Albins or S5D for New Funco

If this was for sale at a later date, obviously someone serious has the money. The question is, will he pass because at this price point it does not have an Albin's? 

 
Dockmaster said:
And I'm curious, what gears do you find yourself in more often when duning? 
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2 seat GTF 440ci 4.0 blower F710 heads. made 858 to the wheel.  S5D.  3 seasons with zero issues. will probably take it out this summer to have it gone through only because the rear main is leaking and the motor needs to come out anyway. dune mostly in 3-4 gear. second if the corner is real tight. 5th gear is nice for the duners runs or in the flats. FYI there has been an albins in our group die that was a year newer than my S5D. 

 If I built a new car today Id go back to the S5D. could do multiple rebuilds on the S5D before you get to the first cost of the albins. just my opinion that's not worth chit.

 
I haven’t made final decision yet but getting close. I’m leaning toward the Albins. I do believe the S5D would likely be fine but here’s my thoughts:

1. I’m spending so much already between car and custom trailer what’s another $15k at this point 🤑💰💰. Seriously though, why skimp now and on a vital component. 
2. When/if times comes to sell I don’t want to limit the already small potential buyer pool. 
3. My wife is actually encouraging the Albins (love that woman!). She reminded me that my last car had a trans that was pushed to its upper rated limit and it didn’t end well. 
4. One of my many, many personality flaws is always wanting the biggest, best strongest, etc when buying stuff. 
5. If I go with Albins now, worst case is I spent some $$ I might not have needed to. If I go with S5D and regret it later, much more expensive to change 

 
I have nothing to add other that you have a nice problem to have!

:cheers:

:lmao:

Do a build thread when it gets to that point...love seeing progress from start to finish and final product!

Congrats.

:dbart:

 
Sean@Weddle said:
The limiting factor on an S5D is the 2nd gear. 1000 HP is quite a lot for that gear that gets used pretty hard. 800 at the crank is about as much as they should get put through them. 

I have always pushed 4 speeds into sand cars unless they are running a 4 or 6 cylinder. Although some do like having the tall 5th gear for cruising, how often do you really find yourself using 5th gear? 

Think of it this way: The top of 3rd gear at 6000 RPM is typically about 70-80 MPH, and the top of 4th gear is about 110-120 MPH. How often do any of you actually hit these speeds unless you're running the drags? 

98% of the people I talk to have never broken 100 MPH in their 1000+ HP cars. 

@Grant@Funco The S4D is a good option in these high powered cars. Even those with Albins 5-speeds only use 2nd/3rd/4th gears.
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This has been my experience. An S4D is my choice for a mid engine car. I have been told that a mid engine car is easier on the transaxle though. 

 
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The S4D has its limitations as well. NOT! It only took me multiple 1100 wheel horsepower runs on a hub dyno that’s put WAY more hurt on the trans than just driving around to get 4th to start screaming at me 😂

super tough trans. 

Plus like others have said the rebuild cost comparison alone is enough to go with weddle over albins. 🤷🏻‍♂️

 
My friend had a G52 with 950HP crank running an S5D, he never had any problems with it.  I say go for the most trans you can reasonably afford. In this case, if you have the mullah to lay out for the Albins, do it. 

I bought a Gen 4 with a Fortin Sequential in it. I didn't like the color of the car, but the trans was a solid foundation for future upgrading.  Instead of worrying about a 2D blowing up, I can beat up on my Fortin a bit and not worry about it.  It will be the same with your car to some degree. Less worrying about blowing a transaxle is always better. 

Just my .02.. 

 
Albins for the easier resale value. Plus you are going to get that 10 to 15 grand back over the S5D. Good luck.

 
IF YOU ARE DOING MONSTER HEADS THEN S4D, 

IF YOU ARE DOING THE 710 HEADS THEN ALBINS, 

ON SUCH A NICE BUILD WHY MONSTER HEADS, 

 
J Alper said:
IF YOU ARE DOING MONSTER HEADS THEN S4D, 

IF YOU ARE DOING THE 710 HEADS THEN ALBINS, 

ON SUCH A NICE BUILD WHY MONSTER HEADS, 
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I got quotes from two reputable engine builders. Both quoted Frankenstein Monster heads. What is different with those vs the 710 heads? 

 
funco4lizzle said:
2 seat GTF 440ci 4.0 blower F710 heads. made 858 to the wheel.  S5D.  3 seasons with zero issues. will probably take it out this summer to have it gone through only because the rear main is leaking and the motor needs to come out anyway. dune mostly in 3-4 gear. second if the corner is real tight. 5th gear is nice for the duners runs or in the flats. FYI there has been an albins in our group die that was a year newer than my S5D. 

 If I built a new car today Id go back to the S5D. could do multiple rebuilds on the S5D before you get to the first cost of the albins. just my opinion that's not worth chit.
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I see you have the F710 heads. @J Alper questioned why I'm using Monster heads instead of the F710. So now I not only have a trans decision but I need to figure out what the difference is between the F710 heads and the Monster heads and if I need to make a change there as well. So much to learn and discover. 

 
I would vote Albins for your use, power, and resale.  I have had multiple cars with 4 speed gearboxes, and I always wanted an extra gear. I made the conversion from a 4 to 5 speed in my last Alumicraft and it was game changing. I personally run a 6 speed Albins and would HIGHLY recommend that.  If I were building this car I would couple a 6 speed with paddle shift. The 6 speed is SOOO NICE.  :dude:

 
Reece Pettersen said:
I would vote Albins for your use, power, and resale.  I have had multiple cars with 4 speed gearboxes, and I always wanted an extra gear. I made the conversion from a 4 to 5 speed in my last Alumicraft and it was game changing. I personally run a 6 speed Albins and would HIGHLY recommend that.  If I were building this car I would couple a 6 speed with paddle shift. The 6 speed is SOOO NICE.  :dude:
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Come on man, don't throw more options into the mix  :makerain: :classic_laugh: :classic_laugh: .   I think I'll stick with a 5 speed. Most likely the Albins. Now I have to figure out this new to me cylinder head question. Never ends!  :classic_ohmy:

 
Dockmaster said:
I got quotes from two reputable engine builders. Both quoted Frankenstein Monster heads. What is different with those vs the 710 heads? 
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Night and Day,  there is no comparison, Monster heads equals 2D trans,  710s it the top dog.

 
J Alper said:
Night and Day,  there is no comparison, Monster heads equals 2D trans,  710s it the top dog.
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would you mind adding a few specifics on the differences? I looked at their website but I couldn't really find a direct comparison. 

 
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