To overhaul the transmission...
To overhaul the transmission in our project vehicle, we turned to fellow racer Tod Struck of Inline Performance Specialist. He has been building our race transmissions for years and knows TorqueFlites inside and out, so we couldn't think of anyone we'd trust more with this transmission.
To complete our transmission...
To complete our transmission overhaul, we ordered one of TCI's master kits. This kit comes with all the seals, clutches, and bands, as well as a Trans-Scat shift kit to improve the performance of our 727.
Overhauling an automatic transmission...
Overhauling an automatic transmission takes experience as well as specialty tools, such as this one used to remove the pump housing. If you don't have the tools or experience, we recommend taking your transmission to someone like Tod at Inline Performance.
With the pump out and the...
With the pump out and the front band loose, the front drum and clutch assemblies can all be removed from the front. While not the original transmission for this car, this is a standard big-block TorqueFlite with three-pinion planetary gear sets.
While it did shift and work...
While it did shift and work properly, our TorqueFlite had a significant amount of wear as indicated by the metal in the pan and filter. This calls for closer inspection of the internals to ensure we completely repair the transmission during overhaul.
We found a problem in the...
We found a problem in the front clutch pack. There were only three clutch discs and they were burned. By using the thin steels and clutches from our TCI kit we'll get an extra clutch in the front pack, preventing this from happening again.
Once the transmission was...
Once the transmission was disassembled, Tod cleaned all the big transmission parts in his jet washer. Small parts were cleaned in the parts washer.
Once everything is cleaned...
Once everything is cleaned and inspected, the transmissions subassemblies are rebuilt with the new TCI parts.
One upgrade we'll be performing...
One upgrade we'll be performing is to replace the stock, 2.8-ratio kick-down band lever with the 5.0-ratio lever shown on the left. This is an easy upgrade and will firm our shifts significantly.
We'll replace all the seals...
We'll replace all the seals and gaskets in this transmission, but here's one that often is overlooked. Did you know about the seal inside the speedometer pinion?
Using another specialty tool,...
Using another specialty tool, Tod installs the shift-selector seal. The new seal from TCI will prevent a leak common to the TorqueFlite transmission.
With the internals back in...
With the internals back in the case, Tod turns his attention to the valvebody. The Trans-Scat kit is easy to install and should improve shift quality significantly.
With the valve body modified...
With the valve body modified and installed, Tod buttons up the transmission and installs the shifter and throttle pressure arms.
With our project only a month...
With our project only a month underway, we feel like we're making some progress. Our car is at the body shop, engine torn down and at the machine shop, and our transmission is rebuilt and ready to install. Follow along as we complete our project and be sure to check out the contest rules as you could actually win the car when it's completed!
You could win this car or one of five other classics at the Timber Wolf Speed Shop. Go to TWSPEEDSHOP.com for details.
No purchase necessary to enter or win in the Timber Wolf Speed Shop promotion.
For official rules and how to obtain a free code, visit TWSPEEDSHOP.com. Starts 12:01 a.m. CT 5/15/07 and ends 11:59 p.m. CT 11/1/07, or while supplies last. Open to legal residents of the contiguous 48 U.S. & D.C. (excluding VA & MA), 21-or-older, tobacco users, and who have a valid U.S. driver's license. Void in VA, MA, and where prohibited.
Sponsor: Pinkerton Tobacco Co. LP