Opinions on different transmission brands

[C_Keagy]

Aside from that most of the parts used to "build" a Trans other than a Dogbox gear set are the same OEM parts. To say Shep gear sets were imperfect is just silly.

What are you guys thinking they use? Special magic or something? If you have a trans built that is not a dogbox you are using OEM Mitsubishi gears. If you are lucky Shep had a 4th gear made but I'm unsure if he still offers them.


It's all on who you want to assemble it. After watching both Shep and Tim build a gear stack I bought my own tools and do my own transmissions. 9800rpm 1-2 like butter, 9000rpm 2-3 like butter and 9800 3-4 like butter.

 

[twicks69]

What are you guys thinking they use? Special magic or something? If you have a trans built that is not a dogbox you are using OEM Mitsubishi gears. If you are lucky Shep had a 4th gear made but I'm unsure if he still offers them.


It's all on who you want to assemble it. After watching both Shep and Tim build a gear stack I bought my own tools and do my own transmissions. 9800rpm 1-2 like butter, 9000rpm 2-3 like butter and 9800 3-4 like butter.

I am happy that you took the initiative Chris and started doing them yourself. The biggest thing is patience and extreme attention to detail. When we were at the Shootout I was a bit under the gun to get the parts repaired as quickly as possible between my passes, and would have spent more time on fixing the 3/4 shifting issue for you had I been at my shop and had my tool access and parts inventory access. You were soooooo lucky that I had one set of new 3/4 keys with me at the track after I checked those bins of parts more than once frantically being overstressed and overworked. Funny enough, I have seen a few more issues with the double synchro hub/slider 3/4 clearance problems since the Shootout and I simply stock the properly clearanced part now instead of machining down a stock DSM part to clear the Evo 3 double synchros.

I also stock Evo 1/2/3 parts now including Evo 1 input shafts/1st/2nd combos, single synchro and double synchro close ratio 3rd/4th gearsets, Evo 3 5th gearsets, Evo steel shift forks, etc.

Funny enough, it was good I stock the Evo 1 stuff as I had a customer just this week with a JDM trans that had purchased the car with it installed, and they never swapped final drives and had a twin disk installed, that wrecked his input shaft and 2nd gear and 3rd gear among other things that I was able to repair due to keeping these uber rare parts in stock. For those who don't know, the Evo 1 1st/2nd/input shaft have the tallest ratio available OEM, and is taller than a GVR4 or Evo 3 gearset with a slightly taller 2nd gear that is double synchro (late Evo 1), and also has close ratio single synchro 3rd/4th gears (same ratio as Evo 3, but uses the large diameter synchro and hub/slider). Pretty much anyone else would have not been able to help out with matching parts in stock as I would tend to believe they would have been "persuaded" to "upgrade" to different parts and likely more profit made off the customer.

As for the OP, I guess it comes down to if you want the BIG shop doing it with numerous employees or the little guy like me doing every transmission personally for my customers so the quality control is much better.

I have nothing bad to say about my competitors as I speak with Jon @ TRE regularly and still use him on occasion for shotpeening, and in the past I would talk to Shep when I had time available and shoot the shit.

To the best of my knowledge Dogbox Racing closed their doors recently. So, that leaves TRE, Shep, Jacks, and myself among other shops of course.

If you feel inclined to build your own trans I am happy to sell the parts at wholesale as well. I have given numerous tutorials, performance specifications, recommended tools to simplify the job, and detailing tips/shimming tips, etc. in the community over the years with portions being on several major forums including Tuners, Link, GVR4 forums, 4gTuner, etc.

It isn't a black magic, its a transmission, that's it. As for failure rate, mine is below 1% to my knowledge over the last 3 years and ~500 transmissions built for customers. Shep will show a larger volume more than likely due to his larger overall sales volume and number of different hands doing the work nowadays, but I am sure it is still plenty low.

Before I built my own, I used both TRE and Shep and they all broke from my power levels as a contributing factor as I have been over 500awhp/460tq since 2004. I believe I am now on transmission rebuild/refresh #20 with my car, and the last one that popped was my first pass at 2011 SO (that trans lasted 2 seasons of 750+awhp and was refreshed just prior to the SO).

Either way, I am sure you will see all of these shops doing good work.

 

[TSi Kid]

I am happy that you took the initiative Chris and started doing them yourself. The biggest thing is patience and extreme attention to detail. When we were at the Shootout I was a bit under the gun to get the parts repaired as quickly as possible between my passes, and would have spent more time on fixing the 3/4 shifting issue for you had I been at my shop and had my tool access and parts inventory access. You were soooooo lucky that I had one set of new 3/4 keys with me at the track after I checked those bins of parts more than once frantically being overstressed and overworked. Funny enough, I have seen a few more issues with the double synchro hub/slider 3/4 clearance problems since the Shootout and I simply stock the properly clearanced part now instead of machining down a stock DSM part to clear the Evo 3 double synchros.

