Trans Problems!
 

Second time in 35 passes rolled the sprag for second gear on the T350 in the SS car! Ideas why?

Re: Trans Problems!
 

I was told not make 1-2 shift in burnout, so I just started burnout in high, and if reverse pattern was told not shift from high back to neutral while moving....
both were hard on sprag..

Re: Trans Problems!
 

Yep, we do the 2nd to high burnout but on the other end we do go high to neutral.

Re: Trans Problems!
 

Do Burn out in High Gear only. Make sure to use 36 Element Dog Bone Sprag with harded race.

Re: Trans Problems!
 

I always thought that was funny, engine builders say don't leave it in gear at the end of a run and trans builders say don't shift to neutral :confused:

Re: Trans Problems!
 

From what I have been told if you shift to neutral after the run the trans wont oil good enough coasting so fast. I dont know for sure but understand that it is hard on the motor slowing down in gear too...

Re: Trans Problems!
 

It is not good to shift a 350 400 into netural at the line it over speeds the drum, sometime causing it to come apart.

Re: Trans Problems!
 

Some of the aftermarket high gear drums have sprags that do not have end bearings . These are no good , the end bearings keep the inner and outer races concentric . Without the end bearings the sprag dog bones will not engage evenly and will roll over in short order .

Re: Trans Problems!
 

one reason I stick with a powerglide. They are virtually indestructible. Not as fast as a good 3 speed. But very consistent and reliable. I know I could pick up a couple of tenths with a good 3 speed like a Coan XLT or a Pro trans.

Re: Trans Problems!
 

Another thing. Be sure the trans builder did not remove the accumulator spring. Some do. It will make the shift into second very harsh, which is hard on the intermediate sprag.

Re: Trans Problems!
 

Do the water box stuff in second, it keeps wheel speed down and doesn't abrad away the center of the tread. Transmissions and tires will last longer.

Re: Trans Problems!
 

Do NOT end your burnout in second gear, if it hooks at the end of the burnout in second gear, it's almost guaranteed to roll the sprague. Always finish your burnout in high gear.

Re: Trans Problems!
 

We always do the burnout 2-3, but we've always hit neutral at the finish line and shut it off.

We did that for years with our Glide, but now the TH350 can't handle it I am guessing. Thanks for the input guys

Re: Trans Problems!
 

I've been doing high gear only burnouts with glides and 3 speeds (T400, T350, and T200) for years. Currently have a T350 in my Super Stocker. Never have had an issue with any trans that was burnout related. I was told years ago by a reputable trans builder that one of the hardest things on a trans is shifting in the burnout. As long as you have some dampness on the tires, there is no need to be in a lower gear for the burnout.

I too neutral the car after the finish line. My current trans builder hasn't yelled at me yet for doing so... :-)

Re: Trans Problems!
 

Although there are pros & cons about not backing down the engine in gear at the end of a run, many other forms of racing do it all the time. Circle track, road racing, etc.do it. Is it really such a bad thing to do? Martinsville would be a good example of this occurring lap after lap.

Re: Trans Problems!
 

Did burnout for many years in second and shift to third. Then with in 1 year I broke a sprag twice on T400. Started burnout in high only and never broke one again. Strange how it went from no problem to a problem.

Re: Trans Problems!
 

Nice to hear that transmissions other than a Chrysler 727 can have sprag issues.

Re: Trans Problems!
 

Check PM

Re: Trans Problems!
 

And, my Pro Trans (T350) has the “Clean Neutral” option. Shift to Neutral at the finish line, with no issues.