August 2020

GEARSTAR PERFORMANCE In Transmission & Drivetrain

Debunking Performance Automatic Transmission Myths

The inclination of using performance automatic transmissions in cars is taking a new shape especially in countries that embrace technology advancement. Cars manufactures like Tata, Datsun, Toyota for instance, have decided to take a shift towards the production of automatic transmission gearboxes.

In a clear term, automatic transmission uses sensors to determine when there should be a shift in gears. These sensors generate a feedback to the gearbox, telling what action to take with the help of the signal. However, in a manual transmission, the driver or operator does the change of gears by pushing in the clutch pedal and moving the gear stick.

But where an automatic engine is mounted, it is handled by the torque converter. Despite the popular technological advancement in industrial machines and automobiles, there are sets of people who misinterpret the functionalities of performance automatic transmissions. Below, we shed some light and debunk some of the most common performance automatic transmission myths and misconceptions.

Types of Gear Transmissions

There have been many gear transmissions since the innovation of combustion engines. For any machine that functions with speed, it is always a desire to change the speed at intervals. This could be to increase or decrease the speed. Below are the few types of gearboxes:

- Traditional Automatic Transmission
- Automated-Manual Transmission (AMT)
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
- Direct-Shift Gearbox (GSG)
- Tiptronic Transmission

Performance Automatic Transmission Myths and Misconceptions

Difficult to Use in Traffic Congestion

The could arguably be a fact rather than a myth. Many of automatic transmission engines produced are always with creep function. This particular function makes cars to move at a very low speed of about 5 to 6 kilometers per hour. When ascending a hill in a traffic congestion, this feature helps the car to move forward with a low speed.

It is not however limited to cars, industrial engines like lathe machines also have this feature in them. The kind of machines produced didn’t have the appropriate level of gear timing calibration. And this led to automatic transmission users to constantly make use of the accelerator and the brake pedals in congested traffic.

Sap More Lubrication and Fuel

When automatic transmission machines were introduced in 1940s, automatic transmission sapping fuel could be correct. However, in modern era, this is one of the most widely believed myths about automatic transmission engines. The efficiency of cars does not need to have any effect on fuel or lubrication. In most cases, however, automatic transmissions are fuel efficient than manual engines.

To further debunk this myth, automatic transmission engines are well simplified in design and construction, hence, the fuel efficiency. The precision in modern gearing makes the system to be electronically controlled which in turn help the mechanical systems to function effectively. The extra weight of an automatic transmission and mechanical losses through the drivetrain gave manual engines the edge in miles per gallon but in most cases, the extra gears the automatic gearbox provides let the engine run closer to its optimum efficiency.

Only Useful in Exotic Cars

The first automatic transmission using hydraulic fluid was innovated by two Brazilian engineers. They later sold this idea to General Motors which has been improving over time. Many people have the believe that AMT are always useful for exotic cars. Many of cars on the street today that are used for commercial purposes have automatic transmission in them.

Engines With AMT Are Expensive to Maintain

Engines with manual transmission cost less, but this is not always true. With the growing number of cars and engines produced, the pricing does not have effect on the type of transmission gear they are coupled with. The maintenance costs of AMT are always on the high side but better designs and manufacturing have led to transmissions that last the life of the vehicle, given a modicum of care.

Manual transmissions, on the other hand, rarely last the life of the car and, in most cases, the car will need two replacements or even more before it’s sold or even abandoned. Much of this depends on the driver’s care of the car and other variables. While it seems cars with manual transmission are less expensive in terms of pricing but the maintenance will always pose financial burden.

AMT Is Not Meant for Operators Who Prioritize Performance

Another myth around automatic transmission is that it is not meant for operators or drivers who prioritize performance-oriented operation. There is no doubt that this was widely true at one time, but now it falls into the near truth category which makes it a myth. In a few years, it will very likely to turn into a debate. Shifting gear stick and stamping on the clutch pedal certainly makes the driver more involved in the driving or operating experience, so does turning a crank to get the car started.

For experienced drivers, manual transmission might be effective at getting the engines full power to the wheels. On the other side of the coin, AMT engines make a smooth ride and operation. AMT have also been improved and this happened with technology advancement. At this dispensation, some automobile and industrial engineers, drivers and machine operators admit that properly designed computer-controlled transmissions can shift faster, and more intelligently, than humans.

Automatic Transmission Cars Can Be Stolen Easily

There are a handful myths regarding manual and automatic transmission that will likely remain either myths, misconceptions, or matters of opinion. For instance, some people believe manual driven cars are less likely to be stolen since car thieves who are not experienced with driving could have difficulties with driving. In this era, it is difficult to find a manual transmission around but they still exist.