I also stock Evo 1/2/3 parts now including Evo 1 input shafts/1st/2nd combos, single synchro and double synchro close ratio 3rd/4th gearsets, Evo 3 5th gearsets, Evo steel shift forks, etc.

Funny enough, it was good I stock the Evo 1 stuff as I had a customer just this week with a JDM trans that had purchased the car with it installed, and they never swapped final drives and had a twin disk installed, that wrecked his input shaft and 2nd gear and 3rd gear among other things that I was able to repair due to keeping these uber rare parts in stock. For those who don't know, the Evo 1 1st/2nd/input shaft have the tallest ratio available OEM, and is taller than a GVR4 or Evo 3 gearset with a slightly taller 2nd gear that is double synchro (late Evo 1), and also has close ratio single synchro 3rd/4th gears (same ratio as Evo 3, but uses the large diameter synchro and hub/slider). Pretty much anyone else would have not been able to help out with matching parts in stock as I would tend to believe they would have been "persuaded" to "upgrade" to different parts and likely more profit made off the customer.

As for the OP, I guess it comes down to if you want the BIG shop doing it with numerous employees or the little guy like me doing every transmission personally for my customers so the quality control is much better.

I have nothing bad to say about my competitors as I speak with Jon @ TRE regularly and still use him on occasion for shotpeening, and in the past I would talk to Shep when I had time available and shoot the shit.

To the best of my knowledge Dogbox Racing closed their doors recently. So, that leaves TRE, Shep, Jacks, and myself among other shops of course.

If you feel inclined to build your own trans I am happy to sell the parts at wholesale as well. I have given numerous tutorials, performance specifications, recommended tools to simplify the job, and detailing tips/shimming tips, etc. in the community over the years with portions being on several major forums including Tuners, Link, GVR4 forums, 4gTuner, etc.

It isn't a black magic, its a transmission, that's it. As for failure rate, mine is below 1% to my knowledge over the last 3 years and ~500 transmissions built for customers. Shep will show a larger volume more than likely due to his larger overall sales volume and number of different hands doing the work nowadays, but I am sure it is still plenty low.

Before I built my own, I used both TRE and Shep and they all broke from my power levels as a contributing factor as I have been over 500awhp/460tq since 2004. I believe I am now on transmission rebuild/refresh #20 with my car, and the last one that popped was my first pass at 2011 SO (that trans lasted 2 seasons of 750+awhp and was refreshed just prior to the SO).

Either way, I am sure you will see all of these shops doing good work.

I think my two biggest deciding factors in purchasing a trans are the reliability of it and the customer service aspect behind the company.

And although I don't know too many people who go with TMZ, that are public about it, I have never heard anything bad about them; professionally or personally.

Plus, any transmission builder who will eat some fruit soaked in ever clear with us at shootout is an obvious pick for me

 

[Lofty]

Aside from that most of the parts used to "build" a Trans other than a Dogbox gear set are the same OEM parts. To say Shep gear sets were imperfect is just silly.

No, but there is a difference between hand-deburring gears and just throwing them in the trans as-is.

 

[twicks69]

I think my two biggest deciding factors in purchasing a trans are the reliability of it and the customer service aspect behind the company.

And although I don't know too many people who go with TMZ, that are public about it, I have never heard anything bad about them; professionally or personally.

Plus, any transmission builder who will eat some fruit soaked in ever clear with us at shootout is an obvious pick for me

That fruit was awesome! I will have to eat some more at this year's Shootout!

 

[DSM_love_GST]

My build will be a high revving 2.0 going for about 580whp.

The "assumed" route is to go with a shep stage 3 and call it good, but I was wondering if anyone has used any competitor brands and has good recommendations; brands like TMZ, Jacks, TRE, etc.

Opinions for who I should go with, hopefully with first hand experience?

That is why I replied. Maybe I have friends that have used them. You obviously don't care to know though. I never said who I heard it from. Stop being such a ****

 

[domthebomb11208]

No, but there is a difference between hand-deburring gears and just throwing them in the trans as-is.

intresting....sounds to me like we had plenty of customers that were happy

 

[spoolin ddub]

Trans I say go with TRE or TMZ. I run a Tre stage 4. When I first got it Im not lying everyone that touched it told me the trans was broken, was a piece of shit and to just drive it regularly to break it in. I'm not some fanboy that will just listen to someone because they run a number and it was a good thing I didn't. I would have messed my trans up listening to them . Everyones a damn expert smdh. Hand-deburring & shot peening is no joke. I followed Jon's instructions and once it was broke in the way he suggested that trans is by far the best damn trans I have ever shifted. The before and after difference is amazing!! Tim builds a trans just as good.

