Trans Break

[Austrian455]

Hey guys,

I´ve got a question about trans break "systems". I´m sure some of the specialists like Rick or Adam can tell me.

First question:
Is it true that a trans break holds the transmission in 1st and reverse at the same time?

second question:
What advantage has this?

Isn´t it the worst thing you can do to a tranny? I would say that the oil temp. in the transmission should rise very fast. The clutches and bands get also abused.
Isn´t it the same thing when I hold the car back with my foot on the break?
:confused4: :confused4: :confused4: :confused4:

[73 Centurion]

Those with more experience can give you more details, but I think the primary benefit is you can lock the transmission, load the torque converter almost to stall speed and then release the transmission.

The primary benefit is substituting a foot on the brake with a button controlled by your hand. This avoids the fancy footwork required to completely release the left while rolling into the right. Your left foot is now available to brace your body. It's also supposed to release the car faster than possible with your brakes.

But, you're right it is very hard on the transmission and your tranny should be beefed up to handle it.

That's the theory I've heard, but I'll be interested in the opinions of those with experience.

John

[WDR]

They do lock the trans in first and reverse. They launch harder than dumping the clutch in a stick car. Using one will drop your reaction and 60' times. It will also beat up parts.

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Hey guys,

I´ve got a question about trans break "systems". I´m sure some of the specialists like Rick or Adam can tell me.

First question:
Is it true that a trans break holds the transmission in 1st and reverse at the same time?

second question:
What advantage has this?

Isn´t it the worst thing you can do to a tranny? I would say that the oil temp. in the transmission should rise very fast. The clutches and bands get also abused.
Isn´t it the same thing when I hold the car back with my foot on the break?
:confused4: :confused4: :confused4: :confused4:

An automatic transmission "transbrake" is a modified or aftermarket valve body which puts the trans into first gear, and reverse gear at the same time. As long as power is supplied to the valve body the vehicle will not move. This allows the engine to be brought up to a higher rpm than what is possible when "foot brake" racing. When the brake is engaged, there is no torque being applied to the driveshaft, so the suspension is also in an unloaded state. When the current is removed from the transbrake, the reverse component of the trans is realeased, and torque is applied to the driveshaft very abruptly. This "hits" the tires harder, more like what a manual transmission car does when the clutch is released by side stepping the peddle quickly. Since the transbrake is controlled by applying an electric current, it is also the preferred method of controlling when the car launches when using delay boxes and other modern drag race electronics.

A transmission brake can be used in a street vehicle, but is mostly commonly used for serious drag racing.

One other add on is the reaction time to the green light. It is known fact that the brain gets the signal to release the button in the hand quicker than telling the foot to get off the brake peddle. (don't laugh, it's true) So a transbrake increases your reaction time and also gets you better 60 foot times, and gets you more consistent quarter mile time.

The transbrake does put stress on the trans building up heat and it does shorten the life of the trans. That need for speed does not come cheap. I can get two seasons from a tranny on my GS which is race only. You definitely need a tranny cooler, plus synthetic fluid is recommended as it has a higher heat tolorance. Also when running a brake they say to run a pint low on the fluid level, because when applying the brake heat builds and the fluid expands and can possibly spill out past the vent tubes or dip stick tube. The rule of thumb is also that you don't engage the transbrake no longer than 10 seconds as it only takes about this long to over heat the tranny.

Lastly the feeling..."It's feels like getting your cheeks sucked into your face"

Photo below tells it all; launching at 5300 rpm on a transbrake shifting at 7,000 rpm getting a 1.25 sixty foot time. :eek: