Staging with a trans brake.

JoshH

Daggum farm truck
Staff member
Vendor/Sponsor
Feb 14, 2007
13,736
806
113
Texas!!!
I know I'm probably the only one here that is running one, but I figured I'd post this up in case it becomes more popular. I had a difficult time staging last year with the trans brake. Finally at the end of the year we got a Bump Box from Davis Technologies, and that really helped a bunch. What it does is sends a really quick pulse to let release and reapply the brake so you can build boost on the brake in pre-stage and then bump into full stage while still on the brake. Because a trans brake doesn't load the driveline, the vehicle rocks back and forth a little as the backlash in the rear and little bit of clearances in all the drivetrain components tightens up and releases. There were a couple of times I bumped into the stage beams to have it rock back out. Davis Technologies recommends you install a line lock on the rear brakes to prevent the rocking. I finally installed one tonight, and I must say, it really smoothed out the bump in. I'm looking forward to using this bump box and trans brake this year. I think it will be a lot more consistent than foot braking. I wish I had a two step. I may play around with the brake torque limiting to see what I can come up with. Anyway, I just wanted to put it out there in case anyone is looking for info in the future.
 

RPM Motorsports

smokinum
May 13, 2008
3,271
10
38
Central Valley Ca.
Nope, your not the only one ;) . The Chevelle is running an XP5 with lockup. We are still trying to figure out tuning issues (surging at about 300' out, not dual fueler related), but after three re-stalls on the converter, it finally feels tight enough. Hoping to get the tuning figured out soon, so we can start abusing the Trans.
 

JoshH

Daggum farm truck
Staff member
Vendor/Sponsor
Feb 14, 2007
13,736
806
113
Texas!!!
I forgot about the Chevelle. You guys are running a gear vendors OD unit with it also, correct?