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GTO · 12-09-2000, 07:05 PM

Are there any mods to be made to the trany before you bolt in a brake? Besides the regular stuff like Hi Perf. clutches, sprags etc.

Paul Spotts · 12-10-2000, 06:58 PM

The trans is the same but needs the special converter with the anti-balooning plate. Its a disc or ring welded at the back of the converter. I ran my reg converter and broke it when I went to the brake. I used the JW brake and it was excellent. The brake is also used with a reverse shift pattern as well. Your reaction time improves when the brake is hooked up to a 2 step or Co2 throttle control. I used the Co2 as the 2 steps are harder on cranks (yet I know guys that have used 2 steps for years with no crank failure).

nhraracer · 12-19-2000, 10:42 PM

Bracket Racer,

You're getting some real good advice here. Our car ran its first season without a brake, and could 60 ft. 1.29. With a brake (Hipster, BTW), we really didn't pick up much, but the car left much more crisply. We are now down to 1.19, but that's because of power and gear than TB. Lights are much more consistent. You will need a delay box if you're running Super Pro, otherwise you won't be competitive. Don't worry about the twelve bolt, unless you've got stock stuff inside. We run a 12 bolt with all MW and it's the lightest (fastest) combo around. No need for nine inch!!! Hope this helps, good luck!

EW
compedgeracing.com

[This message has been edited by nhraracer (edited 12-19-2000).]

Craig Berkheimer · 12-21-2002, 03:59 PM

Can anyone help answer the question GTO asked?

OMT, how's your Trans-King brake working?

Outlaw Pontiac Racers Association
"For Those Who Live The Legend"
www.outlawpontiacs.com

Old Man Taylor · 12-21-2002, 04:21 PM

Craig - I have 168 flawless runs on my trans. All but about 4 of them have been using the trans brake. My trans was first built without a brake, then I had it re-done to add the brake. That is a story of its own. I am not aware of anything done to it just because it has the brake. The only downside is how reverse works. On mine it only works with the trans brake button energized. That makes it a little hard to back up.

http://www.jimspontiac.homestead.com/Index.html

RH152 · 12-21-2002, 08:26 PM

GTOi dont build trannys but you also have to drill holes in the high gear drum to releive pressure or you can blow the snap ring out i use Select performance for my transmission worki have a turbo 400 in my 11sec firebird took it out of my grand am 5yrs ago has over 1000runs still going .use ATI converters last one had 8 yrs of use before select rebuilt it hope ths info helps

pure pontiacpowerd 86 grand am
455 eheads hyd. cam 9.24 at 145

Tim Corcoran · 12-22-2002, 10:19 AM

I have been foot braking this combo for several years. I just recently went to a trans brake. It is a TCI that I got from Summit. It is actually a kit and comes with several parts not just a valve boby. It has a reverse pattern valve body, special springs, valves etc. The installer also needs to do some mods to the trans upon installation. If you go on the TCI web page you can even see the installation instructions and what is included in the kit if your interested. My first time out was a disaster, I either red lighted, cut a terrible light, or I was shifting from 1st to neutral. Glad to have a rev limiter. Second time out was a little better but still had trouble red lighting and was not ver consistent. I talked to a guy at the track and he gave me some tips on using a brake. Third time out I was finally getting used to the brake. My lights are better now than ever and a lot more consistent. I will never go back to foot braking. I love it. And the car launches harder than ever, great wheelies too.

Tim C

65 LeMans, 3700lb. all steel, full interior, D-ports and a flat tappet cam, 11.06@122

GTO · 12-22-2002, 06:57 PM

Boy that was a while back! Since then I have re-built my own TH400 with a JW brake. I followed the instructions on the B&M trany kit and the JW tans brake. The trany works great and the Brake hits like Jack the Bear! I've had two seasons on it and it's still going strong. Have gone 9.89 in a 3900# GTO. ...Eric.

Guy Mazza · 01-12-2003, 08:34 PM

Does anyone have a contact # or website for Hipster Transbrakes. Can Scott Esterle at Summit get them? Thanks in advance.

You know why they call it "PMS"? Because "Mad Cow Disease" was taken

WDCreech · 01-12-2003, 08:58 PM

Jegs has them in their catalog, Summet does not.

Bill

Guy Mazza · 02-01-2003, 07:16 AM

Well, I finally went for it and had a double throw-down TH400 race trans w/brake built to replace my slipping junkyard w/kit unit. Come to find out my trans case was cracked! (that 'splains the leak that keeps getting worse

) Anyway replaced the case and all is good, should have trans back soon. Question is: what else will I need to use the transbrake? I already have a TurboAction Cheetah SCS shifter, that has button (and forward pattern, so I need reverse pattern plate). Id like to put the button on my steering wheel though. Is there some kind of safety switch to prevent accidental hitting of the brake button while on a run? Do I need a 2-step? Anything else? Already have a killer 8" Continental conv w/plate. Really looking forward to letting go of the button and launching that sucker!

You know why they call it "PMS"? Because "Mad Cow Disease" was taken

[This message was edited by Guy Mazza on February 01, 2003 at 09:47 AM.]

Old Man Taylor · 02-01-2003, 08:43 AM

Don't put it on your steering wheel! It is too easy to have an accident with it. As to a safety circuit, there are controls in a delay box for that. I was paranoid about switch bounce in mine so I programmed a big delay to avoid the transbrake re-energizing for several seconds. The problem with that was that I would need to re-energize it now and then at the starting line and I would be stuck. I took the delay out, and no problems. Mine is mounted on a pedestal built off of my shift platform. The button is in the middle and the delay box is on the top. I used the large button. I also used a three step. One for burnout RPM, one for Stage RPM and one for the high RPM limit.

http://www.jimspontiac.homestead.com/Index.html

GTO · 02-02-2003, 05:05 PM

I think that the transbake only works when your in 1st gear, not 2nd or third. It's still a good idea to have a safety installed. ... Eric.

Old Man Taylor · 02-02-2003, 07:21 PM

I have never tried mine in 2nd or 3rd, but I know that it works in neutral. My guess is that mine works anytime you push the button.

http://www.jimspontiac.homestead.com/Index.html

Guy Mazza · 02-03-2003, 06:44 AM

....thanks for the input!

Ron · 02-03-2003, 11:19 AM

In some trans brakes you CAN hit the button in 2nd or 3rd and engage the tans brake. One of our racers with PDD did it........TWICE. Very expensive repairs as the TH400 was a high dollar trans.

Ron

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