Most car hijacking situations tend to focus their sights on cars with automatic transmission because anyone can drive such cars. This is a widely believed myth. Any car can be stolen if well planned but it is better to be on a safer side to have a secured car. Locking vehicles from the inside when driving could also go a long way in protecting your car.

These debunked myths and misconceptions about automatic transmission still have elements of fact. If you know of other myths, kindly drop them in the comment section below.

GearStarAdmin In Transmission & Drivetrain

3 Early Signs Of A Bad 4L80E Transmission

4L80E transmissions are powerful but complex machines. And with such power and intimacy comes the increased risk of developing transmission problems over time. When faced with these problems, the best course of action is to get the transmission fixed or replaced with a 4L80E Transmission rebuild kit. That said, many drivers continue to drive their car with a problematic transmission and don’t get it checked until those issues snowball into severe, expensive fixes.

Generally, major 4L80E transmission problems can be prevented by recognizing the early signs of a bad transmission and taking the necessary steps should those signs appear. Let’s look at a few common yet significant signs that tell those problems in your 4L80E transmission:

Burning Smell

Generally, the burning smell in your car indicates that you are driving the clutch, which means that you are partially keeping it engaged when driving. This can be damaging to the engine. However, it can also arise as a result of overheating transmission because of low fluid or oxidation of transmission fluid, which needs replacement. So, if you notice a burning smell in your car, it’s best to visit an auto shop and diagnose the issue. If left unattended, you may have to install a new 4L80E Transmission rebuild kit later down the road.

Transmission fluid leaks

Fluid leaks are another common transmission problem that may affect your car’s health and driving experience. If you notice a puddle of reddish fluid beneath the car when it’s parked, it’s highly likely that the gasket or seal in the transmission has broken and is causing the leakage.

Gaskets, o-rings, rubber seals wear out over time and need replacement. But if you continue to drive while there is transmission fluid leakage, it is likely to cause irreparable damage, as a transmission requires fluid to function smoothly, and low fluid can cause friction among the components. Later, you may have to install a new 4L80E Transmission rebuild kit to get your car back on track. However, keep in mind that this leakage can occur in several areas, such as axle seals, the front seal of the transmission, pan gaskets, vent, and many others. See a mechanic immediately if you notice leakage in these areas.

Shifting gear problem

If you struggle to engage gears properly as you used to, the chances are there is a problem with the valve body, which is considered the nerve cell of the automatic transmission, including 4L809E. For instance, your car may shift to “drive” but refuse to shift to “reverse” or vice versa. In such cases, it’s vital to get help from a trained mechanic to diagnose the problem and fix it.

Final note

Transmission problems are common and almost inevitable. But overlooking them, no matter how small they are, can put your “Driving” in the back seat and leave a dent in your pocket. The best course of action, therefore, is to get them diagnosed and resolved by seeing an experienced car mechanic.

If your car’s transmission needs replacement or you are planning to replace it with a 4L80E Transmission rebuild kit, feel free to get in touch with us today and discuss your requirements. We can also customize your transmission to fit your needs and give a much-needed boost to your car’s performance.

GEARSTAR PERFORMANCE In Transmission & Drivetrain

Ultimate Restomod Guide to Make Your Muscle Car Dreams Come True

The latest trend of restomod cars is certainly the best especially if you want to have the feeling of driving an old car you loved and, the same time, cruising the street with the latest car functions. Whether you are a classic car lover or a new car enthusiast, you can have it all in one vehicle.

In the same vein, you can rock the iconic 1950s muscle car, and be certain about reliability, performance and comfort, just like the latest sports cars. How awesome will this get? If you are still wondering if resto-modding is for you, here are some useful details which will help you decide. Now, if you haven’t gotten a hang of things about restomod yet, it is a word derived from “restore and change.”

In light of the foregoing, it includes the restoration and modification of classic cars with new engines, transmissions, and luxurious comforts which can only be found in today’s adventure. All it involves is removing the performance deficiencies in the classic muscle car that were obvious. The catch, however, is that the exterior of your old muscle car still maintains its age-long feel.

So, if you haven’t already noticed, you can restomod your old muscle car by upgrading its chassis with long-distance suspension, modern-day drive train, with state-of-the-art security measures. In this article, I will walk you through the steps of making your muscle car dreams come true. But before then, I will show you what you stand to gain from the resto-modding process.

Reasons Why Restomods Are the Best

You may be wondering if there is a need to look for aesthetic in a vintage vehicle and combine it with modern performance. But here are some reasons why a restomod is your best bet and option.

