Transbrake Question
 

I am running a TCI TH400 trans (212300) with a Reverse Valve Body and using a TCI Transbrake (221300)

When I backup should I being pushing in the Transbrake Button while in Neutral to do so or can I use Reverse gear?

I have been using reverse gear in the past but recently read its bad to do. I asked TCI via their tech form giving them the same info and the answer I received was "it would be determining on your valvebody". Not very helpful or written well. :confused:

Thanks for always answering my basic questions:)

i have never seen a th400 that required push button for reverse. (only pro tree powerglides). the ones i have owned you just put the shifter in reverse independent of the trans brake button. infact make sure you can not hit the button when you are in reverse.

I run a T400 with aluminum J & W trans brake valve body and hitting the button is required for reverse. Its the way it was made, no issues. Works great.
My shifter needs to be in reverse too for it to work while I hit the button.

Not sure which TCI brake you have. When I looked up that number it was for the solenoid. Anyway, I have an old style TCI in my 400 and the instructions specifically said to use neutral and the brake button to go into reverse. If its a newer one that's different I don't know.

I guess I don't know either Jack unfortunately. This is the Trans we put in the car in 2012

https://www.tciauto.com/drag-race-th...v3Fk_xeT5af7jI

which uses the Transbrake Solenoid 221300 and a button on the dash. Have never had any issues although car only has about 60 1/8 mile passes on it.

Car pushed through the Transbrake on the line all 3 times we tried to make a pass this last weekend which got me to investigating transbrakes and saw the comments about reverse (although not related to this past weekends issue) thus the inquiry.

hmm my tci must have been old. i think i have whatever hutch sells in my car now it does not use the button for reverse
as far as puchong through thr line try increasing yur rpm before engaging trans brake, more line pressure

Thanks mysticmissile for the advice. I am going to check my line pressure just to make sure everything is in line plus have a baseline for future reference. Hopefully it was a low fluid issue. Read full after replacing the stall converter over the winter but discovered it was low after the second run. Added a quart but still pushed through the brake although not as bad. Needed another quart to get it to full back at home. Hopefully test the brake tomorrow.

Most modern brakes need to have the shifter in reverse and push the button to engage reverse. Some older units did need to be in neutral. My Griner equipped 400 had to be in reverse plus pushing the button.

You really need to know what valve body is used in the Tranny. Strange TCI could not give you an answer. If you remove the tranny pan, there is usually a number on the valve body for reference. I just went to TCI website and was looking at Part # 221580 valve body, and could not locate the installation instruction. Hmmm, that's frustrating. Any wonder they can't help you.

Thanks for all the information and thoughts guys.
Will check what Valve Body the trans has the next time the pan is off (hopefully not for a while) to be better informed.

Definitely wouldn't buy another TCI trans in the future given their lack of tech help and knowledge of their own products, at least in this experience. Guess I will just keep using Reverse gear for backing up for now.

On a somewhat related note, after getting the transmission to the correct fluid level the Transbrake did hold the car in my driveway at 4,000 rpm on 2 seperate tests.

Just a follow up

Running a TCI TH400 trans (212300) with a Reverse Valve Body and a TCI Transbrake solenoid (p/n unknown).

It would appear that it is best to only use Reverse via pushing in the Transbrake button while in neutral to backup.

At idle my line pressures were basically 205 including when on the Transbrake except for Reverse which was only 75 psi. At 2,000 rpm my line pressures were 215 including the Transbrake and reverse was 180. TCI recommends between 180-200 at 2,000 rpm.

From a line pressure standpoint, using Neutral and engaging the Transbrake button appears to be the best for backing up. There was an explanation on Yellow Bullet as to why Reverse at idle is low on a TCI but now I cant find it.

I have Old TCI trans brake 1990's and I would like to know if there is a difference as I just put it in neutral or reverse - I don't pay attention.
Thanks, Craig

A friend asked FTI about this. Was told if its a sportman type brake, you can use reverse gear. If its a pro brake, use neutral and the button. It all depends on fluid volume through the brake.

I always use the gear. Not sure who makes the brake I'm using, but its over 20 years old and never gave me a problem.

You want a trans brake or any T400 PG stuff. Give J& W a call. My brake has been flawless. A lot of the aftermarket drums ect came from them and were copied by other US manufacturers.
The owner is great, you can call him and ask him trans building questions and always tells me call him back and he will help.
He even helped me with questions about my center support, direct and forward drums that did not come from him. Great guy, he knows A LOT and is willing to help.