Transmission & Drivetrain

Are you driving a car that uses the W5A580 automatic transmission or do you intend to buy one? Then there are certain things to be conscious of when using a Nag1 (W5A580) transmission.

Good knowledge about them will ensure that your transmission stands the test of time and serves you longer than you’d ever expected. In the same vein, there is an optimized level of performance to look forward to and all of this is wrapped around knowing the highlights and limitations of the W5A580 automatic transmission.

First off….

What Is an Automatic Transmission?

An automatic transmission is also known as a self-shifting transmission, an n-speed automatic or an auto. It is a car whose gear changes automatically on its own. As a result, there is no need for the driver to do so manually as would’ve been the case if a manual transmission is used.

In comparison to other transmission systems, an auto also allows the internal combustion engine which is best suited to run at a high rotational speed. The advantages of an automatic transmission include:

• • Improved shift comfort
  • Reduce fuel consumption
  • Increased reliability and service life

What Does Nag1 Mean?

Nag1 stands for “New Automatic Gearbox Generation 1.”

It is a family of transmissions that makes use of different marketing names such as W5A300, W5A380, and W5A580. The initials for these names in the case of W5A580 can be broken into:

• • W: A transmission that takes advantage of a hydraulic converter
  • 5: Five forward gears
  • A: Automatic transmission
  • 580: The maximum input torque capacity represented in Newton Metres

What Is the Nag1 (W5A580) Transmission?

The Nag1 (W5A580) is a heavy-duty 5-speed overdrive automatic transmission system with a lockup clutch in the torque converter. It is also known as a 5G-TRONIC transmission thanks to its torque converter lockup, 2-speed for reverse, and ability to support almost 600 lb-ft of torque. The system was designed by Mercedes-Benz, a Germany-based automobile company found in 1926.

Mercedes-Benz was once a part of the Chrysler family of companies and as such, the W5A580 was used in a good number of Chrysler products such as the Hemi engine which features a Challenger, Magnum, and Charger. This transmission can also be found in Mercedez V12 engine as well as their AMG high-performance vehicles. The same can be said about supercharged Jaguar applications.

Nonetheless, when you compare the W5A580 with some modern transmissions, it may be equivalent to comparing a fax machine to modern-day computers. The big difference is, the former struggles with speed while the latter offers seamless performance.

Things to Be Conscious of With the W5A580 Transmission

Like any transmission, there are pros and cons to it and the same can be said about the W5A580 Transmission. Its advantages and limitations are also some of the things you need to be fully aware of and they include:

1. Potential for water to enter through the dipstick tube

There is the problem of water entering the W5A580 transmission directly from the dipstick tube. This is the tube that enables you to check your engine oil accurately.

On the other hand, the potential for water to enter through the tube is often triggered by a defective O-ring, whose defection can lead to fluid leakage from the transmission. A solution that can combat the problem is to replace the O-ring with a new, upgraded O-ring which can be done by getting the car in the air to work on it, and then actually replacing the O-ring.

2. Sensitivity to the quality of transmission fluid used

The W5A580 transmission is extremely sensitive to the transmission fluid that is used within it. Even when there are tiny droplets of water (0.005 percent) in the fluid, the possibility for the transmission to shudder is high.

Now if you’re experiencing this shuddering already, you know that the culprit is the quality of transmission fluid you’ve used. A possible solution is to change the fluid and replace the internal filter which could help to remove any impurities such as fine debris and water in the near future.

For the filter it can use, an aftermarket external transmission filter would do just fine since this type of filter is built to be used alongside the factory internal filter. They are installed in one of the transmissions cooler lines and take advantage of a similar filter element that is comparable to those used in cleaning the engine’s oil.

3. Torque converter clutch problem

Another problem of the W5A580 transmission is its torque converter not holding correctly. The issue has been reported severally, and it can either be caused by a faulty clutch within the torque converter, faulty solenoid, or fluid contamination of the transmission. Despite this, it is not a widespread problem that should keep you on your toes.

4. Overheating due to abuse

W5A580 are used in high-performance cars which sometimes gives car owners the confidence that nothing can go wrong if they abuse the transmission. On the contrary, this is not always the case since the transmission could overheat, and if it does, it could lead to long term problems. Excessive heat, for instance, can destroy your transmission.

Facts About the W5A580 Transmission

Here are some facts about the W5A580 transmission:

1. Built to last longer

The W5A580 transmission has been built to last longer if it is given proper care. However, if it fails, then you can opt for a re-manufactured transmission which can serve as a better replacement in comparison to a rebuilt one.

This is because a re-manufactured transmission will always feature better modifications and upgrades in a bid to make them last longer. There’s also the advantage of an extended warranty either of which cannot be found in a rebuilt transmission.

2. Torque management system

The W5A580 transmission uses a torque management system whose aim is to enable the transmission to shift more smoothly.

3. Drive recognition software

W5A580’s Error Correction Mode (ECM) is programmed with drive recognition software. The purpose of the software is to aid in the customization of shift points depending on how the car braking system is used and how the user engages the gas pedal.

4. Stout transmission

The W5A580 can shift quickly and its gear ratios are spread out. As such, those who drive 600+ hp cars that are powered with the Nag1 can move swiftly. Even by today standards, it can still be said that this transmission comes with aftermarket programming that enables lightning-fast shifts.

Conclusion

These and many more are some of the things to be conscious of when using the Nag1 (W5A580) transmission. Keeping these things in check can ensure that your car’s engine does not break down especially when you need it.

It’s quite simple when you think about it since it revolves around carrying out the basics such as ensuring that the transmission fluid is of good quality and free from debris or water. Likewise, you need to have a filter that will ensure that there are no traces of either of these because if that happens, it could pose problems in the long run.

