A couple of questions about the swap.

1. Anyone using the "Superbell"? If not, any other ideas on an SFI approved setup.

2. What shifter are you using? Any comments about it? I am worried about the shift lever interferring with the electronics I have mounted in the "cubby hole" at the front of the console. Also interferring with the airbag control sensor module.

3. How about tranny dipstick choices?

4. As far as a transmission cooler goes, what are you using and where is it mounted?

5. How did you deal with the PCM programming?

6. I have almost decided on a tranny from Carl Rossler. Any comments.

Thanks in advance!

Rich Krause

 

I'm in the process of coverting from a m5 to turbo400.

1. I went with an "ultra bell" SFI approved

2. B&M Hammer shifter, need to weld a bracket but fits into the stock stick shift console.

3.Summit LOD-TD-3400TM dip stick.

4. B&M trans cooler BMM70266 11"X8"

5. No programming needed 'cause I have a stick shift car

6. I went with a recommended local trans guy. He does a lot of drag racing work. Turbo 400 , full manual valve body, reverse pattern. This is good for 900hp. Way overkill for my car but leaves room for future enging upgrades. The ultra bell will fit BOP applications so the trans may one day end up in my goat.

 

Kazman: thank you very much! Where did you get the "Ultrabell"?

Rich

 

I am swapping to a TH400.
I have a B&M pro stick already in the car. Had to raise it 2" to fit the stock auto console,and even with the 4 speed gateplate it doesnt interfere with the hvac or radio.


Jegs sells the Ultrabell for around $200.

 

It was included by my tranny guy.

 

Ultrabells can be found at http://www.auto2000.com/jw/

You don't "need" an ultrabell or any other flexplate shield until the car runs quicker than 9.99 in the 1/4 or faster than 135 mph. Usually an Ultrabell is used if you're constantly breaking bellhousings.

A tranny shield is required at 10.99 and quicker.

The Ultrabell only replaces the factory bellhousing. You'll still need a tranny shield. You can buy a one piece Kevlar tranny shield/flexplate shield for the price of an Ultrabell. Although it's not required until you run very quick, it's still a good investment in case your transmission explodes.

I used to use a B&M Megashifter but didn't like the way it worked. I now use a B&M Pro Ratchet.

 

Happily, I'm already going that fast!

Thanks for the heads up about the shifter.

Rich Krause

 

I swapping to a TH400 with custom gears an aluminum clutch drum, manual valve body, tranny brake. I use a Band M console ratchet shifter. I made a custom plate to hold the top tranny mount. If memory serves the crossbrace is in the same place. Now I have a question, if you are running 9.99 what are you using for fuel pumps with your nitrous.

 

Not quite that fast yet. 10.66 @ 135. Current fuel system is a 255lph Bosch intank with a Kenne Bell "Boost-a-Pump", stock lines. I will likely have to upgrade this year.

Rich Krause

 

now thats a neat trick,22 posts at the same time.

 

How did that happen happen happen happen happen happen happen happen happen happen happen happen happen happen happen happen

Rich Krause

 

These are great replies, that'll help me out when I swap to the TH400 by the end of the month. But I still have a couple of questions.

1. I thought the bell housing on the TH400 was one whole piece with the rest of the tranny?

2. Other than using the reluctor and sensor on the TH400, can you use the front ABS signal to run the speedo? I read this on the LT1 Edit message board.

3. Fred, how hard was it to mount the Turbo Action shifter? That's the one I'll be buying

Thanks,

Jody J.

 

It is....when you use an ultrabell you actually have to cut away the bellhousing portion of the case and bolt on the ultrabell. It uses the front pump bolts to secure it.

Clear things up?

 

I thought mounting the Turbo Action shifter was a total pain in the ***. It took alot of trial and error to get just the right elevation so the console would fit correctly. I forget how long it took, but I was thoroughly sick of it when I finally got done. I bought an M6 shifter plate, then took the boot out of it and put it in my A4 shifter plate.. It looks good, better than the pictures show, really.

Here's some pics of the install: http://turbocharged.net/twinturbo/shifter/

The shifter is awesome though, I wouldn't trade it for any other.

 

I thought the Ultra Bell took the place of a shield? As for buying one, the lowest price I found was @ Jeg's.

I also went w/ the B&M Pro Ratchet and a 153-tooth ext. balanced flywheel. I think the PN was 20238. I can look at my bill from Jegs. I also got my dipstick from Madman.