How fast does YOUR trans brake release???

[Justa6MB]

So the only car with a trans brake I've ever driven is my own. And I've always felt the trans brake is very slow to release. Upon asking a friend how fast his releases he said instant! The split second you release the button it's gone. I know it's hard to explain or time it but when I release the button I'm thinking it is probably between 1/4 to 1/2 of a second. I mean you release the button and it thinks about it for a bit then hits. Doesn't seem right to me. There is no way I can race with it on a .400 pro tree, it's over before I start. On the .500 tree's of course I can time it with the lights. But it stung me one day when the class I was registered used the .400 light.

 

[TexasT]

Trans you have in your car?
Trans brake you have in your trans?

 

[turbobitt]

On my TH400 the data logs show .14-.16 seconds from the electrical signal cut to sensing wheel speed. This does not include any reaction from the car or the reaction of the trans brake button itself.
AG.

 

[Boost231]

Mines instant, I can look at logs if need be. Got lonnies electric brake in mine

 

[Justa6MB]

Oops, yeah right. It's a Stage 2 - 200 from EA - so I assume it also has Lonnie's electric brake????? Does he have more than one kind?

 

[TT/Ameasap]

I have had both kinds of tranny brakes and they both leave instantly. I would check the easy stuff first. Your solenoid could be hanging up on itself. In that case, buy another solenoid.

 

[Justa6MB]

I did have a bad solenoid with an open circuit so it was changed but no improvement. I had to send the solenoid back to Lonnie and he had to press a new one into the housing. So I assume it is something he fabricates? When you say both kinds, what kinds are there available for a 200?

 

[TT/Ameasap]

Electric and manual.
Currently, I have a manual. 1st gear is my trans brake and when spooled up, I slam it up into 2nd to release it. So, in a sense, I am the solenoid.

 

[Justa6MB]

Ok. So what else could cause it to be slow to release? I did notice when changing the solenoid that when the coil is energized of coarse it pulls the valve one way, but nothing forces it the other way. I mean it isn't electrically forced to open, and there is no spring. So the valve has to move on it's own or I assumed it is relying on fluid pressure. The valve was also free - not sticky at all.

 

[Justa6MB]

Ttt... Any suggestions? Is it possible to switch trans brakes?

 

[Nick Micale]

I have run a .400 Pro; light for years and there are 2 items which are mandatory to be consistent which also applies to any light in competition, and that would be practice [seat time], and a proper electrical circuit for the trans brake.

It is a MUST that the wiring circuit is properly and DIRECTLY wired to the battery, both positive and negative leads.

The relay in the circuit must be of premium quality, not a $5 off-shore POS, more like a $40-50 part.

The button itself must designed and build for use as a trans brake release, not for a door bell?

Placement and use of the button also greatly affects button operation.

You want to get the right stuff and learn how to get better, talk to some of the good racers when you are at the track and pick their brain on execution and their hardware as well!

 

[Justa6MB]

Ok thanks. So I have a proper trans brake switch mounted on the steering wheel. There is no relay in the circuit. But It isn't wired directly to the battery. There is just one wire coming out of the tranny, and I've taken power from the fuse box, through switch to tranny.

 

[Boost231]

What filter setup? You sure your not pinching the plastic line in the pan that runs right next to the pickup?

Mine is right but that would be a issue

 

[Justa6MB]

Originally it had the EA manufactured pipe setup with a dodge filter bolted to it. I just changed to a TH400 bottom feeder filter and no change?