/130808-torque-master-tranny.html

Next there is the fastest Maurader in the counrty ( which I did the 8 rib kit on) that has a big procharger and a 125 shot making way over 800 going strong...
As for the weight, there is less than 4 lbs difference in the 2 trannsmissions dry wieght. PROVE me wrong! Never the less the weight difference is negligible. Now it does hold a little more fluid for the O/D. I know this for a fact because I have owned and weighed both. The 4R weighs 135 dry the turbo 400 139 dry.

I just really asked the question because I just wanted a simple answer...because based on my experience the weight thing and longevity thing has not proven to be factual. So I thought maybe you just got tired of the O/D and wanted to simplify things.

Turns out, if I read through all the BS in your post, that the converters seem to be giving you trouble....or is it the valve body or is it that you are sitting on the tranny brake too long which is known to kill them ( hence the name the money button).....but I was just wondering guy.....

.....because while I do "cling to my guns and religion" I dont track the awesome "CHEVYKILLER" enough to have any idea of your converter problems.

 

[ChevyKiller]

Damn Joe - you getting dislexic in your old age?

The 'rant' post wasn't directed to you at all - it was directed and quoted to the ass that said I change my set-up every time I finish it for shits and giggles cause I have a money tree in my backyard.

As to your response, the two examples that you mentioned who were on a screw blower and a transbrake did not run even more than a season on the same trans and converter without rebuilding, replacing, or refreshing it.

Perhaps because my 4r70 is a 'prototype' for the S197 and is based on an AOD housing with 4r70 guts is why it is heavier, but the TH400 I am getting weighs about 50 lbs less than my current trans.

This trans has been rebuilt twice and I have always used the best parts. Top of the line input and output shafts and bent them twice - tried converters from PI, TCS, and ultimate converters, and every single one of them slipped to oblivion after 20 passes or less.

I'm not bashing the 4r70 but for me, my car, and the way I drive it - it just ain't working for me. My last converter only had about 12 passes on it before it took a shit, and my 3rd gear looks like it's going after only 500 miles on the trans and 30 passes.

Yep - I use the shit out of a brake and do stand on it sometimes too long, but the TH400 is a tougher trans IMO and Mikes Transmissions has a proven track record with them and continental converters so I am expecting this trans to be much better than the 4r70 that was in there.

I run the car hard, so I have no illusions that any trans on earth is going to last forever, but I should have to refresh every season, not every 20 passes.

Who knows, maybe nothing will change but I highly doubt it - I have high hopes for this trans.

BTW: I was also referring to S197's when talking about the 4r70 and 800+ on a brake.

 

[GI Joe]

Hey...I knew the rant was not directed at me...I said so...It was rant just the same..lol
Fair enough...I was not judging you of course...just want to know "WHY" so I could put that in my "ole databank". I was truely just curious...
For the record...the turbo 400 is without a doubt a stronger tranny. It consumes more energy too...but WILL hold up....

Damn Joe - you getting dislexic in your old age?

The 'rant' post wasn't directed to you at all - it was directed and quoted to the ass that said I change my set-up every time I finish it for shits and giggles cause I have a money tree in my backyard.

As to your response, the two examples that you mentioned who were on a screw blower and a transbrake did not run even more than a season on the same trans and converter without rebuilding, replacing, or refreshing it.

Perhaps because my 4r70 is a 'prototype' for the S197 and is based on an AOD housing with 4r70 guts is why it is heavier, but the TH400 I am getting weighs about 50 lbs less than my current trans.

This trans has been rebuilt twice and I have always used the best parts. Top of the line input and output shafts and bent them twice - tried converters from PI, TCS, and ultimate converters, and every single one of them slipped to oblivion after 20 passes or less.

I'm not bashing the 4r70 but for me, my car, and the way I drive it - it just ain't working for me. My last converter only had about 12 passes on it before it took a shit, and my 3rd gear looks like it's going after only 500 miles on the trans and 30 passes.

Yep - I use the shit out of a brake and do stand on it sometimes too long, but the TH400 is a tougher trans IMO and Mikes Transmissions has a proven track record with them and continental converters so I am expecting this trans to be much better than the 4r70 that was in there.

I run the car hard, so I have no illusions that any trans on earth is going to last forever, but I should have to refresh every season, not every 20 passes.

Who knows, maybe nothing will change but I highly doubt it - I have high hopes for this trans.

BTW: I was also referring to S197's when talking about the 4r70 and 800+ on a brake.

 

[KIM_05_GT]

This is not directed at anyone in particular.....but why does everyone here give mark such a hard time about changing shit. If hes not happy, or wants to go faster, or wants to go a different direction, awesome. More power to you. Almost everyone here say changed there mind or moved to a different power added or trans. I think there is a little jealousy when it comes to the Chevy Killer.

I give you props Mark you handle all the critics well. Make it the way you want, thats what racing and hot roding is all about.
Rant done.

