BTR auto - strengthening options?

DoreSlamR · 24-05-2007, 07:55 PM

Hey guys,
My gearbox has given up the ghost on my V8 ute, slips and clunks through second and third gears and won't go into fourth.
I took it to ford to get it diagnosed, they basically told me it will need an exchange gearbox. Cost $3000..no thanks!

So my next option was a manual conversion, i have called just about every wrecker in the state, and get the same result: "sorry mate, don't see too may of these come through"
Seems V8 manual boxes are as rare as hens teeth.

So i go to plan B, get my current auto rebuilt, but also strengthen it while its in bits. I've only called one place so far and they are of the opinion that the BTR can't be strengthened at all, they say a lot of places take the **** when people ask for these gearboxes to be strengthened. So is this guy know what he's talking about? I'm pretty sure i've heard of one or two forum members here getting their BTR strengthened.

I'd like to hear what people have had done to their boxes and maybe some reccomendations to a good transmission specialist in WA?

Thanks for any help!

boostedba · 24-05-2007, 08:00 PM

i went through the exact same as you, my auto shat itself, went to find a manual for v8, too hard to get and about 2500 if lucky to find, got my auto strenghened with a shift kit and kevlar bands, no regrets yet

Casper · 24-05-2007, 08:25 PM

Yes, they can be strengthened. I know this for a fact.

just me · 24-05-2007, 08:39 PM

at work i have built a few stregthened BTR's it can be done that guy you talked to does'nt no what he is on about kevlar bands are one thing also high energy frictions high strength drums different solenoids and a few other tricks of the trade so it definately can be done $3000 is alot for a change over to we charge around 2200 fitted with a new torque converter,solenoids,frictions,kevlar bands, and a full gasket and seal kit so shop around a bit more keep us posted
cheers

sly · 24-05-2007, 08:45 PM

Mal Wood (in Brisbane?) seems to be the duck's proverbial for manual conversions. You're not limited to the factory V8 box. You could fit a Tremec 5 or 6 speed, a T56 or possibly one of the stronger Supra boxes. You might find it hard to source an ECU for a manual though (you have to either change the computer or wire yours up to think its always in neutral AFAIK).

If you go this way though you'll think $3000 is cheap by the time you finish...

Lukeyson · 24-05-2007, 08:50 PM

i have wondered re: strengthening the BTW was possible, and the local transmission bloke said you cant, and forum guys have had it done.
i will have to enquire further.

what kind of torque roughly could a strengthened BTR be good for ?

Casper · 24-05-2007, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR8fella

i have wondered re: strengthening the BTW was possible, and the local transmission bloke said you cant, and forum guys have had it done.
i will have to enquire further.

what kind of torque roughly could a strengthened BTR be good for ?

Cams290 has one behind his 290rwkw Pursuit ute.. I'm guessing its good for 600+Nm.

DoreSlamR · 24-05-2007, 09:24 PM

Shame i'm not in Queensland, I've heard of Mal Wood before..just need to find someone like that in WA. I dont really want to spend more than $3k.

DavesXr8 · 24-05-2007, 10:32 PM

Give simon at allfast a call he can build a tough BTR for you.
92493006.

Dave

sly · 24-05-2007, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoreSlamR

Shame i'm not in Queensland, I've heard of Mal Wood before..just need to find someone like that in WA. I dont really want to spend more than $3k.

AFAIK they'll ship complete conversion kits anywhere in Aust. Would be worth a call to see what they can do & if any options are in your price range.

atec77 · 24-05-2007, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoreSlamR

Shame i'm not in Queensland, I've heard of Mal Wood before..just need to find someone like that in WA. I dont really want to spend more than $3k.

Google for the kevlar bands or check in the mustang forums , should be under 2k in parts imported and good for anything you will need .good luck

qikaz · 24-05-2007, 11:09 PM

the btr 4 speed is only good for 450 hp at the drive plate, any more and you should put in a 3 speed c10

wodahs · 24-05-2007, 11:13 PM

time for me to look deeper in to this aswell

BLACKAUXR8 · 24-05-2007, 11:48 PM

As sly said Mal woods in brisbane is one of the best around for manual conversions. I priced a few and your looking at around 4500 to fit a 5 speed and upwards of 10,000 for a tremec. And its only 15,000 to get a hollinger out of the v8 supercars. Haha. Might be a little overkill though

sly · 25-05-2007, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qikaz

the btr 4 speed is only good for 450 hp at the drive plate, any more and you should put in a 3 speed c10

That's roughly 330kW? I shouldn't go over that with a Powerdyne on an I6 then. I'll keep saving...

xr8ute · 25-05-2007, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sly

That's roughly 330kW? I shouldn't go over that with a Powerdyne on an I6 then. I'll keep saving...