Your choice between manual vs automatic transmissions for off-road activity is dependent on a number of factors. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, making it difficult to ascertain if a manual is better and faster than automatic, or if it is the other way round.

Let’s face it!

Stick-shifts may have been decades old, but they are still strong contenders with automatic 4x4s, which does not come as a surprise since they were the first around the block with a promise of beefed up engine.

That is why till today, there are still cars being designed with a manual transmission in order to meet the heart desire of car fanatics or off-road enthusiasts who will rather handle their own gears than trust the car to do it for them.

Similarly, in the world of off-roaders, there is also a debate as to which is a better option once you’re off the pavement. You’ll find performance lovers argue on the side of over shift speeds and lap times.

On the contrary, smoothness, traction, and control will be the advantages pointed out by automatic 4x4s lovers. But let’s take a look at each transmission and what it offers.

Manual Transmissions

Manual transmissions are also known as a stick shift or manual gearbox. It is a type of transmission that relies on a clutch that needs to be engaged or disengaged using the foot pedal or hand lever. The clutch also helps to regulate the transfer of torque from the engine to the transmission. There’s also the gear selector that can be used with the hand or foot.

Cars That Use a Manual Transmission

Some of the best cars that use a manual transmission are:

• • 2019 Subaru BRZ
  • 2019 Fiat 500 Abarth
  • 2019 Porsche 911 GT3
  • 2019 Ford Mustang GT
  • 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  • 2019 Honda Civic Type R
  • 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
  • 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

Automatic Transmissions

Automatic transmissions can be called self-shifting transmissions or autos and as its name describes; it changes the gear ratios of a car automatically as it moves. This, therefore, takes away the need for the driver to do so manually.

Cars that Use an Automatic Transmission

Some of the best cars that use an automatic transmission are:

• • Tata Nexon
  • Toyota Yaris
  • Renault Kwid
  • Honda Amaze
  • Hyundai Verna
  • Maruti Suzuki Celerio
  • Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
  • Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

What Is Off-Roading?

Off-roading is the process of riding a vehicle on roads or tracks whose surface is made of materials such as rocks, sand, gravel, mud, snow, river beds, etc. Leisure drives or competitions can be carried out on such unsurfaced roads using customized vehicles that have been specially built to handle the intensity.

Off-Road Manual vs. Automatic Transmission

There are off-roading differences between manuals and automatic 4x4s, which could pose the question of what’s more reliable between a manual and automatic.

But in the end, it depends on what you want and you’re out to get because each comes with a certain level of control.

Here’s what it looks like:

Manual Transmissions

Here are some reasons why a manual may be better for off-roading:

1. Knowing What to Expect

You always know what to expect with a manual since it allows for more controlled ascents and descents. In the same vein, there is a more direct engine braking and immediate on downhill stretches. There’s also the advantage of being able to select the right gear while on low-traction surfaces, which will eliminate wheelspin or dig your way out of snow or deep mud.

2. Manuals Are Fun

Now, where’s all the fun when the car is doing most of the work on your behalf? That’s definitely out the window, but with a manual, you can still have that knowing you were able to achieve a eliminate wheelspin all from your skills.

3. Manuals Handle Heat Better

This argument has arisen time and again and at some point, one may have to agree. It is the idea that manuals tend to handle heat better which is good for the car’s transmission in the long run.

The Downside of Manuals in Off-Roading

Manuals may provide more control while on ascents and descents, but they are not too good for lower-speed climbs or low-speed driving. Crawling usually requires that the car comes to a halt as the spotter tweaks the driver’s part.

However, crawling successfully with a manual means clutching in and then trying again to get started which could be bothersome

Automatic Transmissions

Here are some reasons why an auto may be better for off-roading:

1. Automatic Handles Most of the Work

Automatic off-road cars such as the Jeep Cherokee XJs do most of the work for you which allows you to concentrate on other aspects of off-roading. There’s no need to disturb yourself about how to operate the clutch and switch to just the right gear.

2. Ability to Start from the Top

One more thing to look forward to is the automatics’ ability to start from the top such as a hill. They are better at crawling from the top with a low speed which would’ve required you to slip the clutch in a manual.

3. Ability to Halt Completely

If you’re on a steep rocky ledge, there’s the advantage of using the automatic transmission since it will enable you to come to a complete halt. This is made possible without relying on the clutch, which is a huge benefit.

The Downside of Automatics in Off-Roading

While automatic transmissions are a better option for low-speed ascents, if you’re looking to climb the hill at a high speed or try sand dune driving, manuals would be a better choice. You can build speed while in a high gear at the base of the incline before shifting to a lower gear towards the top as momentum is lost.

It’s also worthy to note that heavy brake application is required while using autos for descents. The transmission may not allow a drive to lock into the first gear which brings about the possibility of the transmission switching into second gear while the drive is crawling down a hill.

Conclusion

After a comparison between manual vs automatic transmissions for off-road activity, it can be said that each comes with its pros and cons. You’ll agree that one cannot outrightly say the either is the best transmission for off-road activity over the other.

In the end, it comes to your personal preference, the level of control you desire, and what you’re out to get.

Do you want to do it yourself?

OR

Do you want a transmission that will free you from some of the tasks while also being suitable for heavy rock crawling thanks to its slow and precise speed?

It’s left for you to decide and pick a transmission you’ll be proud of and ready to defend against those who settle for another option.

Have you ever found yourself wondering how to find the best performance transmission technician or shop out there? We know we have at some point. Like us, you may have also realized that performance upgrades don’t come cheap especially when you consider the fact that you could be spending around $1000 to $4000, if not more. The money might be the least to worry about when there’s also the potential of ending up with an engine or trans that is worse off than what you began with. These risks and many more can be averted by arming yourself with some essential tips when choosing a performance transmission technician/shop.

