Drivetrain Vibrations - Built Car
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Monument Colorado
Drivetrain Vibrations - Built Car
I just picked up a 2000 C5, engine runs nicely, put it in drive, and accelerate a bit and she vibrates like crazy, shakes the whole car. Gets worse as RPMs climb, 1-2 shift is crisp, 2-3 is a bit soft. Vibration in all gears.
Need some help with where to start. No trans codes, pulled pan and see a bit of metal shavings in the bottom. Torque converter bolts are tight. Trans mount is fine. Previous owner said last pass he made down the strip, he felt the 2-3 shift slip, he suspected trans or torque converter.
Car Details:
2000 C5, A4
2800 stall(unkn brand)
line lock
'fully built' trans from a local shop
fully built 383, 200+ shots of nitrous, 10.8 CR, race cam
650-750 whp on the nitrous, 450 ish N/A
I have half a mind to just buy a RPM Stg V trans and converter, but thought I'd see if anyone has any ideas to focus in on the source of the vibration first.
Any help is appreciated.
Trevor
Need some help with where to start. No trans codes, pulled pan and see a bit of metal shavings in the bottom. Torque converter bolts are tight. Trans mount is fine. Previous owner said last pass he made down the strip, he felt the 2-3 shift slip, he suspected trans or torque converter.
Car Details:
2000 C5, A4
2800 stall(unkn brand)
line lock
'fully built' trans from a local shop
fully built 383, 200+ shots of nitrous, 10.8 CR, race cam
650-750 whp on the nitrous, 450 ish N/A
I have half a mind to just buy a RPM Stg V trans and converter, but thought I'd see if anyone has any ideas to focus in on the source of the vibration first.
Any help is appreciated.
Trevor
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
You need to pull the torque tube and inspect the rubber couplers. I bet that they are worn, cracked and ready to explode.
They WILL cause vibrations. That much power and the age of the car,, YEP,,
,, that would be be where I would start.
Unless you bent something, the trans should not cause it
Another place to look would be to inspect the rims and tires to see if they are true.
Also do a push pull test on the rear (and front) wheel bearings. Jack up the wheel. Grab the tire at the 12:00/06:00 & 09:00-03:00 positions and push pull and see if there is any SLOP in the bearings. There SHOULD NOT BE ANY!
Let us know what you find.
Bill
They WILL cause vibrations. That much power and the age of the car,, YEP,,
,, that would be be where I would start.Unless you bent something, the trans should not cause it
Another place to look would be to inspect the rims and tires to see if they are true.
Also do a push pull test on the rear (and front) wheel bearings. Jack up the wheel. Grab the tire at the 12:00/06:00 & 09:00-03:00 positions and push pull and see if there is any SLOP in the bearings. There SHOULD NOT BE ANY!
Let us know what you find.
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,245
Likes: 25
From: Blue Ridge Georgia
I always agree with Bill, but will list another idea. I built a 72 Camaro with a 383 Stroker and reused the stock flex plate. I always had this vibration, changed driveshaft, changed wheels, changed tires, changed everything and finally bought a TCI flex plate and when I pulled the one off of the car it was warped. I was told and if someone used a screwdriver to remove the flex plate that's enought to warp it. After the TCI was installed the car was smooth as hell. Just food for thought. I bet it's the TT couplings, I changed mine and they were OK but you never know.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
I changed my ttube couplers because of vibrations too. Unfortunately I went with poly couplers and now the sound is much more pronounced. But at least I know its safe. If I ever get back in there, its back to rubber.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Monument Colorado
Thanks guys, I confirmed it has billet torque tube couplers. I dont think those go bad.
What about torque converter? Last time I moved the car, it would lockup as soon as I started to roll, killing engine. Went away later. Do you think I could get away with replacing the flexplate, torque converter, and if still issues, then just buy a trans or would I be risking destroying a $1200 torque converter.
I dont suspect tires/wheels, this is more of a RPM than MPH vibration. Vibrates from 0 MPH.
I have RHS pro elite heads on, they are massive, I think I have to pull entire drivetrain to inspect, as there appears to be no room to tilt the rear down. I have a lift and will do a visual check underneath with the car running tonight. It is very hard to tell through the access cover, are those plates that mount the torque converter known to get tweaked? looks a bit undersized for hard bottle launches with slicks.
What about torque converter? Last time I moved the car, it would lockup as soon as I started to roll, killing engine. Went away later. Do you think I could get away with replacing the flexplate, torque converter, and if still issues, then just buy a trans or would I be risking destroying a $1200 torque converter.
