Another transbrake thread, & tires

[63corvette]

Ray, the B&M had the same pressure adjustment you describe. The issue was with the pressure falling off (just a short blip) as you apply the brake. That was a pump pressure/volume issue with the passage size. To make the brake react quickly the volume is reduced in the passages to dump quickly for quick reaction but you have the same issue on the apply side. Applying takes longer that dumping with the port size. You could remedy that issue by going to an after market pump with the larger gear set or using a stock pump/gear set and setting the engine rpm no lower than 1200 to 1400 in low gear as you stage the car. It was just an issue that could bite you at the wrong time as you go rounds and I decided not to build those problems into a transmission I was using or selling a customer.
I build them and I race them so I don't want any possible issue I can get away from. I also do not want a customer with any of those issues either.
Everyone has his or her own way to do things and their opinions but for me I stay away from the aluminum bodies from all the manufacturers if at all possible. All the major transmission people still have the cast body model and that is what I always use. Some of the people I build for want a specific brand of brake. I believe most are all about equal so I give the customer the choice of what they want.
My 2 Cents

[Floyd Staggs]

Another question, Guys.
What size wire and where do you pull the power from. A buddy said he increased the power to his brake and quickened it up. Mine is coing from the fuse block under the dash with what looks to be about 14-16 guage wire. That's what my trans guy put in.
Thanks

[Michael Pliska]

One more question-
How and how often do you adjust your band? Here is some info I found on the web:
http://www.racewithjw.com/techNotes.php
Loosen the 9/16” jamb nut tighten the bolt within 7/32” allen wrench to 72 inch pounds.
Back the adjusting screw to 3 ¾ turns. The band should be adjusted every 25 runs.

Is this what everyone is doing?

Regards,

[63corvette]

Floyd, I personally do not think the power to the solenoid will make the reaction faster. To release the brake the solenoid is de-energizing not powering up. The wire size to the solenoid depends on the length to the solenoid but generally I would say #14 would work in most cases. Shorter distance is better where you are pulling power from to the solenoid.

Michael, the procedure you describe is correct. I use 3 1/2 turns out but a quarter of a turn is not much difference. I usually adjust my band about mid season and then go through the transmission at years end. Mid season for me would be in the 60 to 80 passes range. On the transmissions I build and use I do some additional oiling holes in the drum which also helps band life and adjustment needed. Adjusting at 25 runs seems a little excessive but it depends on what shape the transmission is in with pump pressure etc.
It does not hurt to check things often.

Hope the info helps.
Rick