But wait a second; unlike local transmission repair shops, you’ll be focusing on technicians that can make your car use its power optimally in order to give high-speed and long distance driving. You also need a trustworthy professional who can handle the heart of your car to give you satisfaction and worry-free.

So, how can you find a good performance transmission shop? Read on, we’ll tell you in a bit!

Who Is a Transmission Technician?

Transmission technicians are also known as mechanics. They focus on the diagnostic, repair and maintenance of couplings, hydraulic pumps, as well as gear trains of transmission systems. These car experts that are believed to know automobile transmissions like the back of their hand and as such, they can easily spot out the problem and its possible solution. Therefore, the job in itself is quite important because, without the transmission, the car will not start. That aside, mechanics, work in an auto dealership, auto repair shop, or a specialty transmission repair shop.

Tips to Consider When Choosing a Performance Transmission Technician/Shop

Unarguably, there are several honest, reliable, and independent transmission technicians who are not just out for what they can get out of your wallet. On the contrary, there are some that are only out for what they can get from you.

But how can you tell the difference? By giving the tips we’ve outlined below your utmost consideration before taking your car to a performance technician or shop.

1. Get Recommendations

Unarguably, there are performance transmission shops near your location, however, you are not just going to settle for just about anyone. A better option is to rely on the experience already garnered by your family, friends, colleagues and other mechanics. Give or take, they may have also employed the services of the shop either for a transmission repair, brake repair, or some other services. Thus, they can point you to a professional technician or shop and also recommend shops with fair prices and good customer service.

2. Use a Shop Linked to Larger Company or Association

After getting a reference from family, friends, and online sources, you may want to take the extra step to check if the transmission shop is linked to a larger company or association through its certification since it may go a long way to show its credibility. That being the case, you need to consider if the technician has been certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). If so, it goes to show that they took the extra step to guarantee customers of their professionalism. On top of that, you can be on the lookout for technicians that have been certified by the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA). ATRA is a test for transmission specialists and the difficulty that comes with obtaining it means the technician/shop has been rigorously examined.

Now if the shop meets either requirement,  you may be more confident that your car is in the right hands.

3. Use a Vocational School

If you still want the best performance upgrade for your car transmission and your budget is not really on the high side, finding a vocational school can also be helpful. Here, you’ll be relying on the expertise of students who work under a certified teacher to enhance your car’s acceleration. A school of this nature comes with the perk of lowering the cost even though it may take a longer time to have your transmission worked on. Therefore, if you’re not in a haste and on a low-budget, but still want a considerable amount of work to be done, then vocational schools and colleges will be a good choice.

4. Get an Estimate

If you’ve planned on settling for a particular car repair shop, then it would be a great move to get a written estimate from the mechanic even before work begins. What this does is to insure you against fees which may spring up by surprise. The good thing here is, a mechanic cannot add additional cost to what was already estimated since it is illegal to do so.

Now, an experienced transmission shop will be able to ascertain how much is required to boost your car’s performance and then give you a rough estimate of the cost of the parts and labor that will be needed for the enhancements.

5. Avoid Cheap or Overly Expensive Services

In a bid to find transmission shops near you, be sure not to settle for one that is extremely expensive or cheap. It may be expensive but that does not mean that the shop is being honest to you since it could be a rip-off. Hey, you may not be able to tell since a bunch of services might be thrown in to give you the impression that you need them when in actuality, you don’t.

The same can be said about shops that offer cheap service since they may end up not buying quality parts to fix your car. The quality of work may end up being sloppy and in the end, you may be left with a car whose performance is far from impressive.

Conclusion

Now that you know the essential tips to consider when choosing a performance transmission technician/shop, you can be sure that your care is in the best hands. You do not have to hold out on professionalism or settle for an overtly cheap or expensive service in order to find a credible mechanic.

The bottom line is this: Your car’s performance can be enhanced if you give the recommendations we have outlined above your utmost consideration while in your quest to find a reliable transmission repair shop in near your location.

It is every car lover’s dream for their vehicle to be fast, optimally use fuel, and offer an acceptable level of performance. One way each of these can be made possible is through simple 4L60E performance transmission upgrades.

Now, the automatic transmission has come a long way because, for almost 40 years, car manufacturers have had their fair share of hassle while trying to design the best fuel economy engine. Their attempts are evident in the use of a computer-operated carburetors and even an electronic throttle body fuel injection in a bid to slow down fuel consumption.

These aside, there are 4L60E mods that can make your car the dream ride you’ve envisioned and that is why we’ve outlined some upgrades which you can definitely count on to build a performance car with the toughest transmission.

History of the 4L60E Transmission

Before the advent of the 4L60E transmission, car manufacturers had a bone of contention while striving to bring about a vehicle’s fuel economy.

General Motors, for instance, devised the Turbo-Hydramatic 700R4 overdrive automatic transmission in 1982 as an upgrade to the TH350 three-speed automatic.

The 700R4 was quite unique in comparison with previous models which were designed by the company. This is because its shift modulation was carried out with the use of a device known as the throttle valve (TV) cable.

While the TV cable was able to modulate shift programming using throttle position and vehicle speed, it was still unable to bring about a perfect balance between fuel economy, driveability, and longevity.

Another problem that was posed, is irregularities in the line pressure and timing when a car owner improperly adjusts the TV cable. The latter could potentially lead to the 700R4 transmission being burnt.

Years later, the 700R4 was appended to 4L60 where the “4” denotes “four-speed”, “L” for “longitudinal installation,” and “6” for “light-to-medium-duty use and 6,000-pounds gross vehicle weight.” Despite this, the problem of shift programming which was evident in the 700R4 also reared its ugly head in the 4L60.