Uncompromising Characteristic Features

Restomod is ideal if you want a classic car, yet today’s ride has performance and safety features. You can make this happen without compromising modern features, while at the same time, fulfilling the love of your heart for a beautiful classic car – your modern muscle car. You can have an old muscle car, yet get to enjoy the advantages of a modern car.

An Offer for a Fun Ride

It is true you want a classic car that is designed with the same high-end engineering which is noticeable today in vehicles. It comes as no surprise that classics are vulnerable to oil leakage and even regular breakdowns. Often, they’re slow and inefficient when contrasting their performance side by side with modern vehicles.

Where should you look at? Your restored old muscle car can have a modern machine efficiency while retaining its cute, old school looks. In addition, it increases the safety features of the car to today’s requirements, thereby allowing it stick to existing road rules.

Improved Creativity

Who says you have to fly around the town with a trip straight from the factory of the manufacturer? There’s no rule, and as such, there’s no restriction to your creative expression. Having said that, a restomod provides a chance to put your imagination to reality.

If there’s an old ride that’s catching your attention, or perhaps, your old muscle car, it can be modified as you best suit. Restomod makes creativity easy.

Steps to Make Your Restomod Dreams Come True

When talking about muscle car restoration, there are a lot of considerations to be made. Probably, the biggest thing in your mind is, and ought to be, budget. It’s an expensive venture to restore any car and restomod an American muscle car is no exception. There are many American muscle cars on the used car market but anybody’s guess is the condition of those cars.

The degree of remodding needed on each can vary from one end of the spectrum to another, and thus the expense of restoration will vary as well. Nonetheless, a car like your dream car, muscle, can be restored on a budget. And in this article, you’ll find some tips for doing so at the cheapest possible rate.

1. Determine Project Type

First, take into account the degree of restoration that is required which you must be ready to execute. Do you need to look for a limited restomod project, or you are prepared for a more active approach to restoration? The vehicle’s age, form and condition will determine how much it will cost. Do you plan to do all the work yourself, or do you pay someone to do it for you? Your project will probably be in the middle of the spectrum somewhere, but there are considerations you need to keep in mind before you start remodding your old car.

2. Develop a Spending Plan

It is important you have a spending plan because there will always be more work coming up in the technician workshop than you have planned. If you do this early, it’s going to help you down the road.

3. Appraise Your Skill and Expertise

Before considering the scope of the project, take stock of your own technical abilities if you have garnered one. Got advanced technical skills? Can you disassemble a car engine and reassemble it? Or do you have trouble finding the dipstick? You have to be brutally honest with yourself. Many remodels are best left to experts, who has been in the business and which will make the project to be completed in the best time possible.

4. Consult With a Professional Mechanic or Master Technician

Careful inspection of the car that you are looking to turn to your dream muscle car will ensure that you stay on budget. Inspect the car through a professional technician or a mechanic.

It may cost a little bit, but by getting a professional inspect the vehicle, you’ll know up front what the vehicle’s problems are, what restoration work or reconditioning needs to be done, and whether there’s any expensive work to be done that might not be readily apparent.

The Bottom Line

For every car you want to turn to your muscle dream car, there are more reasons than one why restomod is the best option. Choose a classic car from decades ago, replace its engine, wheels, and so on with the modern parts, and you’ll be quite well with the way you will be creating your dream car.

The best thing is, you ‘re not missing out on the advantages of driving a conventional vehicle, because the only difference will be in aesthetic beauty. It all boils down to what is the most attractive thing for you – driving the latest modern car that is way expensive? Or being unique, driving an old car that moves like a modern automobile.

GEARSTAR PERFORMANCE In Transmission & Drivetrain

How to Service Your GM 700R4 Transmission With Some TLC

One who is not familiar with vehicles and hydraulics would definitely be confused on seeing the topic of this article and be wondering what it is all about. Meanwhile, this article is not exactly for one who is just learning but it will help you have an idea of what a GM 700R4 transmission is.

Overview of the GM 700R4 Transmission

The transmission of 700R4 was launched by General Motor (GM), and is also known as “hydramatic”. The 700R4 is a four-speed automatic transmission that has a 30% overdrive in the fourth gear. This new design was created to improve the fuel economy. GM 700R4 transmissions were created in 1982 as a substitute to the TH350.

