transmission test stand

[Dragsinger]

I am considering building a trans testing fixture. It would be race only powerglides and maybe 3 speeds.

Chevy bolt pattern GM trans only.

All I have is the idea so am open to suggestions. Do any of you have or know of such a test device? Or suggestion of how to?

[MR DERBY CITY]

Seen plenty in my day. Everyone started off with a worn out small block Chevy on a portable engine stand. Bolt your trans to the rear of the engine and there ya go. M.J.

[SSGT Mustang]

I was thinking about the same thing just yesterday. I was thinking about using an 20 HP electric motor. I wonder if it would have enough power to do the job.

[Dragsinger]

We need to hear from an electrician about the service required for an electric powered tester.

I expect something like a 480 volt 3 phase will be required so not practical for most shops. In addition, I think a gas engine will give better control of load and speed.

I have enough SBC 350 parts to easily build a low cost stock engine.

The thing I need to learn is how to load the output shaft. On DRR site someone posted a video of the FTI tester and it has a disc brake setup for the output load.

[NORMAN BARNARD]

Larry, not to hi-jack your thread but i've been looking for something like what your looking for that i can put a load on the motor to check afr readings at different rpm's as i do a lot of circle track carb's. And modifications for the racer for different altitudes. I checked with msd in my area but they don't have anything available in there design that will work as a load.

I'll monitor the web site maybe we can solve both our needs.

Norm

[Dragsinger]

Norm, yes, sounds like the same style setup would do both jobs.

The key will be some way to safely load the output shaft without building huge heat. Just now I am visualizing a large disc brake rotor with large caliper. Maybe 2500 series truck parts.

A simple single master cylinder with a long handle to apply load.

What I do not have is a mental picture of is how to adapt a brake rotor to the output shaft with an easily removed, stable, no runout setup.

Maybe someone will have a simple idea.

[Lou Jeffery]

There is a company that makes test stands called Axi-line. They use electric motor drive and a eddy current brake for load. You may check their website for ideas.

[fordteacherguy]

I teach transmission rebuilding at my college for the last 18 yrs using a G-Tec brand trans tester, there is a you tube showing the set up and operation. Mine uses a 30HP 480 3 phase motor and has absorption unit built it to stop the back feed to the electric panel when you shut it down. The load cells use aircraft type brakes controlled with a air regulator. The driveshaft output clamps into the load cells with large 3 jaw heads with aluminum jaws.

There is a link to the video on their website for you guys to get your ideas.

[ss3011]

I have an Intercont Transmission tester, which is powered by a propane fueled Iron Duke. I bought all the adapter plates to bolt up almost any RWD transmission. It uses an inertia wheel to put a load on the trans during testing, and a hydraulic brake to slow the wheel back down. I have seen similar machines at several major production transmission rebuilders. I believe Intercont was bought out by Axi-Line, and then Axi-Line was merged with SuperFlow. I think this machine would do any type of race transmission testing you would want to do, and in a safe manner.

[DonatoEng]

What are you testing for ?
Function, shift time, efficiency, durability, leaks. Do you want to run the TC or direct drive the trans ?
I've set up and run many driveline tests at an OEM that has a specific tester for each.