This led to the development of 4L60E, a computer-controlled transmission that is still based on the 700R4. The new 4L60E featured a powertrain control module (PCM) which is able to control shifts using the feedback provided by the throttle position sensor (TPS), vehicle speed sensor (VSS), and other sensors.

Today, you can find the 4L60E transmissions in GM vehicles such as:

• Chevy Camaro
• Chevy Silverado
• Cadillac Escalade
• Pontiac Trans Am

Now that’s out of the way, let’s show you a step by step 4L60E transmission rebuild.

4L60E Mods for Performance Enthusiasts

There are several 4L60E mods you can count on as a performance enthusiast, but no matter how tempting it may be to do it yourself, you need to ensure that you are a transmission builder who has garnered a lot of experience.

If that isn’t feasible, then you’re better off letting a mechanic do the work for you. Accordingly, highlighted below are some of performance upgrades for greater torque capacity which you can try out.

Keep in mind that the goal is to increase the torque capacity to handle 400-500 horsepower. Now, let’s dive in:

1. Lay out the important parts on an assembly bench.
   As a rule, always lay out the high-performance parts on an assembly bench in order to ensure that you do not miss out on the parts that are in dire need of enhancement. You can then proceed to thoroughly clean, inspect, and paint the transmission core.
2. Rebuild with an improved, thicker sun shell.
   4L60E has a weakness and that is the factory sun reaction shell where it breaks around the hub and will, therefore, not stand the test of time. On the other hand, 4L60E builds carried out with a thicker sun shell that is stronger can prevent failure.
3. Use five-pinion front/rear planetary.
   An OEM five-pinion front/rear planet will help to increase the torque capacity and distribute the torque across a larger mechanical surface area. It will also enable your 4L60E transmission to handle 400-500 horsepower which is equivalent to a 20 percent increase in torque capacity. There’s also the order of 6,500-7,000-pound gross weight it can help your machine achieve. To that effect, use the five-pinion front planet as well as a ring gear instead of the original four-pinion front/rear planetary.
4. Use a larger clutch with an input drum reinforcement sleeve.
   In this case, you can try out a larger 3-4 clutch overrun clutch apply piston while also using a reinforcement sleeve. The result is increased stability and hydraulic holding power. Keep in mind that stability and smoothness are also determined by having less friction and as such, consideration has to be given to the Teflon-impregnated stator support bushing.
5. Stamped Steel forward clutch apply pistons.
   You have the option of settling for a forward clutch apply pistons that are made of steel or cast piece. When either is compared, one with a stamped steel is the better option because it is less prone to failure while in use. Thus, it should be what you’re out to get while building your 4L60E transmission.
6. Use more clutches and larger gear band servo pistons.
   For a greater band-apply capacity of around 18 percent, use larger gear band servo pistons. There’s also the need to use seven clutches (3-4 clutches/drum) including the Raybestos forward, reverse input clutches, and overrun. A Raybestos ZPak 3-4 clutch pack, for instance, features materials that reduce friction and as such, help to dissipate heat.
7. 4L60E Trio series input shafts.
   Another easy 4L60E mod is the use of a trio 4L60E series input shaft in order to improve the transmission’s toughness. These input shafts include the stock 4L60E input shaft, a  heavy-duty 4L60E input shaft (4L75E), and a hardened 4L60E input shaft.
8. Use a high-volume 13-element pump.
   You can also upgrade your 4L60E to a high-volume 13-element (vane) pump which will handle pressure and volume.
9. Inspect Transmission soft and hard parts.
   There’s also a need to inspect and upgrade the transmission’s soft and hard parts as the case may be. For the soft parts, this will include clutches, seals, bushings, among others.
10. Use an Anti-chatter spring.
    You may have gotten a five-pinion rear planet and Raybestos high-performance clutches installed on the 4L60E build, but you can take it one step further. But this time around, it’s with the use of an anti-chatter spring.
11. Resurface clutch drums.
    Another needful step in your need for more power is to resurface clutch drums in order to provide better band engagement.
12. Load reverse input clutch drum with Raybestos high-performance clutch frictions.
    In a bid to eliminate clutch slippage and excessive heat that could kill the automatic transmission, you can load the reverse input clutch drum with Raybestos high-performance clutch frictions. Raybestos high-performance frictions are known to provide a firmer grip and without slippage. Nonetheless, it is still normal to have some amount of clutch slippage but when excessive, it calls for it to be checked in order not to shorten transmission life. This is because clutch slippage in itself is the greatest generator of heat.
13. Use Teflon sealing rings.
    Instead of relying on the usual iron sealing rings that do not last, you can take advantage of Teflon sealing rings. However, Teflon sealing rings are harder to install even though they are tougher and do not break like iron.
14. Load the reverse input drum onto the input drum.
    Proceed to load the reverse input drum onto the input drum which has already been fitted with a hardened input shaft.
15. Install the Raybestos Pro Series band.
    As one of the final approaches to the 4L60E modification, install the Raybestos Pro Series band and tie it to the servo. You also need to ensure that it has been properly adjusted.
16. Install the 13-element high-capacity front pump.
    Right before you install the torque converter, install the 13-element high-capacity front pump. For the torque converter’s installment, you will need to ascertain the stall speed and where the engine’s curve begins in order to get the best performance.

The Reward That Keeps on Rewarding

The 4L60E mods we have outlined above can ensure that whether you are a builder or a car fanatic with some level of experience, you can increase the horsepower and torque capacity of your car.

The result can be quite rewarding starting from a higher level of performance, and reduction in fuel consumption. If you want a more speedy ride, then these 4L60E transmission mods will surely suffice.

