[69Goat1]

I am at the crossroad where I need to order my transbrake. The trans builder like tci brakes but I wanted some personal experiences you guys may have had?

[Rob B]

I've been using the same TCI brake in my T400 for the last 16 years. Never had any issues with it sticking, being inconsistent etc etc.

[Probird]

Nothing wrong with them at all. The only one I have had a problem with is the ATD Hipster aluminum pro tree brake. The hotter it got the slower the reactions times would get. I'm not talking just a little, as much as .050 and .060. They were aware of others having the same problem and swapped it at no cost for an iron pro tree brake. It's been great.

[Cliff R]

I've installed quite a few. Never had any complaints, or one brought back here for any reason. How much are they going for these days?.....Cliff

[463gtojl]

Currently running one in my TH400 and have no issues to speak of... Several back to back trans brake launches and consistent times... I believe I have seen on other forums a few ppl speaking bad about them, but I myself have had no issues. The solenoid that comes with the kit is top notch as well.

Summit has them priced at: $401.95

[69Goat1]

Just ordered the one from Summit for a total of $414.90 with handling etc... Next up is deciding on a good shifter for Reverse Manual... My current shifter is a forward pattern...

[463gtojl]

Originally Posted by 69Goat1

Just ordered the one from Summit for a total of $414.90 with handling etc... Next up is deciding on a good shifter for Reverse Manual... My current shifter is a forward pattern...

FWIW I am running the B&M hammer shifter with the B&M Universal T-Handle Shift Knob w/button... Works well for me... No complaints... Has reverse lock out and neutral safety switch...

[Classic Performance]

I have a 10 year old TCI. Very satisfied.

[02Hawk]

I had mine for years...keep moving it from one build to the other

[D. Miles]

FWIW I've found that they do like 3/8 cooler line. I did a T-400 for my uncles Chevelle and we had close to 400 psi line pressure in low and reverse even took out the pressure booster spring that came with the V/B for the stock one and got it down to about 375 psi trying for about 140 psi. The car used to turn 14x32 slicks about 4" on dry pavement when we put it in gear and it chirped the slicks going into 2nd gear while making a pass. We now have the trans in an 86 Monte SS, it eases into gear from nuetral or park and shifts quick and firm into 2nd gear without being violent. Only differance is 3/8ths cooler line from 5/16ths... Thanks D. Miles

[Jack Ferris]

20 plus years and I quit keeping track of how many runs but well over 1500 and its still in use. Only issue was the plunger fell out of the solonoid years ago but they have since changed the design.

[cooke]

Originally Posted by 02Hawk

I had mine for years...keep moving it from one build to the other

X2. Same here.

[jakeshoe]

From a circuitry design standpoint there are better designs out there.

[69Goat1]

Trans Builder called and said transmission is ready with Brake and assorted supporting hardware... Weird deal is that the Transbrake instructions call for you to put the trans in neutral and hit the transbrake switch to back up.

[Ron H]

Yes you do not want to use the reverse by shifter. The transbrake engages reverse. So when in neutral, push the trans brake button and you go backwards. In first gear it locks 1st and reverse, thus creating the brake.

Only issue I have had in 5 years is the rubber O ring that seals it to the case dried and shrank a bit causing a leak. $0.67 later and good as new.

[Cliff R]

Here is a pic of the instructions.....Cliff

[69Goat1]

Yea I got the same sheet with mine... says even if it will back up in reverse to not do it as dmage may occur... This is gonna be a whole new learning experience as I have never even used a reverse pattern let alone a Trans Brake leaving off a button...

BTW - I have a button I use for the linelock, the very few times I have used it, on my shifter handle. What type of button should I run with the Transbrake and where is a good place for it? I am thinking upper left portion of the steering wheel where my left hand would be positioned when I leave anyway so I have full control of the shifter with my right hand and can also push the button while backing up looking over my right shoulder...

[Rob B]

Originally Posted by 69Goat1

BTW - I have a button I use for the linelock, the very few times I have used it, on my shifter handle. What type of button should I run with the Transbrake and where is a good place for it? I am thinking upper left portion of the steering wheel where my left hand would be positioned when I leave anyway so I have full control of the shifter with my right hand and can also push the button while backing up looking over my right shoulder...

I have a ratchet shifter so I put a BIG sign on the dash saying "PULL BACK" otherwise you'll discover neutral at the wrong time.

On button plaecement and type, you can ask twenty people and get twenty different answers and none will be really wrong. Personal preference.
I personally have a micro switch that has little to no travel mounted between the seats behind my shifter. I placed it where my arm/hand felt the most relaxed so its nothing more than a pop of the wrist (plus its in an easy position for reverse, don't have to worry about arms getting tangled up when backing up). It did not take me long at all to adjust to it and I've gotten pretty consistent with it rather using the box or not. If I'm racing without the box, I adjust reaction times by car placement in the beams.
Some like it on the steering wheel but I played around with a friends practice tree once mounted on the wheel and it never really felt smooth or comfortable for me and I was less consistent.
There is also available adjustable switches where you can adjust the amount of travel in the switch itself. When I put my brake in, nothing like that was available at the time.