 

[TSi Kid]

That is why I replied. Maybe I have friends that have used them. You obviously don't care to know though. I never said who I heard it from. Stop being such a ****

Then why did you reply here? Thank you for the useless post.

intresting....sounds to me like we had plenty of customers that were happy

I've never heard a single bad thing about a dog box, my friend Chris Durr has nothing but good things to say actually. If I was going for records I would definitely be running one, but for 600whp that just seems overkill

Trans I say go with TRE or TMZ. I run a Tre stage 4. When I first got it Im not lying everyone that touched it told me the trans was broken, was a piece of shit and to just drive it regularly to break it in. I'm not some fanboy that will just listen to someone because they run a number and it was a good thing I didn't. I would have messed my trans up listening to them . Everyones a damn expert smdh. Hand-deburring & shot peening is no joke. I followed Jon's instructions and once it was broke in the way he suggested that trans is by far the best damn trans I have ever shifted. The before and after difference is amazing!! Tim builds a trans just as good.

Yeah, I plan on going through Mr. Zimmer once I get out of basic and A school, so expect that call Tim!

 

[twicks69]

Then why did you reply here? Thank you for the useless post.


I've never heard a single bad thing about a dog box, my friend Chris Durr has nothing but good things to say actually. If I was going for records I would definitely be running one, but for 600whp that just seems overkill


Yeah, I plan on going through Mr. Zimmer once I get out of basic and A school, so expect that call Tim!

Well, I definitely appreciate all the kind words and am always here to help!

Talk to you soon!

Thanks,

TMZ

 

[bastarddsm]

I build my own transmissions, but I have had the big guys do a few things for me.

I have a few items from Tim in my trans. I managed to gall the center diff gears and his 4 spider cross shaft. He replaced it for me, no questions asked. He was also very very good with answering my tech questions as well. I defiantly recommend Tim.

Before I knew of Tim, I had Jon at TRE detail and shotpeen my gearset, as well as machine my center diff for the 4 spider. He also supplied me with a double syncho 2nd gear that was machined for better shifting. So far its been kick ass, and I haven't broke anything yet.

 

[Cornfed4G64]

You would break parts on your transmission that I didn't know could be broken..

Oh and I had to learn from rich you sold the panda. Now we're both dsm less

And you're moving to the east coast... ya douche

So you don't have a DSM currently? Then have the nerve to be a dick to someone that has the same goal as you. (Possibly all just a dream) 600hp and wants to rock the shep stage 3. I just don't get it

1. Buy your car
2. Buy the parts to make 580HP
3. Then worry about how your gonna get that power to all 4 corners!

He's some helpful info to, I had a Shep stage 2 many years ago and shifted like butter. I was also told if you miss a shift in any trans any stage you will cause some sort of damage. Possible catostrafic failure.

If I personally (when Im ready) I will be going with a TMZ trans unsure on stage yet will have to talk that over with him on my goals for the car. Im on alot of Minnesota/Wisconsin DSM boards and have not heard a single thing negative about the guy/builds. I personally am loving the hell out of my auto and may just build that car instead.

I think it was also mentioned but 600hp is gonna break. Be prepared.

 

[donk]

what happened to the machined 3.4 gearset that some wendors were testing think the were billet and around 1500 dollars extra ?

 

[bastarddsm]

what happened to the machined 3.4 gearset that some wendors were testing think the were billet and around 1500 dollars extra ?

I keep hearing things about some billet gears, but never anything concrete. A Better 3rd gear, intermediate shaft, and center diff, would be awesome.

 

[TSi Kid]

So you don't have a DSM currently? Then have the nerve to be a dick to someone that has the same goal as you. (Possibly all just a dream) 600hp and wants to rock the shep stage 3. I just don't get it

1. Buy your car
2. Buy the parts to make 580HP
3. Then worry about how your gonna get that power to all 4 corners!

He's some helpful info to, I had a Shep stage 2 many years ago and shifted like butter. I was also told if you miss a shift in any trans any stage you will cause some sort of damage. Possible catostrafic failure.

If I personally (when Im ready) I will be going with a TMZ trans unsure on stage yet will have to talk that over with him on my goals for the car. Im on alot of Minnesota/Wisconsin DSM boards and have not heard a single thing negative about the guy/builds. I personally am loving the hell out of my auto and may just build that car instead.

I think it was also mentioned but 600hp is gonna break. Be prepared.

Because it was as useless as your response right here. So thank you for being just like him...useless.

I do own a dsm, but because i'm leaving for basic and A school, I "sold" (which is easier than saying I gave the car to my friend for money but am buying it back when I get out of A school) it under the circumstances.

