Thread: High HP transmission mods

The Number 1 Destroyer Of Transmissions is Heat- 2 Words-Transmission Cooler- everything else is fantastic, but with excessive Heat, some transmissions like the B13's simply cannot cope with the heat. You want reliablity? Start with a Transmission cooler as the foundation for transmission longevity. Hope this helps!

I think my b14 trans exploded 3rd gear due to wear over time and really nothing else. I don't think it was a freak event, I think the gears just worn themselves down to the point that it exploded. I think 3rd gear puts the most power down to the ground and is used the most. You spin 1st and 2nd, so 3rd sees all the power and a lot more often than 4th, thus I think it's safe to reason that 3rd would see the most wear. 3rd for most of us is our 'power' gear.

I think if you have a b13/b14 and are making a decent amount of hp/tq, the trans will give out one day no matter what you do. I'm hoping my b15 lasts a lot longer at least. My b14 trans lasted 3 years boosted and 170k miles in total.

-G

how do u install a cooler on a b13 trans?

i really dont think a trans cooler is necessary in drag racing. i can see road racing because of the prolonged abuse but for a drag car its 1 hit and then you sit waiting for the next round

bottom line is this most of these trans are old have been abused and will eventually break just have a backup knowing it will happens thats all you can do.

Yeah how do you install a trans cooler on our trans? Especially with thick ass gear oil matter of fact nevermind the gear oil where would the in and out be for the cooler smh!

Please tell me you're not talking about a Trans cooler for a manual trans.

The rear motor mount is what kills the 5 speed trans, I don't care what anyone else says. Changed the mounts in my car and welded the crevices around the axle up and I haven't exploded it yet on 415hp 4k rpm launches off of 2 step and slicks with factory axles and an unsprung clutch, and I never preloaded. Just rolled into the beams, 2 step, and dump the clutch. Been running it for 2 seasons now. I have 75/140 in it also.

I had problems with the case splitting with the factory cross member.

Well said

there are several things you can do which have been mentioned. better tranny fluid, solid motor mounts, and reinforcing the case. It still come down to which tranny you are using and how torque you make. The b13,b14, and p10 trannys will take 350lbft. Anything beyond that expect them not to last long. the b15 and p11 will take 400lbft. All of these numbers don't mean anything if your a abusive driver. if your rough on trannys you should skip right to a 6sp. If your planning to drag race you should skip to the 6sp for reliability.

I have wrecked a case from wheelhop from worn, damaged, dead engine mounts in a stock power level car.

A stock B13 case can fail with a Stock BlueBird DET powering it or a simple 100 shot of NOS on a DE with all of the suspension & mount upgrades done. The back of the case will crack and break off if the 1/2 moon crescent if not reinforced.

3rd gear will fail most commonly from torque which twists the case over time. I had a trans that after several 3rd breaks we finally replaced the case and then 3rd lasted almost 9 months before failing again vs the previous only lasting several weeks.

Manual trans coolers have been done and do help. Mount and electric pump below/besides the trans. Suck from the drain plug go through a cooler and back in from the fill plug is easiest. In most circumstances, this is only needed for road race applications as the brass bulk rings tend to melt from extensive and pro longed heat.

Wheel hop is a killer, slicks are a killer, big torque is a killer. Bottom line, the trans is a big weak point. Lots of people think that they will not be happy until they are making 450~500 hp for a street car. IMO, 300 is plenty in a B13/B14 for a fun daily driver.