TRE vs. SHEP

[DSM-Talon-John]

This summer im going to be getting my tranny rebuilt to stage 1 through either TRE or SHEP. I think it will be helpful for future people if everyone with experience would give there opinions on things they heard, experience they had, time it took, and the performance factor afterwards


Stage 1 w/ each




www.sheptrans.com
New 1-2 Fork
New 3-4 Fork
New Shep Trans Spec 2nd Gear
New 1-2 Hub/Sleeve kit with Double Synchro Rings
New 3-4 Synchro Rings
New 5th Gear Synchro Rings
New 1-2-3-4 Synchro Springs
New Input, Output, and both Drive Shaft Seals
New Input Shaft Bearings
New Intermediate Gear Bearings
New Roll Pins
New End Nuts
New Center Diff Side Shims
New Nylon Shifter Pad
Shims for setting preload
Call for 90 pricing
New engine dowels





www.teamrip.com
The parts replaced:

New high friction 1-5th synchros

New 1st-2nd hub & sleeve

New 1st-2nd shift fork

New 3rd/4th shift fork

New double synchro 2nd gearset

New Input shaft bearings

New intermediate shaft bearings

New needle bearings under 1st -5th gears

New oil seals

New synchro keys

New synchro key springs

New front & center differential shims

New heavy duty Neodymium trash magnet, oil filter and magnetic drain plug. Keeps the oil clean.

New snap rings, roll pins, end nuts, bearing shims and all the other non-reusables that you would expect to be replaced in a quality rebuild.

INCLUDING:

Torrington bearing upgrade for center differential

Glass beading of transmission case




Usually everyone with a stock tranny will have a problem at one point or another so please give good advice and opinions and share accurate information on what you did. Also if you know of anywhere else please list.

 

[DSM-Talon-John]

Thats to bad, im going back to college in a few weeks to that would suck really bad to be out a car cause they are screwing you.

 

[DSM-Talon-John]

What about this place.. Check it out and tell me what you think, also anyone with experience from them would help even more.

http://dogboxracing.com (check out there race package, does it look good to you?)

 

[AndrewD5418]

Well I'm dealing with TRE right now. They don't neccesarily have bad cust. service; they're just rediculously swamped. And I didn't make it any easier for them since I wanted a 1.8 transmission rebuild, . It's been a while since I made payment, but he did verify over the phone that I was getting the correct tranny. Oh, and fedex also lost the transmission the first time, .

How the #### can they lose such a BIG item being shipped?

What about this place.. Check it out and tell me what you think, also anyone with experience from them would help even more.

http://dogboxracing.com (check out there race package, does it look good to you?)

I think dogbox is for automatic only?

 

[Locutus78]

I have a Shep Stage 2 FWD. I am still breaking everything in, and mechanically all seems well, but customer service wise--I wish I had gone with TRE. Their shipping is faster, and more reliable, and it is cheaper. For 150 they will send you a GOOD shipping box for you to put your tranny in, ship to them, and back. With Shep you supply your own box, pay for shipping there (80+), and then he charges 80 to return. Goodluck trying to get Shep that his end messed up. Just my .02.

 

[twicks69]

I have a Shep Stage 2 FWD. I am still breaking everything in, and mechanically all seems well, but customer service wise--I wish I had gone with TRE. Their shipping is faster, and more reliable, and it is cheaper. For 150 they will send you a GOOD shipping box for you to put your tranny in, ship to them, and back. With Shep you supply your own box, pay for shipping there (80+), and then he charges 80 to return. Goodluck trying to get Shep that his end messed up. Just my .02.

For future reference, it ends up being approximately the same price. As well, I did attach a detailed packing/shipping container list above.

I understand that it is "easier" to have TRE send a box, instead of having to make it yourself.

Also, that has been his style of shipping method for a long time (at least the last 4 years).

 

[twicks69]

How the #### can they lose such a BIG item being shipped?


I think dogbox is for automatic only?

Dogbox Racing quote rebuilds for MANUAL only. they are not automatic specialists.

IPT transmissions are DSM auto specialists (along with many other platforms). Eric Gaudi's 1st gen AMS talon ran a tranny of theirs with great success, along with a few others.

They do have a good deal for a basic rebuild at less than $800, but I don't feel it is worth it for the "race" version which includes a welded center diff and some steel shift forks for another $400+.

I do not have experience with this company, but I do know of Brian and Alex, and their racing accomplishments for 2006.


Again, instead of asking on a forum over and over...Call them and get a feel for their business, their customer service, etc. They should want to SELL you their product, and should have that attitude. You are the customer, and if they don't care to have your business, or don't go into extreme detail of their services with you, it isn't worth YOUR time or money to give your business to them.


Goodluck

 

[DSM-Talon-John]

I emailed shep about 4 hours ago and got an email bacj, that was great. Now im gonna send the same email to tre and see how long it takes.

Just to let you know i asked how much power stage one can hold and what they thought was wrong with my tranny. Answered both very good.

 

[twicks69]

Good news.


