The Latest From KEAS Group

Welcome to the KEAS Group Rant.

Where we will try to convey our thoughts and update you with what's going on.

Just a Heads Up.

Some Illness and Hospitalizations of our Family has resulted in less than optimal communications on myself. 

I will endeavor to do better.

PARTS SUPPLY

Its fair to say we still supply most of the JATCO 3N71B/4N71B Performance Parts in the Country.

Recently Borg Warner (manufacturer of the JATCO OEM Flex Bands) stopped supply of the Intermediate and Over Drive Flex Bands. 

(Actually they stopped making a lot of Slow moving Parts including the TH400 34 Element Intermediate Sprags Sets)

A switch to the aftermarket units (Bright Silver Strapping with either Green or Brown Linings) resulted in failed Bands. 

AH- relining you say- Well that's Hit and Miss. 

  1. You have no idea how many cycles the Band has completed. All unexpected breakage failures (snapped) were from relined Bands
  2. No-one in Australia wants to reline Bands anymore. The cost of freight to and from the US, along with a poor Exchange Rate results in very expensive Bands with no guarantee of longevity. 

Our solution is that we are looking at getting the OEM Solid Bands remade. Advantages are:

  1. Strong
  2. ZERO Apply/ Release Cycles
  3. We can now increase the Transmission Line Pressure. Previously we had a limit to help preserve the Flex Bands to last the season out.

Anything we do at KEAS Group must be fit for purpose.

Anything we supply must work as intended.

We will not offer goods/ products that do not meet or exceed Australia Tort Law (incorporating the ACL). 

It still annoys me that other Australian companies are able to continually flaunt and hide from their respective obligations.

In this case Mob Justice seems justified- form an orderly line in Campbelltown now.

Rant over

 

4L80E Super Low Stall Stator

4L80E behind the CUMMIN 6BT Series

An ongoing issue with a purchased Triple Plate Low Stall Torque Converter (intermittent Lock Up Control Issues, several damaged Transmissions and unhappy customers)- we reluctantly got involved, identified the issue then designed a new Stator.

Another money losing venture not of our doing.

It has the Lowest Stall Torque Ratio we could design in whilst still feeding enough Oil to the Impellor. The internal design of the 4L80E does not lend itself to any lower Stall Speed.

To prove our assumption, a standard Stator was hacked apart, modified- built into the TC and installed into a Vehicle and tested. 

Lock Up Control issues gone. Stall Speed was not the Lowest possible.

The Powerglide

I have continued to Tinker with the Powerglide! We've finished and tested the Reverse Pattern Valve Body. This is available in both Full Manual & Transbrake configurations and it still retains Automatic Reverse.

TH180 (Trimatic) 

Good news for TH180 (Trimatic) fans! We've also finished the Reverse Pattern Valve Body for this model, available in both Full Manual and Transbrake. It retains Engine Braking and Automatic Reverse.

TH400 developments

Our New Design Cast Iron Reverse Pattern Valve Bodies for the TH400 are ready for their 1st Production Run! These will be available With and Without Engine Braking and an optional Spragless Design. Additionally, Spragless Hubs are currently out with our CNC Guys.

WHY Cast Iron you ask????

CORE RIGIDITY

Billet Alloy offers little Stiffness as often found when bolting down the Valve Body only to have the Manual Jam start to jam up.

LUBRICITY & LONGER LIFE

Cast Iron is Porous and these Voids in the casting aid in Lubricating the Manual Valve.

COST

Our aim is to make the best possible Valve Body at the Cheapest Price. Its one of the only ways to deter Robbery and Duplication (R&D) activities of others.