Which Powerdyne head unit do you plan on using? I dont think the BD-11a will support that much power anyway...

Hibbz · 25-05-2007, 02:21 PM

i have been told a powerdyne can reach 250rwks with the right fuel mods, Full 3" exhaust system including extractors and cat and a good custom tune.

Thanks Jake

Hibbz · 25-05-2007, 02:55 PM

forgot to add a nice cam too.

thanks jake

xr8ute · 25-05-2007, 02:56 PM

Thats probably close to the money for a well optimised setup, and a safe tune (pump fuel etc...)

250rwkw is somewhat short of 330fwkw though IMO.

StealthAu · 25-05-2007, 03:51 PM

Yeah, and as he said he shouldn't exceed 330fwkw's.

**Stav** · 25-05-2007, 04:03 PM

Mate.I had my s5 solenoid replaced today.My car drove nice under light to medium throttle but under full throttle it would rev right out and explode into the next gear. Everyone else told me to get a new box..I am lucky I know of the honest blokes from the transmission centre in Fairfield on Hamilton street.It cost me 400 with a transmission flush.
Get a few opinions is my advice.

The auto boxes cannot be strengthened much more than kevlar bands and better clutches. The drums still explode just the same and the solenoids die just the same. the au box was originally from the mazzeratis so I do believe they can handle alot more power than people think.Its more the jarring and burnouts which destroy gearboxes despite popular forum belief.

honer · 25-05-2007, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavesXr8

Give simon at allfast a call he can build a tough BTR for you.
92493006.

Dave

^^^ What he said !

DoreSlamR · 25-05-2007, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavesXr8

Give simon at allfast a call he can build a tough BTR for you.
92493006.

Dave

That number is actually a fax number of sorts...but i found their number... 92493060...so i tried that number no answer, i shall try next week

Thanks for the responses guys.

sly · 25-05-2007, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xr8ute

Which Powerdyne head unit do you plan on using? I dont think the BD-11a will support that much power anyway...

Whatever comes standard in the CAPA kit. Might be some way off now, I think I might have found someone local who can do a custom flash tune so I'm tempted to resurrect the Crow cam and see if it works better with an edit than it did with the Chiptorque.

In any case my tranny has 309,000k's up. Touch wood no probs yet but I'm tempted to do a stally, cooler, bands and dipstick with a service just in case the cam works. If not, it'll be ready for the blower

DavesXr8 · 25-05-2007, 09:11 PM

Sorry dude i typed the wrong # this is the proper # 92493066. and the # you put
Web www.allfast.com.au
Dave

sly · 25-05-2007, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stav

the au box was originally from the mazzeratis so I do believe they can handle alot more power than people think.Its more the jarring and burnouts which destroy gearboxes despite popular forum belief.

AFAIK 1st to 3rd are the same ratios as the old Borg-Warner Aussie 3-speed, with 4th being some kind of overdrive hung off the back like the old-fashioned (1960's) aftermarket overdrives for British cars - "Laycock" was 1 brand IIRC (shows age).

"Shock loading" I think is what they call it, the lack of mechanical sympathy (ie hard kickdowns and burnouts) that destroys gearboxes and diffs... but aren't they just so much fun!

DoreSlamR · 25-05-2007, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavesXr8

Sorry dude i typed the wrong # this is the proper # 92493066. and the # you put
Web www.allfast.com.au
Dave

honest mistake

thanks mate!

**Mechan1k** · 26-05-2007, 01:50 PM

Have had mine rebuilt .... the box was originially meant for an I6 AU engine with a Vortech bolted to it.

I bought the box when the other guy couldn't afford it ... best thing I did ... it was built to handle approx 300fwkw (what the transmission shop specced the box to be) ... has built many for taxi's as well to last a LONG time. Also built them for boosted Falcons without issues.

I am still running my standard converter though (load carrying and towing) ... and running an auxilliary transcooler as well for longevity.

Trans shifting is sooo much better ... and the line pressure is adjustable (solenoid is adjustable) ... no harsh shifting ... but firm and positive. The harder you push as well .. the more positive it is (still quiet and smooth though ... no bangs/clunks).

Cost me around the $2200 mark inc. fitting and fluid.

JamesRichardson · 17-06-2023, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

I bought the box when the other guy couldn't afford it ... best thing I did ... it was built to handle approx 300fwkw (what the transmission shop specced the box to be) ... has built many for taxi's as well to last a LONG time. Also built them for boosted Falcons without issues.

I apologise for reviving an old thread, but, if you see this message, would you mind sharing who did the work?