 

[ChevyKiller]

Hey...I knew the rant was not directed at me...I said so...It was rant just the same..lol
Fair enough...I was not judging you of course...just want to know "WHY" so I could put that in my "ole databank". I was truely just curious...
For the record...the turbo 400 is without a doubt a stronger tranny. It consumes more energy too...but WILL hold up....

In all fairness, I have to look at my specific tranny. I got it back in early 06 when NOBODY had a 4r70 for the S197 - let alone with a brake.

Art Carr (which we know is not really 'art carr' but his name) prototyped mine from an AOD housing. I have noticed that they did not ever go into production on these things and sell them so it does make one wonder. So, I obviously can't speak for all 4r70's but as for mine - it worked great for 600 hp, but once I got into the big numbers - it just hasn't held up too great.

Like I said, I expect things to happen to it standing on a brake at the track every week, however, I just don't think this one is cutting it for my abuse. The converter thing is getting really annying too and I'm running out of vendors to try for a converter that works. No matter how tight I have had them made, every single one of them has slipped to 4200+ almost from day one of install. (I had the last 10" one stalled at 2800)

I am floating the car right now at 6K rpm in 3rd gear only and everything else looks good and works fine so it looks like it's the converter and/or 3rd gear showing signs of going. No matter what though - this converter slipped off the chart from day one (as did all the others)

So for me, that is why I just said fuck it - and got the turbo 400. Will I miss OD? Absolutely. In fact, I could have gotten a turbo 400 with an OD but was warned they are not as strong so didn't want to chance it and have the same thing all over again with a different name on it.

So, with regret, I am sacrificing the OD but no, I didn't want to - I'd much rather have an OD but what had to choose, ya know? and I choose fast and strong...

 

[ChevyKiller]

This is not directed at anyone in particular.....but why does everyone here give mark such a hard time about changing shit. If hes not happy, or wants to go faster, or wants to go a different direction, awesome. More power to you. Almost everyone here say changed there mind or moved to a different power added or trans. I think there is a little jealousy when it comes to the Chevy Killer.

I give you props Mark you handle all the critics well. Make it the way you want, thats what racing and hot roding is all about.
Rant done.

I'm just an average Joe, but I do find it interesting that JDM changed the way they build heads, Powerhouse changed the way they make turbos, and 4r70's became available for our cars right after I tested their shit to the limits on my car. It doesn't mean I'm 'special' - hell - if anything it means I'm an impatient fuck and can't wait for shit to put on my car - but behind the scenes, I'd bet money there are quite a few people who are glad I tried to do some of the crazy shit I have with my car to see what the hell works on a street S197 and what doesn't...

 

[GI Joe]

Well I know you are now set on the continental but just for the future keep this thought in your databank "Circle D...carbon fiber"

In all fairness, I have to look at my specific tranny. I got it back in early 06 when NOBODY had a 4r70 for the S197 - let alone with a brake.

Art Carr (which we know is not really 'art carr' but his name) prototyped mine from an AOD housing. I have noticed that they did not ever go into production on these things and sell them so it does make one wonder. So, I obviously can't speak for all 4r70's but as for mine - it worked great for 600 hp, but once I got into the big numbers - it just hasn't held up too great.

Like I said, I expect things to happen to it standing on a brake at the track every week, however, I just don't think this one is cutting it for my abuse. The converter thing is getting really annying too and I'm running out of vendors to try for a converter that works. No matter how tight I have had them made, every single one of them has slipped to 4200+ almost from day one of install. (I had the last 10" one stalled at 2800)

I am floating the car right now at 6K rpm in 3rd gear only and everything else looks good and works fine so it looks like it's the converter and/or 3rd gear showing signs of going. No matter what though - this converter slipped off the chart from day one (as did all the others)

So for me, that is why I just said fuck it - and got the turbo 400. Will I miss OD? Absolutely. In fact, I could have gotten a turbo 400 with an OD but was warned they are not as strong so didn't want to chance it and have the same thing all over again with a different name on it.

So, with regret, I am sacrificing the OD but no, I didn't want to - I'd much rather have an OD but what had to choose, ya know? and I choose fast and strong...

 

[ChevyKiller]

Well I know you are now set on the continental but just for the future keep this thought in your databank "Circle D...carbon fiber"

Oh they are bad ass no doubt and that is in the old mental file...lol

Just that Mike's has been working with the continental for a long time on a lot of set-ups and have had success with them so I'll give it go.

Mike is warranty this trans for 2000 hp - so he can put whatever the hell he wants to in there...lol

 

[GI Joe]

Oh they are bad ass no doubt and that is in the old mental file...lol

Just that Mike's has been working with the continental for a long time on a lot of set-ups and have had success with them so I'll give it go.

Mike is warranty this trans for 2000 hp - so he can put whatever the hell he wants to in there...lol

well thats why I asked if mine dont hold up I may be in that same boat. I hear that the transmission factory builds a badass turbo hydromatic 400 also.
Let hope yo shiz hold up or else you'll be looking for a glide...lol

 

[ChevyKiller]

Yep - I've heard they build some nice shit - but Mikes is local so it's +

Like I said, 2000 HP warranty - this thing BETTER hold up or you're right - a damn pro-shifted glide will go in there next. Or maybe I'll take out a mortage and get a liberty...

