Trans Controller

[wagonwes]

Hey guys,

this is my first post here! I do not have a Syclone or Typhoon, but I have a 2000 Blazer (LS 4x4 2 door) that I am converting to AWD soon. I am almost ready to start the build. I have been researching for quite a while.

I am going to be getting a 4472 out of a Bravada because I need the 32 spline outputs, otherwise I would go find one from an Astro Van. The motor is going to be a carbed 383 stroker with about 550Hp/Tq. I am wanting to go with a 4L80E (with lock up TC) because I am going to be racing it pretty hard. I don't feel to comfortable with a 700R4 just because it seems the opportunity for failure is higher, and I don't have the money to screw anything major up.

What I am wondering is what transmission controller is the best for the money. It seems like a lot of people really like the PCS, and not the TCI. Right now there is a TCI on ebay that comes with the harness (link- TCI Controller.) I talked to the guy and he said it was in his Vette but never hooked up- it is like new. I believe that the reserve is set for a fair price like 500 bucks or less. Do you guys strongly dislike these controllers, or would it be an okay choice for the money. I know that the software is way better on the PCS, but I feel like I could not fully utilize all the features.

Tell me what you think,

Wes

 

[wagonwes]

Re: Trans Controller

Bump

Come on guys, I know someone has experience with this.

Thanks

 

[George Blake]

Re: Trans Controller

The new TCI style is a purpose built PCS unit. Plug and play.
The old style TCI was much simpler whereas the pcs/tci unit is VERY flexible.

Either one will do fine though for most. Whichever unit you get, remember, greater duty cycle is NOT pressure. A couple guys on here figured that out too late. More duty cycle means your blowing off more pressure. Less pressure=burnt clutches.

 

[JSM]

Re: Trans Controller

As I just posted in MKings thread, I am becoming a non fan of the TCI all for reliablility purposes. When it works it is fine, but they seem to be dieing rather quickly for a lot of owners.

The new TCI which as George said is a PCS should be a lot better. I went PCS myself as I felt the few hundred bucks was worth a lot more features and hopefully reliability.

 

[George Blake]

Re: Trans Controller

That unit on ebay was built back in 2003. I would definitely look elsewhere.

 

[wagonwes]

Re: Trans Controller

So it seems that I should save myself the hassle and get the PCS. I have never used a TCU so I am not sure what is good and what's not. Looks like I will end up shelling out the extra $$$ for the better equipment. Thanks guys.

Wes

 

[George Blake]

Re: Trans Controller

I recommend the TCI TCU(The NEW version RED color which is actually made by PCS is the only one you can get). It comes with purpose built software and cable.

The PCS unit(BLUE color) comes direct from PCS has some more "crunch" factor. Different versions of software, cables, etc. The TCI unit makes it a no brainer.

 

[wagonwes]

Re: Trans Controller

I guess that sounds good then. Thanks much.

Oh, I know this is a dumb question but are you still selling those 32 spline input shafts for the 4472? I am gonna need one eventually.

Thanks,

Wes

I recommend the TCI TCU(The NEW version RED color which is actually made by PCS is the only one you can get). It comes with purpose built software and cable.

The PCS unit(BLUE color) comes direct from PCS has some more "crunch" factor. Different versions of software, cables, etc. The TCI unit makes it a no brainer.

 

[George Blake]

Re: Trans Controller

I'm holding the last one for a gentleman that called me last week. As soon as the crossmembers come in, I'll be sending out his kit along with the last input shaft.

 

[George Blake]

Re: Trans Controller

I hate to sound like I'm hammering the old TCI TCU's. The problems have been with ebay/used units. There is no telling the history of a used unit. You'd be surprised how many I've seen bolted to the UNDERSIDE of a car. Just wiping one off doesn't fix that kind of environmental abuse.

 

[dgoodhue]

Re: Trans Controller

The motor is going to be a carbed 383 stroker with about 550Hp/Tq. I am wanting to go with a 4L80E (with lock up TC) because I am going to be racing it pretty hard. I don't feel to comfortable with a 700R4 just because it seems the opportunity for failure is higher, and I don't have the money to screw anything major up.

Unless your doing something really exotic with a carbed 383 and not using N2O, it will be making more like 400-450ft-lbs torque. Even with the long tube FI intakes (ie good for torque) they don't usually make 500ft-lbs.

 

[wagonwes]

Re: Trans Controller

Unless your doing something really exotic with a carbed 383 and not using N2O, it will be making more like 400-450ft-lbs torque. Even with the long tube FI intakes (ie good for torque) they don't usually make 500ft-lbs.

The motor is prolly going to be around 11 or 11.5 to 1 with AFR heads and rev kit, dual plane intake, 244/252 @.050 108ish LSA cam, short tube heads to clear trans?, and 700cfm carb most likely with vacuum secondaries. The heads will have full roller rockers, stainless valves, titanium retainers, and hardened valve locks.

The reason I picked those numbers is becuase I figured that my motor could never make it over that. I wanted to calculate the worst case scenario (more hp and tq.)

Wes

 

[wagonwes]

Re: Trans Controller

I hate to sound like I'm hammering the old TCI TCU's. The problems have been with ebay/used units. There is no telling the history of a used unit. You'd be surprised how many I've seen bolted to the UNDERSIDE of a car. Just wiping one off doesn't fix that kind of environmental abuse.

I understand, that all makes sense. Do you have any plans for making more input shafts in the future? If not, there are really no other options are there?

Wes

 

[George Blake]

Re: Trans Controller

It depends on demand. If I do another batch, I'll have to go get a pretty large loan and do it that way. It takes about 3-4 months from beginning to end and the only way I'll be able to have them in stock is to set a bunch on the shelf. Other than that, no. Unless you want to go to a 208 and keep it in 4 hi. The big ass 241 boxes are just too big and won't fit without body mods. The 241 has multiple options for 32 spline vs 27 spline inputs as the entire input shaft area can be unbolted from the front of the case to accomodate different sized shafts.

I understand, that all makes sense. Do you have any plans for making more input shafts in the future? If not, there are really no other options are there?

Wes

 

[George Blake]

Re: Trans Controller

Go here if you want to go to the 208:

http://www.autosourceofnh.com/Transfer%20Cases.htm
Look down on the left hand side. There's a good pic of the driver's side drop setup. Make sure you don't get one that's electronically shifted. You can put it in 4 high and leave it there. This is a big case but it's aluminum so it should be easier to handle if you decide to go this route. 205's are readily available but you'll have to converter to 32 spline input more than likely. This one has a cast iron case.

If you decide to go with a 241, get the HD version. That bitch has a HUGE 6 pinion planetary in the front of the case. Freakin monster. I built a couple of those before the big storm and they are impressive. But they are big. holds 5 quarts of transmission fluid! Ours holds just a little over 1 quart for comparison.