Mark, it looks like you have the strongest 545 currently available. Quite a step up IMO from what previously been offered. Go for it...

 

:dance::GoodLuck1::dance:

:thumb:

 

Couldn't resist, had to run over to Marks house and take a few pics of the ATS trans, torque converter, & CoPilot. :thumb::thumb::thumb:

 

Was very surprised how easy the CoPilot is to install. :thumb::thumb::thumb:

 

All eyes and ears here. :coolsmiley:

 

Damn, where were they a month ago. Not that I'm unhappy about working with Martin, but it would've been nice to have a true bolt in. I hope it lives up to its billing

 

Marks new engine has the potential to break any trans not custom built to hold its horsepower....

 

:iagree:

 

Update the engine may be in the mail next week... Some modifications need to be made to the fuel rail. other than that he can send me that stuff after he gets it set the way he wants it meanwhile I can get the engine and transmission bolted in.

 

Mark, sounds like it is close to being ready to go. Did they spend any break-in time on a dyno?

 

Dyno Time would cost extra money...

 

I can understand that. Building motors is like pouring money out of a boot... good job..

 

The 545rfe is just a smaller version of the 68rfe. ATS 545rfe trans has the same parts as their built ATS 68rfe that can hold a Cummins diesel with 800hp & 1600tq. They only had to re-calibrate the Copilot to the gas power curve.

 

Still waiting to see about that down shift and melt issue!

 

Stu over here sounding more like a Ats rep then Ats lol

 

After talking with Clint(owner & lead tech), you really want to be a ATS rep. It's very interesting what they've accomplished.

ATS does everything with the transmission in house. Machine work, trans & chassis dyno, R&D, customer installs, ect, ect. They even have a engine build shop. And don't forget turbo systems for the diesel. They also build the CoPilot there too.

Welcome to HTC Clint. :welcome-0005a:

 

And what does one of these lovely's cost?

 

So after todays conversation with Clint, the 545rfe's will be offered in 4-5 different packages. Stu is correct on the modifications and re-calibrations being made and Clint has also joined the forum to be sure you guys are getting the most detailed information. Since we are familiar with Stu and Mark's power ranges, we wanted to be sure we offered package options above and below those numbers. I am waiting on a full technical description on the 2nd prime/kick down issues but I do know the engineering department is currently working on it and Clint will be better equipped to discuss this topic. Ill check back in once our descriptions of the new packages are uploaded and post a link.

 

If they can guarantee that at cruise I can got and the trans hold 700hp all day every day issue free I will buy one instantly.

 

Would their controller just increase the line pressure or would they possibly have a way to actually lock out 4th?

 

The CoPilot does increase line pressure. You have three or four setting that it can be set at. But, it's not set up to lock out 4th gear at the track. That could be something else that ATS could look at.

The input from all of you is important. We need to let them know of all of the problems we've had with the 545rfe trans. They have the capabilities to turn the 545rfe into a bullet prof transmission. Isn't that what we all want?

List of problems with the 545rfe.

1. Primary Problem: 2nd prime kick down fries the od clutches.

 

From the plans that Ive heard, our goal is to have a 545rfe that can hold 700hp plus much more. As of now, the guarantee that I have is our 5yr/500k mile warranty. The guarantee that you and I both are looking for may take a few more test but is on the horizon.

 

As of now, the Co-Pilot is a controller solely for the line pressures. But we plan to add the converter lockup function very soon. This product has had great feedback being used only to increase the line pressures so controlling the converter would be an excellent additional option that we are working on.

 

Line pressure alone will not save this trans! Max allowed pressure is around 250 max anyhow limited by a spring blow off valve so unless that's bypassed (strongly suggest never) it will slip. The problem is not the holding power it's the engaging part by the electronics and the OD unit has a severe issue even with this new design. I still want to hear what you guys have come up with as I hope this ends up being a viable option for those that don't want to do the conversion.

 

Max allowed pressure is around 250 max anyhow limited by a spring blow off valve so unless that's bypassed (strongly suggest never)

Now that's something I never thought of looking at. Could that blow off valve be leaking by? Or, maybe a weak spring?

 

Thanks Keith. Your input is very important.

 

Being that I was so used to locking out 4th gear with the 03 PCM it is driving me crazy not having the option any more. Between that and the 2nd gear kick down I am working on grabbing up the pieces I need to do a 518/46RH swap. I already have a local shop with all the components I would need to start as I am on my third run with this 545 and don't expect it to last the summer.
Like everyone else I am pretty much fed up with having to baby this transmission and drive it in a certain way for fear of hurting it.

 

Being that I was so used to locking out 4th gear with the 03 PCM it is driving me crazy not having the option any more.

That's one of the reasons why I'm having such a hard time wanting to switch to my 05 rc. Even thought about putting the 03 pcm/tcm, wiring harness into the 05 rc. I do like how my 03 runs at the track.... :hide::hide::hide:

 

It surprises how tolerant we all have been with the 545 over the years. Being lucky with it being a 03 i was able to lock out od. And I was always careful how I drove it. I'm lucky i never burned it up. Made the swap and am now running at a level the 545 wouldn't of had a chance. The ats 545 IMO will need a lot more than a warranty to be successful. Good luck..

 

If ATS can't build us a bullet prof 545rfe trans, then nobody can.... We just have to be a little more patient and give them a chance to do it. Mark will be the first for the testing of the ATS built 545rfe trans. I'm hoping to be the second. We'll see.


PS. My plan is to completely rebuild the stage 3 trans in hoping it will be just a back-up to the ATS High Performance Heavy Duty Bullet Prof 545rfe trans. But, at the same time... Keeping an open mind and pay attention for a trans swap out for something other than a 545rfe. Keith(charged392) and Greg(Redtruck-VA) are doing a awesome job in finding us new trans options for our modded/high performance Hemi Rams. You have to give credit where credit is due. Thanks Keith and Greg. :bow::bow::bow: