I want to install a TCI Transbrake into my TH400 which is behind a blown 454. TH400 is a new rebuild with HD clutches and SPRAG with a TCI manual valve body. Transmission has a transcooler out of a HD 2500 GMC. Drive line is a 3" heavy wall. The car is set up as a pro-street. Rearend is a Dana 60 W/ morrison 4-link coil over setup with 373 gears, mosier 35 spline axles and a panhard bar. I know you need to use the solonoid in neutral to go into reverse which is no big deal. The car is only a nice sunday driver and drag strip terror:thumbsup: Never ran a transbrake before, Is a transbrake streetable or should it only be used for the drag striip. l'm looking for any advice on these. Thanks

There are specific internal modifications that need to be made to your transmission to use a transbrake. Have these modifications been made or will you have this done when the transbrake is installed?

The modifications have not been done, haven't installed it yet, plan on doing them myself on a bench with the book.

The modifications have not been done, haven't installed it yet, plan on doing them myself on a bench with the book.

Just wanted to make sure you knew that installing a transbrake involves more than swapping the valve body and adding the solenoid.

Regarding your question, I know people that run them on the street. They don't use the brake on the street, they only use it when they go to the track.

I agree. However as big as the external transmission cooler is off the truck; for driving on the street I would double it (hook them up in series).


Larger Dave

Depending on the vavle body you are currently running, you may not have to make any internal mods to run the transbrake.
You typically drill a bleed hole in the direct drum and dual feed it by leaving the center seal out. If you are running a reverse manual VB, it is probably already dual fed.
You COULD get by without the bleed hole on the direct drum but it helps speed release.

If you're serious about a brake I'd look to a Hipster. I am a happy TCI dealer as well... but IMO the Hipster brake is a nicer design than the TCI. I also like the JW brakes for 400's. If you need tech help let me know...

Question: if you use a brake , will you need some type of adjustable rev limiter to lean against when preparing to launch and scare the devil out of everyone next to you. U know,, just like the strip models. Can you image this at a red lite with all these people behind you? And next to you.

Either a 2-step or just use your foot. I use a 2-step to race with, but can't stand the thought of a 3-step to control engine speed on the burnout. If you go to a brake in a 400, I'd also be sure to use a good intermediate 34 element sprag, Teflon rings instead of metal ones, use a TH350 drum bearing at the back for thrust instead of the OEM washer/shim setup, dual orings on the case end of the filter pickup tube, and I'd also look to a steel forward clutch hub for added peace of mind when you let go of the button.