Compatability of Phoenix modules

bukbugy · #1 Fri, April 17th, 2009, 05:53 PM

I am looking at one of these modules for my 97 Powerstroke and want to know if the Banks TransCommand I currently have on the truck will need to be removed of will the Phoenix work with it>

Thanks,

Bill

***cleatus12r*** · #2 Fri, April 17th, 2009, 06:17 PM

You don't have to remove it to run any kind of programming. It's one of those things that the tuner will have to keep in mind though.

A lot of times in the tuning, transmission pressure is increased during shifts to give a nice solid feel.....that's not too desireable when the Transcommand is doing the same thing. Being that you have an early Powerstroke, there aren't a lot of things a tuner is going to be able to do to make the Transcommand....uh..transparent

short of really reducing shift TV pressure and possibly lowering the torque table.

soutthpaw · #3 Fri, April 17th, 2009, 07:30 PM

You have a couple of options. One is to have the shift points left stock and leave transcommand in. However everything the transcommand does can be done via tuning for the phoenix. U just need to tell Bill exactly what u want the tranny to do and what shifting u want. If you have not installed a shift kit or valve body. I would drfinitely say do that too. If u r towing a lot get the transgo tugger hd. It will give u downhill engine trans braking option too. Check out the minotaur forum as we got some good tranny tuning discussion going on over there. you can even run a different/ better base file with Phoenix. I'm doing that on my truck. Bill can tell you if u have the best base file available or if there is a better option. Then sell the transcommand system on. Ebay or something

bukbugy · #4 Fri, April 17th, 2009, 07:39 PM

Thanks,
I have been checking and Banks made a bypass plug that will allow me to unplug module and plug in the bypass and this will set the tranny back stock. That way I don't have to mess with the wiring.
How much work and technical knowledge is involved with a valve body upgrade and approximate cost
I already have a Banks exhaust brake on the unit along with a AFE stage one cold air intake, gages, straight down pipe and larger exhaust.

soutthpaw · #5 Fri, April 17th, 2009, 08:49 PM

well the Valve Body swap is actually easier that the Transgo shift kit... If you can change a tranny filter you can swap out the Valve body... the standard transgo (less than $50) requires a few more steps (it is not difficult bit is quite technical) including removing the solinoid pack and all 3 or 4 sections of the valve body and in that there are about a dozen check balls that you need to be careful not to loose... instructions tell you where to reinstall the check balls and their tech support guys really know their stuff if you need help along the way.. I recommend getting new separator plate gaskets from the dealer if you do the transgo kit and they are only about $15 for both of them. you can check out John Woods or BTS (Brians truck stop) for valve bodies around $200 with exchange
you don't need the HD transgo tugger if you already have an exhaust brake...