I've got a question, wanted to see what you guys thought: I'm about to swap in a lightning blower onto my 2001 5.4. I don't feel like blowing up my stock trans so I'm looking at options to replace or rebuild it.

So I've been talkin to this guy on NLOC regarding a built 4R100 he has. He said he has a driveshaft, crossmember, and converter that he could put together as a package. Does this seem like a viable option? It's absolutely not possible to tune my computer to work with this setup? another guy on NLOC might have a comp off a wrecked L, but would that drive the costs way up? I'm trying to stay under 2k for parts. Let me hear your opinions por favor

 

You will need the lightning PCM to run the 4R100.

 

How much would a lightning PCM run, new and used? if i could get one, would this be the best way to go, or could I just have my 4R70 built up. I'm probably only going to be around the mid 300's hp wise.

 

my honest suggestion, read my sig. do your research thoroughly, i wish i met Darrin first.

 

Thanks Klitch, I've been trying to read your thread off and on all day (couldn't sit still for the whole thing ), looks like you had a tough time of it. Looks like everything worked out in the end? Did you send your tranny to Darrin to be rebuilt? what is the cost involved in such a case?

the 4R100 is such a tantalizing option, hard to let go, maybe its time tho.

 

the 4R100 swap requires other things as well, including driveshaft modifications, exhaust crossover modifications, the pcm MUST be changed out, flywheel modifications, etc. not a "budget" swap. a built trans, 4R100 or 4R70W is something you want to do right the first time. No cutting corners, or you'll be sorry.

 

the 4r100 swap is only financially feasible if your putting down real heavy numbers in the first place. for the range you and i fall in, the 4r70w is definitely the way to go if you have it built by someone who knows what they are doing. i dont want to answer your question about price, i feel thats best left up to you and Darrin if you talk to him. i will say his price before shipping will be closer to the 3 mark, but dont let that run you off, you dont want to chance it and have the problem i did.

i wound up getting another trans from Darrin, im still trying to get my money back from Rods cars, I have small claims on the 22nd this month with him and have the judge affirm the arbitration agreement and arbitration decision.

you couldnt sit still? lol! think of how i felt lmao

 

Like Klitch said,at your power level.Even if you later go up to 400RWHP, a good built 4r70 or 4r75 should handle the power.

The only reason I went with a 4r100 is my truck is 6000LBs and I was going through built 4r70 trannys every year. After 3 I decided I had to have something stronger.
And just so you know what it cost me.Built 4r100= 5K. parts and laber=3K!

Phil

 

ahhh, good advice Klitch and Phil. I'll probably be looking for a good local trans builder then.

Good luck with your legal issue Klitch, nail that guy's @$$ to the wall

 

man be weary of the local guys. i tried to trust one, come to find out i ran into 2 bad businesses in 1 shot.

dont worry, i plan to get him to pay me back one way or another. i also plan on making it much more public once i get my money back.