I dont suspect tires/wheels, this is more of a RPM than MPH vibration. Vibrates from 0 MPH.
I have RHS pro elite heads on, they are massive, I think I have to pull entire drivetrain to inspect, as there appears to be no room to tilt the rear down. I have a lift and will do a visual check underneath with the car running tonight. It is very hard to tell through the access cover, are those plates that mount the torque converter known to get tweaked? looks a bit undersized for hard bottle launches with slicks.
Last edited by trevorradman; Jan 3, 2014 at 02:59 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 355
From: Rochester New York
Can you provide more info?
Is the vibration felt parked, in neutral, if you rev the engine? (the engine, flywheel, clutch, and driveshaft spin).
Is the vibration felt at certain vehicle speeds?
Is the vibration felt in a specific gear(s)?
Does vehicle speed affect the sound/severity?
Is the vibration felt parked, in neutral, if you rev the engine? (the engine, flywheel, clutch, and driveshaft spin).
Is the vibration felt at certain vehicle speeds?
Is the vibration felt in a specific gear(s)?
Does vehicle speed affect the sound/severity?
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Monument Colorado
Can you provide more info?
Is the vibration felt parked, in neutral, if you rev the engine? (the engine, flywheel, clutch, and driveshaft spin).
Is the vibration felt at certain vehicle speeds?
Is the vibration felt in a specific gear(s)?
Does vehicle speed affect the sound/severity?
Is the vibration felt parked, in neutral, if you rev the engine? (the engine, flywheel, clutch, and driveshaft spin).
Is the vibration felt at certain vehicle speeds?
Is the vibration felt in a specific gear(s)?
Does vehicle speed affect the sound/severity?
Not speed(mph) related.
All gears, intensified greatly by engine load.
At WOT, rpms above 4k vibration chills out all gears(4th assumed, not enough runway to try). Wot Downshift getting on highway, vibration clears up until 2-3 shift, then vibration returns since the rpms dip under 4k.
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Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Monument Colorado
No vibrations in park.
Not speed(mph) related.
All gears, intensified greatly by engine load.
At WOT, rpms above 4k vibration chills out all gears(4th assumed, not enough runway to try). Wot Downshift getting on highway, vibration clears up until 2-3 shift, then vibration returns since the rpms dip under 4k.
Not speed(mph) related.
All gears, intensified greatly by engine load.
At WOT, rpms above 4k vibration chills out all gears(4th assumed, not enough runway to try). Wot Downshift getting on highway, vibration clears up until 2-3 shift, then vibration returns since the rpms dip under 4k.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 404
From: Portland OR
Thanks guys, I confirmed it has billet torque tube couplers. I dont think those go bad.
What about torque converter? Last time I moved the car, it would lockup as soon as I started to roll, killing engine. Went away later. Do you think I could get away with replacing the flexplate, torque converter, and if still issues, then just buy a trans or would I be risking destroying a $1200 torque converter.
I dont suspect tires/wheels, this is more of a RPM than MPH vibration. Vibrates from 0 MPH.
I have RHS pro elite heads on, they are massive, I think I have to pull entire drivetrain to inspect, as there appears to be no room to tilt the rear down. I have a lift and will do a visual check underneath with the car running tonight. It is very hard to tell through the access cover, are those plates that mount the torque converter known to get tweaked? looks a bit undersized for hard bottle launches with slicks.
What about torque converter? Last time I moved the car, it would lockup as soon as I started to roll, killing engine. Went away later. Do you think I could get away with replacing the flexplate, torque converter, and if still issues, then just buy a trans or would I be risking destroying a $1200 torque converter.
I dont suspect tires/wheels, this is more of a RPM than MPH vibration. Vibrates from 0 MPH.
I have RHS pro elite heads on, they are massive, I think I have to pull entire drivetrain to inspect, as there appears to be no room to tilt the rear down. I have a lift and will do a visual check underneath with the car running tonight. It is very hard to tell through the access cover, are those plates that mount the torque converter known to get tweaked? looks a bit undersized for hard bottle launches with slicks.
I also agree on the stock flex plate comment. They are pretty thin. You can get an aftermarket unit to replace it.
I think dropping the trans would be wise.
I know, it's not trivial......I did mine on jack stands. And like a dummy, didn't replace the couplers, which are now vibrating, so I get to do it again......
Ron