If you are contemplating putting a trans brake in your C4, I hope the trans has been built to withstand the abuse.....................personally I would recommend either www.MikesTransmission.com or www.performanceautomatic.com These guys are two of the best in the business............I have used both their components and transmissions. I currently have on of Mike's drag Powerglides and it has been in use for some 8 years without any issues. It is going down for a refresh/rebuild at the end of this race season. IMHO
Anyone have a Redneck or TCI brake? Any issues? PA wants big $ for thiers so im wondering is it "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR" deal or what?
I have used both of these products/transmissions and never had any issues.............................when purchasing racing components and you want them to last....................................you really only get what you pay for......................if you don't pay up front, you will pay in the end. Sorry, I didn't mean to get up on my soap box, but why do people want to cut corners on such critical components??????????????????????? IMHO
I agree with your statement about cutting corners, but is PA's Transbrake VB better than TCI's or Redneck's VB? Almost twice the money so this is why I'm checking before the purchase...racers know better...I hope? lol And also yes I have the low drag gear set 6 pinion, HD servo and hardened Input shaft. 8" 5000 with Balloon plates so it's ready!
OK, the reason that PA's prices is higher than everyone elses is that they have completely redesigned the Valve Body..............made it out of billet aluminum..................while TCI and even Mike's Transmission uses the stock Valve Body and modifies it to work with their extention plate. Is this worth almost half the price.....................if I were you, I'd call and talk with Mike's Transmission and then call and talk with the guys at PA.......... listen to what they have to say and ask questions...............then make up your mind........................IMHO
I don't know about the c4's but on the powerglides, the all aluminum valve bodies werent' the greatest. When there is heat in the transmission the valves tend to stick in the aluminum bores. Most PG VB's use cast iron. Heavy but they work.
I have to say that you don't always get what you pay for. I bought a Super Comp C4 (the best one they offer) from P/A for my Fairlane. I only have 2,500 miles on it and have had 2 minor and one major repair. Sure they have a lifetime guarantee, but you have to pay shipping both ways and coupled with the wait time, I opted to have the repairs done locally at my expense. The first problem occurred the first time I went to the track and it wouldn't back up. The reverse servo piston wasn't sealing. When I removed it, it was hard as a rock and rusty. Obviously some used piece. The second problem was a massive fluid leak. They filled the modulator prot with RTV and it cam out. I installed a press-in cap plug. The third was a Torrington bearing that came apart and ruined the drum and some other stuff. I learned my lesson and bought my Maverick C4 from Jim Paquet (JPT), I had good luck with Jim's stuff in the past and should have stuck with him.
A lot of people have been having trouble with PA and the other "big names" lately. I always recommend Jay at Broader Performance for well built autos and performance parts.
More bullsh!t from Captain C4. I've been using P/A stuff for over 10 years and never had a problem with them. C4, 4R70W, and now the 5R55S. Works perfectly. The aluminum valve bodies/transbrakes are killer. Very rigid, excellent release times too. To the OP....call P/A back, ask for Harvey, and tell him S.D. Wheeler sent you.