Now if you do use Shep, please read his shipping info below:

"The quickest way to ship your transmission is to pick up a Rubbermaid, Sterilite, Pro Tuff, Smart bin or a large TV box from places like WAL-Mart, Lowes,Home Depot or Uhaul. Use thick cardboard or Styrofoam to keep if from moving around. At this time we prefer you ship via FedEx ground (not FedEx freight). Put at least $1500 insurance !! Expect to pay between $70-$90. We charge a flat $80 for return shipping and we can send out a box for a small fee.

Take your time! Completely drain all oil by flipping it bellhousing down in a drain pan for at least a few hrs. Wrap the trans in at least 1 or 2 plastic bags to prevent any leakage in the container. Pull off all the brackets, throwout bearing, clutch fork, and speed sensor (2g only). We are not responsible for returning old throwout bearings and forks."



As well, take in mind the reccomendations that I had in my first post with bold lettering. If you want more information to get those items, PM me. Mainly, it came from Walmart and Home Depot.

 

[marq95gst]

I have a stage 2 awd tranny from TRE. The thing is awesome. Extremely worth it. You also do not have to "build your own box" in order to send yours to them. TRE sends you their own box with foam molded to the shape of the tranny, and all you do is swap the one they send you with yours. From the time I ordered it online, I had it in my car and mine shipped off in two weeks. Not bad. You pay a 400$ core charge, but you get that back once they receive your tranny and inspect it.

Good luck!

 

[DSM-Talon-John]

Ok, I just wanted to know out of both stage 1's who gives the better deal? It looks like money wise tre does? Please dont let this be a biased opinion, I actually want someone who knows stuff about tranny's also not someone looking at the parts and taking guesses. PLease take in mind its only a 40 dollar difference. This is completely on money nothing more.

 

[JayRolla]

I want to know how many people on here that have the stage 1 trannys with out the 4 spider gear CD. Im not sure if I need the 4 spider CD with running less than 350lb tq. What do you guys think?

 

[DSM-Talon-John]

When i talked to shep there stage one was said to hold 13's. If that helps any.

 

[Module Unknown]

I have a TRE transmission and never want to do business with TRE again.

I bought a brand new AWD transmission to get their AWD/FWD TRE-Spec transmission. I also added a Quaife LSD, and a taller 5th gear (added to the order later).

I was originally told all parts were in stock and I could have the transmission in two weeks. This was incorrect. It took two months.

Very difficult to get a hold of via phone or email.

I was never given tracking information on my transmission. I was told numerous times that it was shipped. I called FedEx numerous times and they could never find any record of a shippment leaving TRE addressed to myself.

My transmission was shipped to the wrong address and returned to TRE where it sat for another week or two. This brings me back to being unable to get shipping information and having to call FedEx. The only reason I know it sat in the shop for an extended period of time is that Jon finally sent me tracking information. However, I feel that a shipping label was generated just to get me off his back for a couple of days. I say this because FedEx didn't show that the package was actually picked up for quite some time after that.

Jon's attitude became unprofessional towards the end.

I was promised a refund on shipping that was never given to me.

My new transmission leaked. I chose not to return it to TRE and fix it myself after the trouble it took to get it in the first place.

Having to use Paypal for payment bothered me...

These are just some of my problems with TRE.

 

[JayRolla]

So overall bad customer service at TRE. Ive heard this a lot. Dont see how people stay in business when they treat people like that. But the tranny is still good right?

 

[housegsx]

I want to know how many people on here that have the stage 1 trannys with out the 4 spider gear CD. Im not sure if I need the 4 spider CD with running less than 350lb tq. What do you guys think?

I have a tre stage 1 rebuilt with some mods. Galant 1st gear etc. I did not upgrade to the 4 spider. It would have been nice too, but I didn't have the money at the time. I think you'll be fine under 350lb tq. But mostly it really depends on how hard and how often you plan on launching it. The torrington bearing upgrade would be another smart option to consider.

Btw, I had no problem with having my transmission built. It was out less than 3 weeks and Jon was very informative telling me what I had broke etc. (Broke the center diff housing)

 

[Module Unknown]

So overall bad customer service at TRE. Ive heard this a lot. Dont see how people stay in business when they treat people like that. But the tranny is still good right?

Mine? No. Perhaps you missed the part of my post where I said the transmission leaked.

After installing it I found that it had to be pulled back out, opened up, and the input shaft seal replaced. Good times.

Besides that, yeah it works. That's really about all I can say.

 

[JayRolla]

Mine? No. Perhaps you missed the part of my post where I said the transmission leaked.

After installing it I found that it had to be pulled back out, opened up, and the input shaft seal replaced. Good times.

Besides that, yeah it works. That's really about all I can say.

Yes I was talking to you. I was just wondering how it performed other than that. That sucks.

I have a tre stage 1 rebuilt with some mods. Galant 1st gear etc. I did not upgrade to the 4 spider. It would have been nice too, but I didn't have the money at the time. I think you'll be fine under 350lb tq. But mostly it really depends on how hard and how often you plan on launching it. The torrington bearing upgrade would be another smart option to consider.

It will have the torrington bearing upgrade. He also has a dual torrington bearing upgrade that has one at each end, not sure how this is done. Here is the build list.

