I wrote TCI about the gear issue, and was told by their tech dept that is WAS an issue when they first came out with this transmission. They have since fixed the gearset, (almost three years ago), and have since sold hundreds of these with no issues whatsoever. There is a lifetime warranty on this transmission to the original purchaser. He also said I could upgrade to a 4-gear planetary from a 4L85 and be good for over 850 horsepower. I think my LS engine won't break anything on the standard trans. I'm going to pull the trigger soon.............woo hoo!