@notlimah just a quick side question so not to get off topic. How do you like the Dynamic Stage 3? I am currently saving for a trans. Firepunk is close to me, but I am considering Dynamic.

9 minutes ago, gipperkid said:

@notlimah just a quick side question so not to get off topic. How do you like the Dynamic Stage 3? I am currently saving for a trans. Firepunk is close to me, but I am considering Dynamic.

 

Can't say enough good things about the trans or Jon. If you can make it out to him (I drove 6 hours), it's a no brainer IMO. Could also pull the trans and ship to him as well if driving there isn't an option. You could also look at Goerend being as they're in Iowa, might be easier since they're closer to you.

If firepunk is local there is no reason not to use them.  They are good builders.  Nothing at all against Jon, but distance should control builder, IF you have a good one around you.  

 

Stuff happens, being able to drive / tow the truck to the builder is worth it's weight in gold.

12 minutes ago, notlimah said:

 

Can't say enough good things about the trans or Jon. If you can make it out to him (I drove 6 hours), it's a no brainer IMO. Could also pull the trans and ship to him as well if driving there isn't an option. You could also look at Goerend being as they're in Iowa, might be easier since they're closer to you.

Thanks. Driving is too far. Would be a nice trip though. Jon said I could ship him my trans. I didn't think Goerend was doing builds any longer. I am the type of person that likes to do business based on real world experiences from the end user. I didn't know of Dynamic until I saw him mentioned on the forum.

 

6 minutes ago, Me78569 said:

If firepunk is local there is no reason not to use them.  They are good builders.  Nothing at all against Jon, but distance should control builder, IF you have a good one around you.  

 

Stuff happens, being able to drive / tow the truck to the builder is worth it's weight in gold.

 

Firepunk is about 1 1/2 hours North of me. I have heard good things about them also. From a cost standpoint, even with adding a billet output, I can freight my trans to Jon and still be ahead on the cost of a Firepunk. But I may venture another call to Firepunk. I do agree about having a builder local so Adjustments and fine tuning would be easier.

Edited April 4, 20187 yr by gipperkid

10 minutes ago, gipperkid said:

Thanks. Driving is too far. Would be a nice trip though. Jon said I could ship him my trans. I didn't think Goerend was doing builds any longer. I am the type of person that likes to do business based on real world experiences from the end user. I didn't know of Dynamic until I saw him mentioned on the forum.

 

Yea, Goerend doesn't do in house builds anymore but I'm sure they have shops around the area that do and that they endorse. Firepunk is pretty popular, and I'm sure for good reason, but the quality of parts that Goerend produces are second to none IMO. To Nick's point though, being that close to the builder does have major benefits and piece of mind so I'd weigh that heavily.

 

EDIT: You also pointed out cost, which if you're still coming out ahead on cost by sending it to Jon then another big factor. If you're truck is your daily and IF for some reason you had to pull it again to send it to Jon then maybe that would be something to consider, but ask Jon how much warranty work he's had to do over the years.

Edited April 4, 20187 yr by notlimah

20 minutes ago, notlimah said:

Firepunk is pretty popular, and I'm sure for good reason,

It's cause Lavon does what he wants (like the triple turbo cummins that blew up on the dyno) and kicks *** at UCC.  And he makes good transmissions.

+1 on Dynamic! Over 2 years later and nearly 35K miles and I'm happy with my trans. Still shifts like it did on day one after the build. I keep fresh fluid in it and the bands adjusted frequently. 

@notlimah @crf450ish Did either of you add a billet output to the build? And DPC or Goerend Converter?

My power goals (500ish) didn’t warrant a need for it according to Jon. Although this stage 3 build is rated to 550-600ish.

 

I choose to run a Goerend in mine. Jon’s standard stage 3 (or any ‘standard’ build he does AFAIK) uses a triple from Cascade. Nothing wrong with that converter, I just decided since I was spending the money that I’d be a brand ***** a little bit lol. Not to mention Goerend is top notch.

I figure a billet output is one of those piece of minds things.

Yea I suppose. It has its place for sure, but with higher horsepower applications then what I plan on doing. The way Jon explained it and showed me just how small it is, it’s a pretty strong shaft for it being ‘stock’

That's good to know. I figure I'd like to be around 400hp, maybe 500hp if the Quad gets turned up.

 

Did you do the install yourself or did you do it at Jon's shop?

I drove out and had him do it. I hung out and watched as much as I could. He tries to make it out to be pretty easy but I wasn’t willing to try haha.

As much as I'd love to build you a transmission, if you're only 1-1/2 hrs from Firepunk, I'd just have them build you one. Lavon seems to be a standup guy, although I have no personal connection with him. His prices are a bit higher than mine when comparing apples to apples, but he has a larger shop, a crew, and more overhead than I do, so that stands to reason. After all, at the end of the day, there are only so many ways to build these things. I will tell you that the best way is not found in a box kit of any kind, so as long as whoever is doing the work knows what they are doing, you will be fine.

6 hours ago, gipperkid said:

@notlimah @crf450ish Did either of you add a billet output to the build? And DPC or Goerend Converter?

no, just billet input. TC came from cascade converters somewhere near marysville, wa. Which apparently aren't there anymore

 

Edited April 6, 20187 yr by crf450ish

5 hours ago, notlimah said:

I drove out and had him do it. I hung out and watched as much as I could. He tries to make it out to be pretty easy but I wasn’t willing to try haha.

 

Funny tidbit... @Dynamic disassembles my 46RE gets it in for being washed. Then he turns to me and says, "You know you get to put this all back together." My jaw hit the floor like "WHAT!" Very enjoyable time watching him build my transmission for me. To this day that 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 still runs like a crazed mule and shift super firm yet. I love it!

This is exactly what I like. Real world feedback. I'm sure there is someone that is running a Firepunk on here. But I do see the importance of have a local builder should any issue arise.

Yea I’m not sure if anyone on this forum is. If they are they’re not very active but anyways, having those guys practically in your backyard is definitely a major benefit.

As respected as @Dynamic is around here, his vouching for Firepunk would be good enough for me if I had a auto. 

• https://goerend.com/
• http://www.firepunk.com/trans.php
• https://dynamictransparts.com/index.php

 

There is 3 now to think about. Maybe some should talk to Firepunk to jumping on the site too. I'd be glad to add him to the vendor list. 

Edited April 7, 20187 yr by Mopar1973Man