Are you a racer or you’re out to get one of the speedy cars with a strong rear-wheel horsepower? Then you can achieve your need for speed by packing a lightweight gear design and gear ratios that can negotiate various race tracks.

Here’s a fact: manual or automatic transmission upgrades can do a lot of good for your car, starting from an increase in acceleration to ensuring that your transmission components do not break down when you least expect. That is why a lot of people consider transmission upgrades for their system – to ensure that the engine does not produce more torque than the transmission can handle. If that should happen, it could lead to a breakdown of the transmission components, such as the shaft or forks.

Instead, simple transmission upgrades will make sure that your engine can handle more power and have an improved level of performance, as well as average peak power. This, in turn, provides an extra boost in its speed. The increased level of performance can be attributed to enhanced transmission gear ratios, where the engine is spends more time in its sweet power spot. Upgrades can be as important for your car’s engine as changing the transmission oil and filter.

How Transmissions Work

Transmissions are designed in a way that will enable a car to move swiftly with little effort provided by the engine. A transmission contains an input shaft, intermediate shaft, and output shaft, which all rely on a number of gears with different teeth-counts. The gears tell us the transmission ratios – the ratios between the input and output shaft speeds.

The purpose of the intermediate shaft is to enable the input and output shafts to rotate in the same direction. This is because the intermediate shaft’s gears usually have the same number of teeth in comparison to that on the input shaft. Let’s take a look at the real-life performance of these shafts.

If we have a transmission with an input gear of 12 clutch teeth and output gear of 32 teeth, then for every complete revolution of the output gear, the input gear will have to revolve three times (12 * 3 = 36). What this means is a 3.0:1 ratio for the first gear, which will allow the car to move quickly from a point of rest since torque gets multiplied by a factor of 3.

But this ratio might not have an impact on the speed. If the engine is spinning at 6,000 RPM (revolutions per minute), the input shaft will also move at the same speed, even though the output shaft will be revolving at 2,000 RPM (6,000/3.0).

If our calculations are correct, then the car in the first gear will only be able to move at a speed of 45 MPH (miles per hour) per 6,000 RPM.

Looking at it from another perspective, if the same transmission has the same number of teeth on both the input and output gear in its fifth, then both gears will rotate at the same speed. This means a 1.0:1 transmission ratio and as such, the fifth gear input shaft and output shaft will both have a 6,000 RPM. Consequently, the ability of the output shaft to spin three times as fast as the first gear will result in a faster speed.

One can then expect a 45 MPH x 3 (or 135 MPH) for transmission ratios that progress between 3.0-to-1 (first) and 1.0-to-1 (fifth).

Close-Ratio vs. Wide-Ratio Transmissions

The majority of cars have a close-ratio transmission, but that does not mean that there aren’t many others that have a wide-ratio transmission. But what do each of these mean?

A close-ratio transmission has gear ratios that are closer to each other in comparison to a wide-ratio transmission. For instance, if you’re working with a car whose first to fifth gear ratios progress between 2.6:1, 2.2:1, 1.8:1, 1.4:1 and 1:1, then the difference between each gear is 0.4:1. If you have another car whose gear ratios from first to fifth range between 3.0:1, 2.5:1, 2.0:1, 1.5:1 and 1:1, its’ ratio difference will be 0.5:1.

Comparing both cars side by side, you’ll agree that the first car has a close-ratio transmission. Therefore, these types of transmission upgrades from the factory provide more performance-friendly ratios and can handle more power.

Advantages of Close-Ratio Transmissions

The popularity of close-ratio transmission is due to many factors. One of the main ones is lower drop in RPM. When you shift from the first gear to second gear, the RPM drops. In the case of a close-ratio transmission, the decline in engine speed is lesser than that of a wide-ratio transmission.

Here’s what it looks like: for a close-ratio transmission, if your car is moving at a speed of 8,000 RPM and you shift the gear from third to fourth, then the speed would drop to 6,220 RPM. With a wide-ratio transmission, you’ll be expecting a drop to 6,000 RPM.

How to Improve Automatic Transmission Performance

Modifying the factory gear ratios in stock transmissions can improve a car’s speed because less torque is transferred to the drive wheels. This is because stock transmissions aren’t made to provide maximum performance. In general, their function is to optimize fuel consumption and reduce production cost. That being the case, one way to improve automatic transmission performance is to adjust the gear ratio of either the first gear or fourth and fifth gears.

Let’s take a quick look at each case scenario:

• • For the first gear, its numeric ratio can be reduced from around 3.0:1 to a 2.6:1 ratio. This would allow less torque to transfer to the drive’s wheels but increase the speed of the first gear.
  • The second case is one where the numeric ratio of the last gear increases from a 1.0:1 to a 1.2:1 ratio. Cars with modified engines which produce more torque take advantage of aftermarket close-ratio gear sets with a lower numeric ratio at its first gear. There are also aftermarket transmission gear sets which move the last gear ratio to a higher numeric ratio, and it could impact the vehicle’s top-speed capability.

The factory gear is usually enhanced by changing one of these two factors if not both. Other ways on how to make an automatic transmission shift faster include:

Synchs and Dogs

A synchronizer system and dog engagement aim to provide an easy and swift change of gears and they are mainly found in street transmissions. Nonetheless, the synchronizer system used in gear engagement cannot withstand intense driving, which makes their durability questionable.

As an alternative, Dog engagement (which performs louder) is even more durable than the latter when it comes to the demanding conditions of racing. Featuring dogs and cogs attached to the slotted collar ensures that dog boxes can be upshifted either using a clutch or without one.

DCT Transmissions

Japan’s automakers such as Nissan and Mitsubishi, as well as European manufacturers like Ferrari and BMW, have upgraded to the use of dual clutch transmissions (DCT). DCT have replaced the use of three-foot pedals or traditional manual transmissions which were once believed to be a sign of performance.