Apparently, I can't have a savings account either, and it would be impossible for me to start purchasing parts and piecing together my setup. You must be telepathic though and known this already (I'm thinking of a number between 1 and 10 what is it?).

Get over yourself kid.

what happened to the machined 3.4 gearset that some wendors were testing think the were billet and around 1500 dollars extra ?

I've never heard about that; i'll have to look into it. Sounds impressive though and I wouldn't mind spending the extra money if it meant I would appreciate it in the future.

 

[Cornfed4G64]

7

Also, you never stated what the car was gonna be used for some weekend street work or strictly track. Cause theres alot of stuff like welded dif/spyder all that stuff comes into play.

I would just call TMZ when your ready. Cause right now you sound like a dreamer, based on other posts in diffrent threads. Thinking a HX35, FP30xx and a single Walbro are gonna yeild you 600awhp.

 

[twicks69]

Shep was making the modified intermediate shaft with custom 4th gear, I don't know if he is mass producing it, but he had some made for testing usage. You should contact him to see if they are still available.

 

[TSi Kid]

Again, you're still here because..? I'll bite, unlike many, I have money; lots. So much in fact that the gold vault in duck tales was based off of my own gold vault (less ducks, more gold).

Any who, it doesn't matter what the car is being used for because I planned on asking whomever I was going to purchase the transmission through, what I should buy. Not some some internet hardass who thinks I give two sh*ts what he thinks. I haven't updated my mods on this forum for the simple reason that I don't care enough, but since you are telepathic, I was hopping you would know that. Single walbro? el oh el. Get out of here kid.

Shep was making the modified intermediate shaft with custom 4th gear, I don't know if he is mass producing it, but he had some made for testing usage. You should contact him to see if they are still available.

Being extremely new to transmissions, what would the modified intermediate shaft and a custom 4th gear be good for? BB Fab off of here, he's a good friend, and myself are going to start building an AWD spyder (Another Breast Cancer Awareness DSM ), and it will mostly be a street car.

 

[bmoha7321]

TMZ no doubt. I had been talking to Tim about doing a rebuild on my 2G AWD tranny. I was very impressed. He was very easy to get a hold of. Very informative. Down to earth. No attitude. It was easy to tell that he's not just in this to make a buck. I had to put the tranny build on the back burner due to the joys of divorce. When I finally do get around to getting the tranny built it'll be by TMZ. Plus he's only about 45 min drive away.

 

[Calan]

I haven't updated my mods on this forum for the simple reason that I don't care enough

Please do.

I had been talking to Tim about doing a rebuild on my 2G AWD tranny...No attitude.

Must have been a different Tim Zimmer.

 

[TSi Kid]

Please do.

I'll update my profile if you can, or have someone else, clean up this thread

I don't know why some kids feel the need to run their mouths on the internet

 

[Calan]

I'll update my profile if you can, or have someone else, clean up this thread

Updating your profile is for everyone's benefit; it has nothing to do with the quality (or lack of quality) of a thread.

If someone is out of line, please report the post so the mods can deal with it appropriately.

 

[TSi Kid]

If someone is out of line, please report the post so the mods can deal with it appropriately.

I did it the second he posted

Aaaand back to the original topic.

 

[jed344]

I have had 2 friends run shep stage 4 with spider center. With that much power anything can happen. Iv personally seen a shep stage 4 with welded center fail in a 630hp evo. With 580whp need to think about transfercase, driveshafts, rear end. ect... But how is asking what you will be using it for a bad question i think that is a great one someone who will just be building a drag car will want a different set up then more of a street car?

 

[Cornfed4G64]

I have had 2 friends run shep stage 4 with spider center. With that much power anything can happen. Iv personally seen a shep stage 4 with welded center fail in a 630hp evo. With 580whp need to think about transfercase, driveshafts, rear end. ect... But how is asking what you will be using it for a bad question i think that is a great one someone who will just be building a drag car will want a different set up then more of a street car?

Exactly, I wasn't being a dick I just simply asked what your main purpose for the car was. Steet/or strip ONLY or a little of both. I would definetly set my car up diffrent.

I was just pointing out the fact that you ripped a kid and said he was USELESS because he didn't have any personal experience with any build trans. He just told you his plans were the same as yours and was looking into a shep. Maybe in your first post you should of said first hand experience only or GTFO!

Also Im not a kid, Im 28 yrs old have 2 kids and Im married. Last thing I wanna do is cause some internet drama. Also I could give two shits how much money you make. Im sure no one else does either. If your rich, stop playing around with DSMs and get yours self a GTR/SUPRA/LFO.

To get you back on track check out some of the people build threads that are making around 600 and see what trans they're using. All 4 companies Shep/TMZ/TRE/Dogbox all probably put together a great trans, but customer service goes a long way.

Ill stay out now