Repower LB7 and Duraflite

[S Phinney]

I looking into putting my engine into a SB 2wd truck with all the necessary upgrades to get everything out of it. For the guys using a duraflite tranny, what are your opinions on the quality and reliability of the Duraflite? For the guys that have done repowers, was there anything special that I need to consider when choosing the right truck? i am considering a 01-07 2wd 1500 vs a 2wd 2500 and cutting it down to run it as a short bed. Any input is greatly appreciated as it is very important to do it right the first time.
Thanks Shane

 

[TheBac]

Start with a 4wd 1500 and remove the front diff if you really want a 2wd. DO NOT use a 2wd frame. The rack and pinion height on the 2wd frame will cause you headaches.

 

[paint94979]

Don't spend the money on the POS PCS controller make sure you run a manual VB

 

[mike diesel]

What kind of reliability are you looking for? Manual valve body is going to suck to drive around.

 

[paint94979]

What kind of reliability are you looking for? Manual valve body is going to suck to drive around.

Umm no not really... Have you ever driven a manual transmission? Same thing just no clutch. Not to mention by going to a repowered vehicle something tells me it is an all out race vehicle so DD is of no concern.

 

[Turbo Performance]

Umm no not really... Have you ever driven a manual transmission? Same thing just no clutch. Not to mention by going to a repowered vehicle something tells me it is an all out race vehicle so DD is of no concern.

With a clutch you Know if you don't press the pedal in and go to neutral or the right gear you're going to stall out. A manual VB in my experience is a lot easier to forget a downshift at a light and try to leave in high gear before realizing it. It's just a different mindset. I found myself having to consciously think about downshifting at lights especially after extended highway driving. Not to say I won't run another, just food for thought when debating between a controller and a manual VB. I also don't see why a repower has to be an all out race ride. Lots of reasons to go to a repower other than trimming tenths.

 

[03badmaxxx]

Don't spend the money on the POS PCS controller make sure you run a manual VB

The PCS is certainly not a POS, but can be a fussy little B*itch if there is any sort or electrical/ground issue. They have their place and properly set up, can really be a solid setup.

on the other hand…..

Manual VB W/ Precision air shifter is where the fun begins though :thumb:

 

[paint94979]

In my experience it isnt as simple as everyone says. After 10 or so rebuilds within a few months a manual VB was chosen and that trans took a 6500lb to 9.78. Maybe Suncoast has figured out the tuning but as of a few years ago it was not yet there.

 

[PACougar]

I want a dual clutch semi auto, Andrew you guys need to step up and convert one Shane, how extreme are you planning on going with this thing?

 

[Osubeaver]

In my experience it isnt as simple as everyone says. After 10 or so rebuilds within a few months a manual VB was chosen and that trans took a 6500lb to 9.78. Maybe Suncoast has figured out the tuning but as of a few years ago it was not yet there.

I'll just counter your experience (your buddy's right?) with my experience. Put a used Duraflite in after only changing the twisted input when I got it, and replaced the manual valve body with an auto one. Didn't even rebuild it. It works just fine with the PCS. I don't even know how many passes. Granted I'm not trying to throw 2000 or whatever HP at it- just 1000. Haven't had a single problem with it so far. Never even inspected it since.

And the ET per MPH is better than most Allisons. My truck will run 10.48 @ 128 like clockwork on the middle tune.

 

[paint94979]

I was there in person helping pull the transmission out, doing all the data logging etc... Mika tried helping us with tuning to no avail, Suncoasts tune was a no go as well. I still have the trans tuning if you wanna see it? Should have gotten trans tuning from Rob as he knew how to get the valve body to act correctly.

 

[Turbo Performance]

So is the PCS controller a POS like in your first post or was it a combination of controller tuning in its infancy, or just bad tuning altogether?

 

[paint94979]

Still never figured out what exactly went wrong as Mika sent us the tuning out of his truck which worked no problem obviously

 

[S Phinney]

I want a dual clutch semi auto, Andrew you guys need to step up and convert one Shane, how extreme are you planning on going with this thing?

I won't mess up my truck that it is in with roll cage and such. With that said if I go this route then it will have to be competitive with the best or be the best. I thinking something that consistently could run in the 8's. I know that hasn't been done consistently so that would be some hefty goals. I may not be able to do it but that is why I want to research and get the right pieces to start with and make the most of my money since nobody is giving me any bones. I believe it is very possible to best the current records and be consistent.

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[03badmaxxx]

I won't mess up my truck that it is in with roll cage and such. With that said if I go this route then it will have to be competitive with the best or be the best. I thinking something that consistently could run in the 8's. I know that hasn't been done consistently so that would be some hefty goals. I may not be able to do it but that is why I want to research and get the right pieces to start with and make the most of my money since nobody is giving me any bones. I believe it is very possible to best the current records and be consistent.

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the only truck i've ever seen "consistent" like you speak and has very little to no issues has been Stuckys truck. Max'd out would be a close 2nd mainly because it's one of the only dmax powered trucks i've seen live and it doesn't really have all the fancy high dollar shit most guys do. 8's is a nice goal, i'd worry about 10's first, then 9's, then whatever you could squeeze. it's not just all motor and trans with these times. good luck on whatever you decide

 

[S Phinney]

What kind of reliability are you looking for? Manual valve body is going to suck to drive around.

A tranny that can go rounds without breaking. I have seen Buck have a hard time keeping one together. My plans are to be light as possible and not have to go into the trans every time you turn around.

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[S Phinney]

Start with a 4wd 1500 and remove the front diff if you really want a 2wd. DO NOT use a 2wd frame. The rack and pinion height on the 2wd frame will cause you headaches.

So the rack and pinion is to high and will need relocating? That us the reason I am asking for experiences so I do not make some mistakes others have made. Thanks

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[SmokeShow]

Have you seen or thought about buying Bean's 80 model C10 drag truck? It's very light, can easily house your engine and already has a built 4r100 (same as Brett is running in his c10) has a proven chassis with good rearend, yada yada yada. Cage has 8.50 cert IIRC.

I was gonna try to buy it but found out my ol lady was pregnant 1 wk later so I bailed. LOL It's currently setup for a CR cummins but when I inquired about it, they had no problem exchanging the Dodge/4r100 adaptor for a GM/4r100 adaptor and even got them to accept to build and mount my dmax (not take care of getting it running, just physically get it mounted in the truck) if I paid asking price at the time ($15k IIRC). That's a pretty damn good roller to start with for the money.

It would need headlights and some other things re-installed to be streetable again but it does have a good title if street driving is a requirement.

 

[Potthoffdmax]

What about the 4l80, Josh is making his live. Maybe you can ask him. Your truck weight shouldn't be an issue. Not that I really know lol. Just trying to think.

 

[paint94979]

600hp/1100ftlbs is a lot different than 800-1000hp/1400-1800ftlbs though