why would I choose one over the other?

I have a Coan bullet design enclosed solenoid Super Pro bracket racing VB and JW Pro Tree fast VB "standard. I'd be less concerned about the approach the manufacturer takes with the solenoid and more so on the level of effectiveness on the drag strip. I can't imagine anything better than the two I have.

The JW I have came merely by chance. We had a problem VB the pressure regulator would stick and JW just happened to have a display & in support of the race. Qualified the car in the race with the problematic VB, got up the next morning no pressure on the guage on the dash, stuck pressure regulator. The guy who owned the car hit the JW trailer, we swapped it out. It has been flawless 370 Pro Tree 3000 pound car. So good we bought another. It's been just as good, fast trans brake but smooth also, standard solenoid. We love those VB's.

That's my take, the solenoid design don't matter.

just getting ready to put a fresh one in my trans. wasn't sure of the difference.

Either way you'll be fine. I bought a bunch of VB's from Godley over the years, "standard solenoids. He has a killer VB, he does as well. Can't say I ever heard a complaint or of a problem "standard solenoid on any of those either.

I don't know if it really makes a difference, but I like the idea of the enclosed solenoid over the pancake style where dirt and junk can get into the sliding mechanism.

quote:

Originally posted by Lenny5160:
I don't know if it really makes a difference, but I like the idea of the enclosed solenoid over the pancake style where dirt and junk can get into the sliding mechanism.

^^^This^^^

IMO enclosed makes more sense for bracket car. When consistency is rule one. With delay box any difference in react can be overridden .Now for Pro tree deal I would run what has been proven quicker and just clean the thing weekly if dirt was concern and quickest happened to be pancake style.

Has anyone seen good info on actual test of various ones that show whats quickest? Just curious.

Will the enclosed be a direct replacement? One company shows standard and long throw styles!

Hughes solenoids have a much longer throw than many of the other common brands.

I've used a Hughes enclosed solenoid with a BTE valvebody, but I needed to use a 1/16" thick (I think) washer as a spacer.

I now have a FTI enclosed solenoid on the same trans and didn't need to do anything special.

You should measure the throw of your current solenoid and call the supplier of what you are looking at buying to be sure.

How ya optimize the depth of the solenoid is, screw the solenoid out until you see it lose pressure on the T-brake, checked at the rear port on the case. Screw it back in just to the point the pressure recovers. Figure out the thickness of shim needed.