 

[05stroker]

I'm just an average Joe, but I do find it interesting that JDM changed the way they build heads, Powerhouse changed the way they make turbos, and 4r70's became available for our cars right after I tested their shit to the limits on my car. It doesn't mean I'm 'special' - hell - if anything it means I'm an impatient fuck and can't wait for shit to put on my car - but behind the scenes, I'd bet money there are quite a few people who are glad I tried to do some of the crazy shit I have with my car to see what the hell works on a street S197 and what doesn't...

Thats no shit ! It sucks trying new shit just to do it , and it cost to do it, but if what you want is not avalible then this is what you do . I for one say hats off Mark ! Do what you feel is going to get you to were you want to go ! You know what they say about opinons anyhow. Good luck and power on bro!

 

[ChevyKiller]

Thats no shit ! It sucks trying new shit just to do it , and it cost to do it, but if what you want is not avalible then this is what you do . I for one say hats off Mark ! Do what you feel is going to get you to were you want to go ! You know what they say about opinons anyhow. Good luck and power on bro!

Thanks bro...

I think what cracks me up the most is this 'illusion' that I seem to try new shit at random and wholesale off perfectly good working shit... Just the tranny - for example - I have been working and tweaking with since feb. of 06 - almost 3 friggin' years! (long before any of you even considered a 4r70) It's not a 'random whim' to go with a better trans - it's trial and error and just accepting reality that I have outgrown this trans.

As far as changing shit - anyone who cries about wanting to go faster is a bench racer pure and simple. Not a single person who actually races their car will say they don't want to go faster... it's like crack. The only difference is what you can afford to do - not the desire to do it.

It baffles me since 90% of the shit I have changed or tried on my car was done when the original part blew up or didn't work...lol

Seems to me the people who might have cause to put that shit into people's heads are the people who's shit blew up or didn't work on my car...

Bottom line - there is ALWAYS more to the story then what you are told from one side...

 

[ChevyKiller]

WTF was this thread about again?

Oh yea - the new trans. I don't need no stinking 6000+ in 3rd gear for the 1/8 - I think I will go to Irwindale tomorrow...

 

[05stroker]

Thanks bro...

I think what cracks me up the most is this 'illusion' that I seem to try new shit at random and wholesale off perfectly good working shit... Just the tranny - for example - I have been working and tweaking with since feb. of 06 - almost 3 friggin' years! (long before any of you even considered a 4r70) It's not a 'random whim' to go with a better trans - it's trial and error and just accepting reality that I have outgrown this trans.

As far as changing shit - anyone who cries about wanting to go faster is a bench racer pure and simple. Not a single person who actually races their car will say they don't want to go faster... it's like crack. The only difference is what you can afford to do - not the desire to do it.

It baffles me since 90% of the shit I have changed or tried on my car was done when the original part blew up or didn't work...lol

Seems to me the people who might have cause to put that shit into people's heads are the people who's shit blew up or didn't work on my car...

Bottom line - there is ALWAYS more to the story then what you are told from one side...

Very true . Most of us will never know "the real story" of what most of the shops do. And like I have said before everone has different goals they are trying to get to . Hell how many thought I could pull a 1.58 60 on 20s ! I didnt! But Im not a racer I just like to go fast and will do some raceing but the key for me is the rush, if it makes me shake and Im not scared then the goal was made. LOL!

 

[Eric298]

Thanks bro...

I think what cracks me up the most is this 'illusion' that I seem to try new shit at random and wholesale off perfectly good working shit... Just the tranny - for example - I have been working and tweaking with since feb. of 06 - almost 3 friggin' years! (long before any of you even considered a 4r70) It's not a 'random whim' to go with a better trans - it's trial and error and just accepting reality that I have outgrown this trans.

As far as changing shit - anyone who cries about wanting to go faster is a bench racer pure and simple. Not a single person who actually races their car will say they don't want to go faster... it's like crack. The only difference is what you can afford to do - not the desire to do it.

It baffles me since 90% of the shit I have changed or tried on my car was done when the original part blew up or didn't work...lol

Seems to me the people who might have cause to put that shit into people's heads are the people who's shit blew up or didn't work on my car...

Bottom line - there is ALWAYS more to the story then what you are told from one side...

You know I have been following your progress of your car watching you go through all sorts of parts trying new things and such and breaking them and repairing etc and I have never really said anything about you or your car but I will say something right now. You are the man, seriously my hats off to you.

Only a fool would think you would just sell perfectly working parts at a fraction of the price just because you want to try something new.
I know what its like buying new stuff that nobody ever tried for trial and error and when stuff breaks you get something new
I used to do the same thing you do when i was racing two strokes. People say to me why you selling it so cheap? all I can say is " youll find out when you get there"

I for one as im sure many others are glad you have done what you did to your car so we know what works and doesnt and your build has helped me form my own. Like someone else said power on brother keep us updated!