Valve bodies without a chip?

[01excursion7.3]

I've been wanting to get a chip for a while now, but I know myself, and I need to get all the supporting mods prior to the chip or i'll blow stuff up. I'm gettin ready to switch all the fluids over to amsoil synthetics, and while doing the tranny fluid/filter I figured I'd change the VB's while in there. Any ill effects of having say a BTS or john wood Valve body without all the power? I'll probably be 4-5 months before I'm allowed to get chip/gauges, so safety is my concern. (allowed is what happens when you have a baby) Also, when draining the tranny fluid, how do I drain the TC? And should I? Once I drain it, how to refill?

The part that sucks is that I just had all the fluids changed when I bought it (almost 20k ago), but if synthetics will help me gain some MPG, I'm all for it. Plus it will add to longevity of my rig.

And while we're at it, could someone send me links for john wood and BTS VB's, there was another I've seen mentioned, but I can't remember. Thanks guys.

[Dirk]

I would call Brian or John and talk to them directly. I spoke with Brian's wife the other day and ask the same questions and she wanted to setup a time to talk to Brian directly.

[720Deere]

A better shifting tranny is never a bad thing with or without extra power.

[01excursion7.3]

thanks. I assumed it'd be ok, but you know what happens when you assume things.

[alabamafrog]

My buddies 01 4x4 and my e99 4x4 both had drain plugs on the torque converter and I definitely recommend drain it too. It took about 17 qts to refill each of our trannies after pan and converter drain. I also want to get a good valve body, maybe someone will post a list of the best choices and the prices to go with the choices.

[scheidt27]

John Wood valve body, 225. Nice firm, not harsh shifts, really fast too. Paired with a DP Tuner they are awesome together