The primary explanation behind the new plan was to make an automatic transmission that was better on efficiency. At that point, the 700R4 was used on trucks and back wheel drive vehicles. GM 700R4 were the best ever when the 700R4 was first delivered but it was faced with some issues. Some of the issues faced by 700R4 are:

Throttle Valve (TV) Cable Problems

During installation or driving or servicing, the geometry of TV linkage can get interfered. This causes issues with legitimate moving capacity, and will in the long run experience the riggings and won’t appropriately control line rise and pressure. If there is a chance that the cables become disconnected, your vehicle won’t be able to downshift.

Overheating

Due to its reputation as reliable, the 700R4 transmission is incidentally introduced on vehicles inadmissible for its group which can rapidly make the transmission overheat. Ensure that the transmission you’re running is evaluated for your vehicle’s weight, class and kind of utilisation to stay away from possibly costly and pointless fixes.

Valve Bore Wear

In the event your vehicle displays no lock-up, or bolts up following second gear, at that point you likely have excessive pump bore to valve clearance. This issue is brought about by valve bore wear, a difficulty which permits oil to spill past OEM spool and overpowers the solenoid’s exhausting capacities. Valve bore wear may likewise confine cooler stream, which can cause transmission parts to fire up.

Five years after, the transmission had experienced a few enhancements and increased a more ideal notoriety. In 1990, there was a change of name from 700R4 to the 4L60. It was basically a similar transmission, and in 1993, the 4L60 turned out to be electronically controlled rather than powerfully controlled, which is the place the name 4L60E originates from.

Despite the fact that the 700R4 transmission isn’t made new nowadays, they are as yet viewed as the absolute best at any point created. The improved efficiency and rigging proportion in first apparatus were the most sweltering selling focuses, furnishing drivers with great speeding up when halted at a stop sign or stoplight. Additionally, the rigging proportion was useful for going mud romping.

700R4 Identification

To the undeveloped eye, about all GM programmed transmissions appear to be identical. They are totally made out of aluminum (except for the early Powerglide), they have the equivalent bell-housing jolt examples, and all have fundamentally the same as case plans. There are a few things that you can do to ensure that you are appropriately recognizing the 700R4.

It’ll look generally like the 2004R from the start. In the event that you have to begin without any preparation, attempt this old article from Hot Rod. A mid 4L60 is equivalent to a late 700R4. They are precisely the same transmission. Be that as it may, the 4L60E is genuinely comparative, however not effectively fill in for its previous partner.

On the off chance that you see the term MD8 stepped on the traveler side of the case, directly by the bell-housing. The most effortless approach to distinguish a 700R4 underneath of the vehicle is to take a gander at the jolts. On the off chance that you have an away from of the transmission tally the jolts.

Keep in mind, 4L60 was simply one more moniker for GM’s well known overdrive. Advantages of the 700R4 and couple of realities about the 700R4, and why this might be the transmission you requirement for your speedster:

- Built of cast aluminum
- One of best overdrive transmissions
- Improved mileage – lower first apparatus proportion
- Thirty percent overdrive
- 4 inches long
- 155 pounds in weight
- Holds 11 quarts of trans liquid

This transmission is handily overheated on the grounds that it is utilized in uncompromising pickup trucks, just as vehicles that are driven hard. Overheating is one of the fundamental driver of transmission disappointment. In the event that you plan on taking your vehicle out with the 700R4, we may suggest a cooler that can be introduced with the transmission.

Regardless of whether you buy a vehicle with an old 700R4, the trans can be remade with the most recent moves up to make it more grounded and more solid. Gearstar assembles GM 700R4 transmissions by hand, just utilizing premium items and one professional through and through. Let’s see how to service your GM 700R4 with some TLC (tender loving care).

Servicing Your GM 700R4 Transmission

The fluid has an important role in the function of an automatic transmission by changing the filter. Changing the filter extends its life if done on a regular basis. To show that it is easy to take care of a 700R4 (the part numbers are not the same, yet the procedure is the equivalent for practically all more seasoned GM automatics).

With a six-pack of lucas semi-manufactured liquid refill the transmission to fitting levels. Ensure the entirety of the liquid doesn’t deplete when you evacuate the dish, it is in reality just about half. In any case, in case you’re having issues, it allows you to investigate the search for gold or grasp material, expel it, and supplant the channel that is loaded with it.

Summarily, GM’s duty to the 700R4 is clear in its quality, strength and wide ease of use. It is hands – down one of the best transmissions of our time, and an extremely convincing Jeep change transmission. The 700R4 is an alluring trade choice for all jeeps, except for the CJ5 and other short wheel-based jeeps due to powertrain length and driveshaft point issues. Versatility to about all jeeps is remarkable.

Debunking Performance Automatic Transmission Myths

Types of Gear Transmissions