Diesel Transmissions Racing Upgrades Torque and Horsepower

The Need for Robust Diesel Racing Transmissions

Diesel drag racing demands transmissions that can withstand extreme torque loads and rapid gear changes, far exceeding the requirements of OEM applications. The weight of diesel trucks, often between 6,500 and 8,000 pounds, combined with torque figures reaching 4,000 lb.-ft., puts immense stress on transmission components.

• Diesel trucks are significantly heavier than gasoline-powered vehicles, increasing the strain on the transmission.
• Diesel engines generate massive torque, requiring transmissions built to handle these extreme forces.
• Stock transmissions often fail under the intense conditions of diesel racing, necessitating significant upgrades.

Upgrading Clutch Packs for Enhanced Diesel Performance

Upgrading clutch packs is crucial for increasing the holding power and reducing slippage in racing transmissions. Companies like PPE specialize in modifying Allison 1000 transmissions by increasing the clutch surface area and using different friction materials.

• Increasing the number of plates in clutch packs enhances surface area and holding power.
• Different friction materials are used to optimize performance at various power levels.
• Valve body upgrades and pump modifications further enhance clutch pack holding power.

Billet Shafts: Addressing a Key Weakness

The input shaft is a common failure point in diesel racing transmissions, often breaking around 1,000 hp. Aftermarket billet shafts, made from stronger materials and with a consistent diameter, offer increased durability. These shafts can handle the increased torque load.

• Stock input shafts are prone to breaking due to their thinner diameter.
• Billet input shafts are made from stronger materials and have a uniform diameter.
• Intermediate and output shafts also require upgrades based on power levels.

Power Driven Diesel's Approach to 48RE Transmissions

Power Driven Diesel focuses on the Dodge 48RE platform, offering several transmission options to accommodate different power levels. They provide various shaft upgrades, including 23-spline, 27-spline Magnum, and 35-spline input shafts, each designed to handle increasing torque loads. Their input shafts upgrade is important for increasing the diesel engine's power.

• Offers multiple shaft upgrades to handle different power levels.
• Uses improved materials like 300M and 300 Maraging for increased strength.
• Modifies the intermediate shaft to improve lubrication and prevent friction welding.

Valve Body Modifications and Line Pressure Adjustments

Valve body upgrades are crucial for optimizing shift timing, pressure, and overall efficiency. Increasing line pressure is essential to prevent transmission slippage, especially at high torque levels. Power Driven Diesel uses a valve body test stand to design and test its modifications.

• Valve body modifications improve shift timing and pressure control.
• Increasing line pressure prevents transmission slippage at high torque levels.
• Specialized test stands are used to design and validate valve body modifications.

RevMax's Comprehensive Diesel Transmission Upgrades

RevMax offers upgrades for transmissions used in Dodge/Ram, Ford, and GM diesel pickups. They focus on adding clutch material and increasing line pressure to handle the immense torque produced by diesel engines. RevMax also provides billet drums and modifies valve body components.

• Adds clutch material and increases line pressure to enhance holding power.
• Offers billet input, intermediate, and output shafts, as well as billet drums.
• Modifies valve bodies with machined valve bores, billet sleeves, and heavier duty springs.

Rossler Transmissions: In-House Manufacturing for Superior Diesel Quality

Rossler Transmissions specializes in Turbo 400-based transmissions, manufacturing nearly every component in-house to ensure quality and performance. They use billet components, aircraft aluminum, and steel inserts to create lightweight yet strong transmissions. They cater to the extreme requirements of diesel racing applications.

• Manufactures nearly every component in-house for quality control.
• Uses billet components, aircraft aluminum, and steel inserts for strength and weight reduction.
• Employs Neal Chance Racing Converters with multiple-stage lockup for efficient torque transfer.

Rudy's Performance Parts: Ford Power Stroke Specialists

Rudy’s Performance Parts specializes in Ford Power Stroke transmissions, offering upgrades in stages to address specific failure points. They provide billet input shafts, low/reverse hubs, intermediate shafts, and planetary gears. They are upgrading the transmissions to increase the overall diesel performance.

• Offers staged upgrades to address specific failure points in Ford transmissions.
• Provides billet input shafts, low/reverse hubs, and planetary gears.
• Adds additional frictions and machines apply pistons and pressure plates for enhanced clutch performance.

Balancing Reliability and Holding Power in Diesel Setups

Achieving optimal performance in diesel racing transmissions requires balancing reliability and holding power. Adding too many thin frictions can increase holding power but may reduce clutch lifespan. Selecting the right intermediate shaft is crucial for 6R transmissions.

• Balancing reliability and holding power is crucial for longevity.
• Adding too many thin frictions can reduce clutch lifespan.
• Proper machining and cleaning are essential for optimal transmission performance.

The Future of Diesel Racing Transmissions

While older, hydraulically controlled transmissions are currently popular in diesel racing, advancements in electronic controls and design are paving the way for newer transmissions like the 10-speed to become more competitive. Continuous innovation and adaptation are key to meeting the ever-increasing demands of diesel drag racing.

• Newer transmissions like the 10-speed are becoming more competitive.
• Continuous innovation is essential to meet the demands of diesel racing.
• Racers are constantly seeking ways to improve power and durability.