In recent times, these manufacturers have argued that DCT transmissions that shift for you are quicker since they are sequential, and as such, there is no room for missed shifts. So, if you are in a race, it would do a lot of good not missing shifts, irrespective of the efficiency of the gearbox. It will also take more time to use the left foot and shift arm to move between gears.

Helical or Straight-Cut Gears

Transmission gears can have a tooth cut that is either helical or straight. OEMs and some aftermarket manufacturers offer helical gears, and they perform quietly because the contact between the gears is applied gradually. These gears usually have teeth that mesh at an angle, with thrust forces applied to the bearings – which could encourage wear.

Straight-cut gears have found uses in the aftermarket for racing applications. They are much louder and may be impractical for street driving, especially when considering the noise produced by these gears. However, their teeth are more durable than helical gears since they are thicker.

H-Pattern or Sequential

Manual transmissions have two types of shifting mechanisms: H-pattern and Sequential pattern. The majority of cars with a manual transmission feature the H-pattern shifting mechanism, which allows gears to be changed by jumping to a specific gear. This pattern has been designed to allow the gear to be changed easily.

The sequential pattern promises an ultra-fast gear shift where the gear can be moved in an ascending or descending order. In that sequence, the likelihood for a misshift is low, but can still occur if the selector is not engaged in a proper manner. The use of a sequential pattern shift mechanism with dog engagement can make an automatic transmission shift faster.

Transmission Upgrades That Won’t Disappoint

These are some of the transmission upgrades for a “need for speed” tuning. Your car can move considerably faster with any of the above-mentioned enhancements, and each will give you a performance that is impressive and remarkable. If that’s what you look forward to, then you can give these measures a try and see how well they work to boost the overall speed of your engine.

Audi S6/S8, Lexus ISF, BMW M5/550i, Porsche Panamera, to name but a few are some sports cars with automatic transmission. A lot of people have come to wonder why most high-performance and high-horsepower sports cars of this nature are automatic only since there are two basic types of transmission. A wave of confusion has also been stirred among car enthusiasts whether they should buy a manual car or they are better off with an automatic which seems to be trending these days.

Nonetheless, we’ll be outlining the differences between manual and automatic cars and why the latter has become prevalent of late whereas the former has been abandoned and may soon become extinct in the auto industry. Reports, for instance, reveal that as of 2013, 3.9 percent of new cars sold in the U.S in 2013 featured manual transmissions while 67 percent of 2013 model-year cars were released with automatic transmissions.

Why Most High-Performance Cars Automatic

Unarguably, most high-performance cars, sleek rides, sports cars, call it whatever you want are automatic only. The statement above holds true when one considers some of the best sports cars with automatic transmissions outlined below:

• • BMW M3
  • Subaru BRZ
  • Nissan 370Z
  • Subaru WRX
  • Jaguar F-Type
  • Ford Mustang
  • Volkswagen GTI
  • Porsche 911 GT3
  • Chevrolet Camaro
  • Chevrolet Corvette
  • Mazda MX-5 Miata
  • Maserati GranTurismo
  • Mini Cooper Countryman

Some of the reasons for the popularity of automatic cars include:

Demand

A number of people who are willing to dish out as high as $100,000 for a car want it to be the fastest and best in design. They are less concerned if it has a manual or automatic transmission as long as it can answer both needs. Potential buyers may also vote that they prefer two pedals instead of having to deal with three since it can get complicated or lead to a waste of time having to switch between gears while in stop-and-go traffic.

On the contrary, several sport enthusiasts have voiced their opinion that they’ll rather have a manual car even though these are the same class of people who are less willing to buy a brand new car. They’ll rather buy a fairly used car knowing fully well that in the next four years, the AMG they had settled for would’ve been less in trend. As a consequence, there are more people willing to dish out thousands of dollars for it in comparison to only a dozen buyers who are willing to buy a brand new stick-shift car.

Speed

When it comes to automatics, all a manufacturer has to worry about is how fast to make the car in question.

The likes of Lexus first paraded a car that could switch gears within 10 milliseconds before it was narrowed down to 5 milliseconds. These days, Lexus claims its car can offer something close if not comparable to lightning strikes, or hummingbird wing flaps. If one considers this, it answers the need of the first class of users for something speedy which in this case, is wrapped up in an automatic design.

Asides Lexus, Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, and McLaren have all taken a liking to automatic transmissions and as such, you’ll find their latest cars featuring it instead of a stick-shift.

Cost of Design

The cost of designing an automatic car may sometimes be comparable to that of some manual cars which has drawn the attention of manufacturers to it. In the same vein, you may have noticed that some manual cars cost the same as an automatic in its range.

As a result, manufacturers of cars have targeted the first class of users since it is less expensive (in some cases) to design an automatic car in the first place while also coming with a promise of offering a faster ride.

The Role of a Transmission

If you’re going to move your car from one point to the other, then you’ll most likely want to switch between gears which are a capability provided by the car’s transmission.

The transmission, in this case, is an oil-filled gearbox that consists of parts such as gears, bearings, and shafts. The gears determine the range of speed which the vehicle can move while the shaft transfers the power from the engine to the wheels. Note that there are various gears and each has a specific ratio which it can operate. The lower gears, for example, increase the available power and reduce the speed while the higher gears reduce the power but increase the speed. As a result of this varying gear ratio, the wheels do not function at the same speed as the engine, and power and speed are also evenly distributed efficiently.

Also, torque passes through the input shaft into the transmission, and then passes through the gears and is sent out through the output shaft. It is then passed on to the wheels and the mode of transfer is dependent on the design of the car such as front, rear, and a mid-engined. Now that’s out of the way, let’s show you what the manual and automatic transmissions entails.

