An Interview With Import Performance Transmissions – Part One

At the request of Charles, a TundraHeadquarters.com reader, we contacted Import Performance Transmissions to learn more about their performance transmission options for the Toyota Tundra.

Our interview is with John Lombardo, founder and co-owner of IPT. John has been making performance modifications to transmissions since 1987.

Question 1: Are the bulk of your customers looking for more performance from their factory transmission?

John: Yes, but performance is a pretty broad term. Our customers range from people with totally stock vehicles who just want a stronger, more reliable transmission, to rock crawlers and racers with 6 second vehicles.

Question 2: Often times automakers, in an effort to save money, make design compromises that hurt performance. Generally speaking, what are the three most significant limitations/design compromises of an OEM automatic transmission?

John: I would say that first, factory transmissions are designed more for fuel efficiency and “shift pleasability” than they are for solid performance. I also find that factory transmissions don’t have any “extra” capacity or strength. If you modify your truck and increase power, the factory transmission might not be able to handle it.

Question 3: While I understand why a sports car owner would be interested in making their transmission “faster” (for lack of a better word), why would a truck owner who isn’t worried about speed be interested in a performance rebuild kit or modified valve body?

John: First, let’s address a misconception. The concept that a performance transmission is going to make you significantly faster is false. While a faster shift may result in something measurable on a time slip, it’s going to be pretty minimal.

The main reason that anyone should want to invest in performance transmission work is for the increased durability. Having your truck shift more “like a truck” is also something that many people like.

Question 4: It sounds like a modified valve body makes shifts much firmer – have any owners found the shifts to be too firm?

John: We don’t do the super-firm “break your neck” type of shift thing. I learned many years ago that even if someone asks for that they will hate it sooner or later.

That said, our modification is customizable to a customer’s preference. We have a minimum setting that will provide good durability and extend the transmission’s life and we then can go up from there in regards to shift feel.

Question 5: What half-ton truck manufacturer makes the best transmission in your opinion – Ford, Toyota, Dodge, or GM?

John: Read part two for the answer to this question and others!