New 1-2 fork
Unbreakable 3-4 fork upgrade- 1G
New 3-4 fork- 2G
New all brass synchronizer blocker ring upgrade- 1G
New all brass synchronizer blocker ring OEM- 2G
Our own machined double synchro 2nd gear upgrade
New 1-2 synchronizer hub
New 1-2 synchronizer slider
New 1-2 synchronizer springs
New 1-2 synchronizer shoes
New 3-4 all brass synchronizer blocker ring upgrade- 1G
New 3-4 brass synchronizer blocker rings OEM- 2G
New 3-4 springs
New 3-4 shoes
New 5th gear synchronizer blocker ring with flipped slider
New seals
New tapered roller bearings on each end of intermediate shaft
New 1-2, 3-4, and 5-R roll pins
New center diff spider gear side shims and upper Torrington upgrade
Reset bearing preloads for maximum bearing and gear life
Replace all bell housing case bolts
All case and internal parts cleaned in industrial spin-jet parts washer

All this for $800 with 8 month warranty, no shipping or tax. I may add double synchros in 3rd.

 

[TSIMonsteR]

In TREs defense, alot of the guys on our local board have dealt with TRE on multiple occasions. They always report great customer service and great trannies. Anytime there has been anything wrong, TRE is quick to correct any problems.

I deal with IPT most of the time, so I can't comment from personal experience. Form looking at what you posted (OP) both stage 1 trannies look very familiar and I think you will receive similar service with either company.

Personally, I wouldn't go with a stage 1 anyway. I like to know my parts can handle what I throw at them. I would go with the cheapest of the 2 if it is a big difference, otherwise it would be shep if price is the same.

 

[DSM-Talon-John]

JAyrolla, Where is that at? Mind giving me a site?

 

[JayRolla]

He is a friend of mine. Almost all the fastest dsm's in colorado run his trannys. He stands behind his work also more than most. The thing I like about him is the owner builds the trannys, not some guy he pays $15 an hour so you know your getting quality work. He doesnt want it to come back so he spends his time and knows what he is doing.

No one can beat his prices, I mean no one. For $1300 you can get a tranny with double synchroed 1st and 2nd. Along with 4 spider gear CD, and torrington bearing upgrade.

www.jacktransmissions.com

 

[TSIMonsteR]

that sounds nice. That could be a good and bad thing having only a single person building the trannies though. I would definitely consider that a viable option though.

 

[Module Unknown]

Yes I was talking to you. I was just wondering how it performed other than that. That sucks.

Honestly, I was a little dissapointed when I first started driving with the new transmission in the car. Not because there was a problem with it, but because I've always heard people say "oh my TRE transmission shifts so smooth, etc." It pretty much felt just like the original transmission to me, but with the exception that it was a bit easier for me to downshift into 1st (not that I do that a whole lot). I'm not really dissapointed though. Just from what everyone else had said I was expecting magic to happen when I put it in. . But really, it shifts well and works great as of now.

It's been in the car for probably about 25k miles now and still feels just as good, if not a little better than the first time it was installed. I treat the transmission well, but I don't always take it easy on it. It's stood up to it's daily driving duties, weekends of spirited mountain driving, sustained high rpms, and high rpm shifting up/down. My LSD is absolutely incredible and completely transformed the feel and handling of the car (not that the Quaife is a TRE part, but they did install it).

Overall, I'm happy with what I have now. But looking back on everything I went through to get to this point, I just don't think it was worth it.

 

[DSM-Talon-John]

I never hear anything about shep thats bad, but tre makes it so easy to ship. If shep made it as easy to ship i would go to them hands down.

 

[twicks69]

I don't know why it isn't easy for you to follow the directions that I posted on page #1 of this thread concerning shipping directions in BOLD. It isn't that hard -- especially when that takes only a few minutes on your part to pack it up. Would you rather wait for a couple weeks before you get a ready made box from TRE, then have to deal with a potential problem???


Call Shep, tell him what you are looking for, get an idea of where you are on the list of trannies to get done, and an ETA. Then ship it to him, he does it, he ships it back, you put it in, done.

I have shipped him a tranny, and recieved it back to my doorstep 2 business days later, all fixed up. It is that easy.

 

[sag1441]

He is a friend of mine. Almost all the fastest dsm's in colorado run his trannys. He stands behind his work also more than most. The thing I like about him is the owner builds the trannys, not some guy he pays $15 an hour so you know your getting quality work. He doesnt want it to come back so he spends his time and knows what he is doing.

No one can beat his prices, I mean no one. For $1300 you can get a tranny with double synchroed 1st and 2nd. Along with 4 spider gear CD, and torrington bearing upgrade.

www.jacktransmissions.com

+1000 just picked mine up from him, shifts great and jack is a really awesome guy to work with, he was telling me about his really expensive machine that can spin up the tranny and everything so they know its all perfect and shifts under hard loads perfectly and everything so its 100% guaranteed when you install it because they abuse it and test everything outside the car. something i think he said shep and tre dont do. he fully stands behind his work and everything so you know, you get better customer service and prices with him because he's not a "big name" (well in colorado he is but not nationally) with a nice pretty shop or anything.