Save your money on the pistons and rods. The GT engine is good for high #'s. If tuned correctly you will be able to run upwards of 400 hp safely, not an issue there.
Your trans however is a different story. I am in the process of pushing the 41TE to the limits. I have close to 240 hp to the wheels with 270 ft/lb TQ. I will be turning up the boost soon and look to get close to 300 hp and 350 TQ. At that point all hell may break loose. Below I have C&P ed from a post I made a few days ago in a different section. Here we go:
I have talked with 2 companies that make a heavy duty trany (41TE) for our car as well as have parts available.
1. Import Performance Trans
http://www.importperformancetrans.com/
This is an e mail response I recieved from them aftr my inquiry:
Hi,
We have a lot of upgrades available for the 41TE including performance
torque converters, valve body modifications, strengthened hard parts,
limited slip differentials, different gearing, and the means to
increase the
transmissions torque capacity through the addition of additional
clutches,
etc.
The best bet may be to contact us by phone for a more detailed
explanation
of our upgrades. The shop phone number is 973 827 9946.
Regards, John
-----------------------
John Lombardo
IPT Performance Transmissions
973.827.9946
http://www.ipttrans.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Anthony Pitruzzello" <antpitt2001@yahoo.com>
To: <brad@importperformancetrans.com>
Sent: Sunday, November 07, 2004 9:54 PM
Subject: 41TE for 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
>I have a high HP PT and looking for a tranny (41TE) or
> parts to handle the delivery better. This car puts
> 300hp to the wheels with equal or more torque. It is a
> custom turboed vehicle and driven everyday, so it
> needs to have good driveability.
> Anything available for this car? Can you provide
> prices and information? I am also talking with Power
> Demon Transmisions and comparing products so I can
> make an informed decision. Any info you can provide
> will help greatly.
>
> Thank you for your time,
> Anthony
2. Power Demon Transmissions
http://www.powerdemon.com/Index.html
They used to have 3 different options posted on their website but are now concentrating more on RWD. They do however still have them avail.
Price range $1500-$1900 with core.
Tommy please keep up updated on your progress as well as parts from your guy as well. I don't know how much my trans will hold as I will be upping the boost soon
Ant