Manual vs. Automatic Transmissions

The two main types of transmissions you’ll find in cars are manual and automatic transmissions. The major difference between automatic and manual transmission is the method that is used to switch between gears. In the case of automatics, the car changes its gear when you shift while manual cars allow you to shift between gears with the help of a clutch and gas pedals.

Nevertheless, both modes of transmissions help to transfer the engine’s power to the drive axle even though each takes a different approach to achieve the feat. Check it out:

Manual

Let’s say you were born in the 19th century, then you’ll agree that a majority of cars back then had a manual transmission also known as a stick shift. What was prevalent at that time, is a shift lever that is vertically placed in the car’s center console and connected to the transmission which enables the gear to be changed The change in gear allows the speed of the car to be manually controlled and as such, the driver can determine how fast or slow the car is at any point in time.

Now, a pedal is also required in order to make a quick switch between gears where the clutch located between the engine and the transmission will need to be released, a gear selected, and the clutch used again. Due to these processes, one will need a good knowledge of how to switch between gears even though it a lot of time is not required before they can master it.

Automatic

As the name implies, most of the work has already been done on your behalf with Automatics. Prior to this time, owning a car of this nature was considered a luxury which is no longer the case in 2019 since a number of entry-level cars also feature an automatic transmission. That aside, two types of automatic transmissions have been provided and these are the traditional automatic and dual-clutch automatic. A traditional automatic has its transmission connected to the car’s engine through the hydraulic torque converter.

On the contrary, the dual-clutch automatic uses a pair of clutches to change gears even without the driver manually inputting it. The cars ability to switch gears can be attributed to the monitoring of the speed of the car, the engine’s revolution, and the throttle pedal’s position. Despite this, there are still automatic cars that enable a manual shifting of gear with the use of a shift lever that is located behind the steering’s wheel.

Which Type of Transmission Best Suits Your Needs?

In this section, we’ll be comparing the manual and automatic transmission side by side to show you that where one fails, the other makes up for it.

Mode of Operation

A manual transmission comes with the promise of giving you greater control over your car since you can manipulate it in several ways as you deem fit. You can downshift, slowdown, or even stop your car and there’s this perception that they allow more of the engine’s power to be transmitted to the drive wheels and it could do a lot of good in terms of faster acceleration.

Alternatively, you can be more focused on the road with an automatic transmission that does most of the work for you. You’re also less likely to get fatigued easily if you’re in traffic that tends to move, slow, stop and cycle again.

Cheaper to Maintain

A manual car will definitely be cheaper in comparison to an automatic ride and the cost of maintaining it will be lesser since its technology is less complex. But keep in mind that you may still have to replace the clutch occasionally which costs a couple of dollars to do so.

On the contrary, an automatic car that is easier and more comfortable to drive still comes with a higher cost of maintenance. Featuring more advanced technology and machinery will need a great level of expertise to be fixed if there’s ever a need for it and an extra cost.

Ease of Usage

Those who are willing to choose an automatic car over a manual one have pinpointed it to its ease of usage. While operating a car with a manual transmission is easy, it is easier to maneuver one with an automatic transmission since your limbs do not have to grow accustomed to using the gear and clutch.

There’s also a certain level of difficulty posed to less experienced drivers while navigating steep inclines. The latter may be the least of your worry with an automatic car since you can conveniently go up and down a hill.

Your Need for Speed

In terms of speed, an automatic car is a clear winner since the dual-clutch automatic gearbox, for instance, can switch between gears in a matter of milliseconds. If you were going to use your hand to do this manually, then it’ll take at least 3 seconds if not more to get the desired gear in place. Therefore, a computer program embedded in automatics can be considerably faster than the movement of a human.

For more efficiency and performance, a number of automatic cars released of late feature six (2014 Ford Focus automatic version) to eight-speed transmissions which is an advancement from the four-speed automatics which were prevalent a few years ago. Consequently, the higher the number of gears, then the better the acceleration and optimized fuel consumption.

Now that you know the differences between both, you can now make a decision if you should get a manual car or try a car such as the Ferrari with an automatic transmission

Conclusion

Manual cars may have gained popularity a century ago, but the ever-changing trends in technology are moving to the automatic realm where things are done more easily, efficiently, and faster in order to boost the level of performance and people’s productivity. If you were torn between the decision of settling for a manual or automatic car, that should be a thing of the past after taking a closer look at our manual vs automatic transmission systems for cars.

Don’t you just hate it when your car runs slow? If that’s a yes, then a good knowledge of some easy mods that’ll make your car faster and how to implement them will ensure it’s a thing of the past.

A fast ride is every car lover’s dream come true and if you’re enthusiastic about yours, that phrase may be a perfect description of your expectations. Look at it this way: your car can be an object of pride, something to show off, and even give you that rush of adrenaline as you race along the road.

But wait! What happens if you’ll rather do the work yourself at home without a third-party tampering with your much-admired baby, would that be possible?

Definitely! Slide under the hood, install some panels, revamp its engine and carry out several other manipulations.

And guess what? Your machine will sound new, run faster, and be several steps closer to your dream car if not there.

On the other hand, there a lot of mods on the Internet which may do a better job at being a waste of time than actually giving you the desired results.

Therefore, we’ll be outlining those that work and those that don’t in order to keep you focused on what’s really relevant to help you achieve your goal.

10 Easy Mods to Make Your Car Faster

There are several easy, affordable ways to make your car faster, louder, and better even if you’re at home while also adhering to local laws, limits, and regulations. If the latter is what you’re out to get, then give each of these a try:

1. Cold Air Intake

We’ve had many people ask, “does an air intake make your car faster?” It sure does, but here’s the interesting thing: cold air is what is required because it is denser than warm air and will, therefore, introduce more air into the motor in order to boost its torque and horsepower. With more condensed air, your engine can breathe better, and the fuel can also be burnt efficiently which helps to push your ride forward. That being the case, cold air intake is one of the easiest mods to make your car faster since air and fuel enable your car to accelerate in the first place.

