auto gearbox question

eXi7w0unD · 06-04-2009, 04:36 PM

if i go down a hill and put the gear in nutral is that bad? cus apparntly they guys are work beg to differ and it will overheat and stuff the gearbox...

and in an auto can u use gears say pretend it was a manuel? like take of in first then put it in 2nd, then 3rd when i feel its nessessary to change then back down gears when i come to a stop. will this in the end blow up or ruin my auto gearbox?

blueoval · 06-04-2009, 04:57 PM

You know I sometimes use my auto like a manual when needing to come to an abrupt stop. I didnt think there was any detrimental effect. I'd like to know too if this is bad also.

Putting the gear in 1st and manual shifting up gears I thought was fine as well. I mean all your doing is choosing when you want the next gear to be selected. right?

Dauphin · 06-04-2009, 06:33 PM

If it was designed to do it, and allow it, then do it. You won't hold onto the same car forever, right? Enjoy it while you have it. But practice common sense. Don't manually shift down to a gear near its max speed all the time.

Keep in mind that the T-series cars with the push-button shift on the steering wheel (ESS) had some stronger internals in the auto box, so that says something. They had higher power V8s, but some people say the stock BTR 4-speed is good for a lot of power.

Some people get their BTR boxes built stronger so they can do what they want with them. There was a good thread on this subject just recently.

I've been told that manually shifting down for engine braking will kill it faster. I've also been told that 3rd gear is its strongest.

I myself frequently use 3 and 2 for braking and descent speed control purposes. The only problems I've had with my auto box is a leak over the 5 years I've had the car.

You may want to look at getting a trans cooler just for peace of mind, helps keep it running cool, a good idea if you're going to engine brake with it.

blueoval · 06-04-2009, 06:38 PM

Agree with Dauphin. A tranny cooler is a must. Heat and BTR trans dont mix. Its good peace of mind to get a trans cooler on the car asap if you dont have one.

DoreSlamR · 06-04-2009, 06:45 PM

regarding the question about popping out of gear going down a hill, personally I think it is one of the more stupid things to willingly do while driving.

Firstly shunting it back into gear whilst the engine speed and gearbox speeds aren't matching is gonna shorten the life of the gearbox

Secondly there's always a chance you'll get a compression lock (I think that's what it's called) and spin, not really desirable...

The Monty · 06-04-2009, 06:50 PM

I wouldnt put it in neuatral going down hills, but as for using it as a manual, go for it. It locks up and extra clutch and a sprag if taking off in first, and seriously, Ive had mine for 130 000k's and 4 years, have used it as a manual since Ive had it, 6 drag nights, 2 skidpan days and 2 dyno's, as long as you keep the oil fresh with a nice tranny cooler on it, and no stupid burnouts or stalling too much, it should be fine.

eXi7w0unD · 07-04-2009, 06:37 PM

is trans cooler a transmission cooler? where could i get 1 installed?

Mr Hardware · 07-04-2009, 07:19 PM

yes a trans cooler is a transmission cooler. trans is short for transmission.
and a trans cooler isn't necessary unless you're flogging the right rotten crap out of it or doing some towing.
What is 100000 times more important than a trans cooler for long life under normal conditions is servicing once a year.

Bushbasher · 07-04-2009, 08:23 PM

Ever notice when tow trucks pull an auto it's usually backwards with the rear wheels off the ground, there's a reason for that. Somewhere in the manual it should say that you shouldn't run an auto in neutral at any more than 40kph and not for extended distances because it'll stuff them, at least that's the way it used to be no matter what manufacturer it is. Maybe the new boxes don't have the same issue, you'd have to ask an auto trans specialist.
........ and why would you even want to coast down hill in neutral in the first place, that's just asking for trouble with no engine braking at all.

Bushbasher

5.0 ED · 07-04-2009, 09:00 PM

Actually ur correct and incorrect there bushbasher, the reason u arnt supposed to tow an auto car is because there is no pump circulating fluid thru everything to lubricate it, with the engine running the transmission is pumping fluid thru all the lubrication circuits lubricating it, there is nothing wrong with putting an auto in neutral going down a hill if the engine is running, it will actually help cool the transmission rather than create more heat cause the pump is pumping and their is no load being placed across it.

The Monty · 08-04-2009, 02:48 AM

Also, if you have it in neautral and are idling along, not revving it, when you put it back into drive, you wont even feel it slip in. I had to do this with my first tune, as coming to a set of lights, it would want to keep driving, so Id have to knock it into Neautral to slow down.

eXi7w0unD · 08-04-2009, 04:03 PM

thanks for the help guys, i dont usually put the car in neutral theirs just 1 hill that goes up and down up and down, and if u put it in neutral it goes over these for about a kilometer hehe.

and yeah i spose i dont need a trans cooler but i want 1 cus it help never the less when i take it to qr or willowbank or even archerfield drift muahahahha