Thread: 4t65hd build options and questions

Well we are picking up an hd trans for the diff and cover but I think this is a great time to build up a trans for when I dive into building my car. First off can I use a non tap-shift trans in my comp g? I have never used the tap shift and would be fine if it werent functional. What can I do to this trans other than a rebuild, single chain, gear ratio, and axles? I helped, more like watched, my bf build his th400 going behind a turbo 5.3. We did all sorts of things like a 32 element sprag, clutches, full manual valvebody, transbrake, stall converter, and drilling stuff and leaving parts out :s. I know alot of this isnt necessary but what kind of potential can our transmissions have without breaking the bank? I plan to drop to a 2.8 or 3.0 pulley on e85 someday after I get another dd. My boyfriends running john deere hygard hydraulic oil in his trans and claims it takes heat much better and changes his stall speed?? To be honest I dont know what alot of this means but what do you guys have for Iinput??

Welcome to the forums. Yes, you can use a non tap-shift transmission as long as it's 04+ for a direct swap. You have a lot of questions so I'll try and address them all but may miss a couple.

Other upgrades that should be done if you plan on putting down 300whp and above.
300m input shaft and single 7/8" chain upgrades are the main ones.
Stock axles will be fine for anything that you'll be doing unless you're trying to cut 1.6 60ft times.
With your car being a Comp-G it already comes with the 3.29 ratio which is a far as I'd go. Turbo guys prefer 2.93 ratio (or at least I do).
Valve Body and Channel Plate upgrades are what really wakes up these transmission along withe modifying the spacer plate that goes in between the two. Along with the the shift kit assumed.

A transmission can be done on the cheap for $500 and to handle 275whp
Add 300m to reach 325whp
Add 7/8" setup to reach 375whp
Valve body and channel plate upgrades are personal preference. I HIGHLY recommend them being done.

Your BF is correct. I have run a similar hydraulic oil in combination with my setup and Dave at TEP also recommend it.

Triple Edge Performance - Home Page

So the triple edge upgraded valve body, 300m input, and 7/8" chain would be the ticket? As for ratio u prefer the 2.93 to allow for boost to build? Would the 3.69 ratio be overkill and just equal alot of wheelspin?

I would also send my valve body/channel plate/spacer to TEP. (Heck, I did) They do a great job and add all the upgrades plus a few other items that do wake the trans up and keep it running like it should.

Depending on how far you want to take the car, I'd plan ahead and maybe have TEP build the entire thing. Since they build them all the time, they have the right tools, tricks etc. And trying to get a couple of the seals into place on our transmissions is best done with the proper tool. Yes I built my own with a TEP channel plate/VB/spacer setup and a bunch of other parts from Dave. However it too a good deal of time and effort to try and ensure I was able to put all the seals in properly.