Is there any reason to not use the "Alto Red Eagle" frictions in all three clutch locations in a street/strip TH-400? I ask because I see that some rebuild kits only use them in certain locations, or not at all. I understand they are a premium item, but is there a reason to not use them in a street/strip tranny...other than cost?
Yeah, I've seen some of those as well. Just wondering if there is something that make them less desirable for a street/strip application. Or if it is strictly a cost issue, or maybe just overkill.o No:
Possibly the last two things you mentioned. The data sheets on those frictions look impressive. Maybe some with some first-hand experience will chime in. Devon
I read somewhere that CK performance had moved away from the alto reds because of problems with the frictions separating from their base. Just an FYI, something I think I read on TurboBuick.com. I have no 1sthand experience with these. might be worth looking into.
I've got them in all three clutch packs w/ kolene steels(th400). No issues so far, its been a few years and over 100 passes on the drag strip.
I know they are top-notch for racing, just wondering if there is a reason to not use them in a street-driven vehicle.o No:
Cool,:bglasses: thanks.:TU: Do you have the standard/normal numbers of frictions, or do you have any of the "power packs" in which there are extra frictions and steels.? My understanding is that everything is a little thinner in the "power packs" so they will fit into the space allowed...you get more surface area for friction, but at a possible sacrifice in longevity.?
The intermediate power pack is actually just the clutches from a 4L80e, which uses thinner frictions so more of them. They interchange nicely to the th400.
Normal set up for fricitons/steels, 5 foward 5 direct and 3 intermediate. To put extra frictions you need to machine parts and/or use thinner frictions/steels like you said. The factory did make a 6 disc direct drum. I don't know about longevity with the thinner stuff. Unless your building something really wild I think you would be fine with stock amount of clutches. We did put a 4 disc intermediate set up in my friends car and its holding up well. Hopefully more people will give there input. I've only built a couple th400s
I offer the HP versions of the Intermediate and direct clutch Alto Powerpacks in all my TH-400's. Used them many times, never any problems. I just built a Killer 400 with Ultrabell, brake, HD forward drum/input shaft/billet clutch hub.. Clutches in that unit were 6 in the forward, 4 intermediate, 7 in the direct. With the right piston, still had enough room in the direct for the brake's required pack clearance. 965 HP / 1150Tq Turbochared Pont 505 is what it's going behind. Will be street driven more than strip... No worries here. But if your going to upgrade, get the HP kits.. JW
Thanks a lot for your input Jim.:TU: I will be contacting you shortly about a VP converter. Do you offer tranny rebuild kits? I would much rather do "one stop shopping" if possible. http://www.transmissioncenter.net/ This is the place I have been looking at getting my rebuild kit from.
