thx but i dont want a new trans when mine is like brand new... just the valve body upgrade

 

I've read a lot of mixed opinions on the torque damper but from what I can conlude is it really doesn't make much (if any) difference..you're best bet in this case would be to get better motor mounts..it'll perform the job much better.

If you do decide to go with a torque damper though then go with either Ingalls "stiffy" or the DME damper. I've heard of several of the weapon r dampers breaking.

 

my bad, i meant torque converter benefitting nitrous applications not dampener... i ahve an ingalls stiffy im about to put on already

 

Torque converter upgrade would be useless. Nitrous isn't used until WOT, after the trans is already in a stall condition (rotating at > 90% engine RPM). It's really only good to raise the launch rev. point in 1st, especially useful if you're trying to spool a turbo.

 

can u explain the above comment a little more please? the trans is in a stall position at UNDER 90% engine rpm? doesnt the torque converter help minimize some of the power lost to the wheels of an automatic trans?

 

^^
Yes it helps a little. But most of you power is lost inside the trans. With it driving the hydro pump, spining the gears and clutch packs. This is where hp is lost.

 

So... I did the original question get an answer? I'm also kinda wondering if adding an ATF cooler would show any improvement in performance on an essentially stock TC, but from what I've read, it looks like the conversation just skipped over to valve body upgrades.

 

Quick reads here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque_converter

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-p...-converter.htm

Sorry, I had it a bit backwards. Stall is under 90% engine RPM. Main point is still the same though, higher-stall converter will help off the line, but since you don't use nitrous until the upper RPM band at wide open throttle, comnverter will already be spinning over 90% engine RPM, running in a fluid coupled mode and won't benifit the nitrous injection much at that point.

ATF cooler is universal goodness, I'd recommend it for everything including stock, daily-driver application. You probably won't see a faster time with it but it will help the trans take more abuse. Valve body upgrade would be #2, costs more, has more vehicle downtime but will give smoother, quicker shifts.

 

thx man i appreciate the info... sounds like ill be sticking to a valve body upgrade and a trans cooler

 

after reading one of ur articles, it mentions that an auto has a flywheel... does that mean u can upgrade to a lightweight flywheel on an auto like u can a manual?

 

cool, I kinda thought a tranny cooler might be a wise investment anyway, since running at the track builds a lot of heat in the tranny very quickly(among other stresses). I dunno if auto TCs use a flywheel or not. My auto Lancer didn't, but I know some auto's do.

 

All autos use what's called a flexplate..it's similar to a flywheel but it isn't the same thing. I've never personally heard of someone using a lightweight flexplate..and I can't honestly say i've ever heard of that even being offered for a auto. If I remember right a flexplate doesn't serve entirely the same purpose as a flywheel..has similar functions but it isn't the same.

 

ok thanks

 

The flexplate does nothing for rotating mass. It's mainly about the starter. Hince my truck had a 55lb flywheel but my dads auto (autos have torque converter and pump combos) has a 13lb flexplate.

EDIT: and if you are pretty decent soldering and have a steady hand you could always braze your converter yourself. Just bend the fins and solder the ends shut so the fluid only goes through the channels and the straight fins are out of the way causing less fluid drag. Also bending the fins in a general direction and sealing the pump side wall gives you even flow and drag and will help alot with higher stall applications.

Cooler (transmission life) > Valve Body > Clutch packs > Converter

It does not matter if you have a high stall if you slip when shifting and can't hold a gear... And none of that matters if your tranny overheats and goes kaput.

 

is that ur order of importance when upgrading a auto trans? what are clutch packs for an auto?

 

Yes that is what seems, imo, to be the best route for an auto. You have to up the durability without question so everyone can agree the cooler is the first thing. Second I see is getting your trans to hold the power and be able to shift. A converter will without a doubt put more power to the ground by having less power loss and will give you better 'off the line' starts... But what good is that if you can't change gears or slip randomly?

Lvl10 offers a good kit to change the clutches.
http://www.levelten.com/Level_10_PTS...ja110-5000.htm

 

what will the clutch packs improve?

 

Just like in a manual it will change how well you vehicle can hold the gear. Simple way of thinking is less slippage.

 

hmm 600 seems like a lot the occasional slip... 600 for valve body which helps it shift faster and harder and the 150 or so for the trans cooler seem like a much more worth while investment

 

I would get both at once if you could..they both are pretty important components