2. NOS System

Installing a NOS (Nitrous oxide) in your car can help to supply the oxygen needed in short bursts for combustion and to generate more power in your engine. On the other hand, doing this in certain states may be illegal which brings the need to put into consideration if it is allowed in the region where you reside. If it is, one more thing to give a thought to while you are upgrading the amount of air in your motor is ensuring the proper ratio between the gas and fuel in order to make your efforts futile. By doing this, you would’ve successfully achieved the purpose of trying to boost the cool air levels in the first place.

3. Supercharger

A supercharger compresses air and forces it into the engine, thus you can also generate the extra power for your car through its use. However, using a forced air induction system that allows more cool air and fuel to enter the motor may require advanced reconstruction of your engine. The reason is, the system consists of a chain, belt, and a crankshaft and as such, it is a major modification that may need some level of expertise for its installation.

4. Fuel System Upgrade

More air, more air, but what about more fuel in each cylinder? Hey, that’s just as essential if you must ramp your car up to the desired speed in order to prevent pre-detonation. What are we getting at? A fuel system upgrade with the use of high-flow injectors, high-flow filters, high-flow fuel pumps, bigger gas lines, will allow more fuel to be consumed in your car which may not really sound economical, but it does the job just right in giving you the desired speed. Moreover, it’ll do no good bumping the cool air supply without pairing it with a proper fuel-to-air ratio that will aid in combustion.

5. True Dual Exhaust

Did you know an exhaust system can make your car faster and louder? Well, it can! A true dual exhaust system, for instance, is an exhaust that starts all the way from the back and splits into two tailpipes. It can also serve as an alternative to a catalytic converter. What the system does is to facilitate the smooth flow of the exhaust through the engine thereby optimizing the power of the car. Now, before you dive right into it, your best bet is to carry out research on the street legalities of a modification of this nature since it could potentially impact on your emission system.

6. Drivetrain

A drivetrain promises to make your car faster and better because it converts the power generated in the motor to the energy that can be used by your car’s wheels. As a consequence, boosting the power of your car with the supply of cool air and more fuel combustion also brings about the need to upgrade the car’s drivetrain. The drivetrain components that will need to be upgraded include flywheels, clutches, differentials, gears, and driveshafts.

7. Tires

Another easy, affordable way which your car can be made to drive faster is to use nitrogen tires which are less susceptible to air and water vapor. Keep in mind that the weight of the car is supported by the tires and the speed of the motor will also be supported by what’s touching the ground. For this reason, you need great tires that have been properly inflated to handle the corners and twist as you move your vehicle across the country.

8. Brakes

Now don’t squirm when you hear brakes since they’re primarily used to halt the car. However, high-performance brakes are just as important to help you drive faster because, with their help, you can stop efficiently and quickly switch your foot to the throttle to resume your driving spree.

9. Suspension

If you’ll like to take it one step further, there’s the suspension and chassis that also need to be upgraded to handle the increase in power which the engine will be giving out. Accordingly, parts of these components that may require an upgrade include tie rods, tower braces, sway bars, axels, h-brackets, and roll cages

10. Performance Chipset

The latest models of some cars come with a performance chipset which controls the ratio of gas combustion, anti-lock brakes, timing, and other factors. These chips used in stock fuel injection systems limit the amount of air and fuel that can be supplied to the motor. Likewise, there are custom performance chips on the market which can be installed in the car in order to override the car’s factory settings and give the car some level of speed.

10 Mods That Are a Waste of Time

Now that you know what’s effective, it’s time to show you the some of the modifications that are a waste of time which you may do well to avoid entirely. It’ll save you the time, effort, and money.

1. Spark Plugs

There is the general belief that the addition of performance plugs could significantly provide more power to the engine since they ignite the air and fuel mixture in the engine. While that may be true, these plugs need to be coupled with the addition of air and fuel in the motor to make them useful. Thus, before dishing out the cash to get one of these, ensure that you have created a suitable environment for them to thrive.

2. Big Rims

Big rims are a great pair of accessory for your car’s heels, but they may be specifically tailored to a specific car which means, it can do a great job in boosting the car’s speed even though the same cannot be said for every car. If the rims are not a perfect fit for your car, then it will do little or nothing to impact on its speed.

3. Rear Wings

Rear wings became a thing after they were featured in the movie, Fast and Furious. What these wings do, is to ensure your car wheels are still on the road especially if it’s moving with a lot of power. You don’t want it bouncing on and off the road thereby offering a non-seamless driving experience. Thus, the rear wings are beneficial in this aspect and not really when it comes to helping your car move faster.

4. Body Kits

Body kits also got a widespread adoption after they were also featured in Fast and Furious. These kits are sometimes made with cheap materials and may not even be the perfect fit for the car which will allow the car to move fast.

5. Exhaust Tip

While there is a true dual exhaust which can boost the performance level of your car, there is an exhaust tip, on the other hand, making it loud. Now the choice is left for you to make between a faster car whose exhaust has a purpose or a louder one which some people have also sought to achieve.

6. Higher-Grade Fuel

A particular car is designed to optimally use a certain grade fuel and that being so, using a higher-grade fuel than what your car has been designed to handle may not cut it. You must ensure that your car can support the higher-grade fuel you are about to fill it up with it if not it could knock the engine. Similarly, a high-performance car will definitely be able to handle the high-grade fuel and allow your vehicle to run smoothly without feeling like you’ve launched a spaceship.

7. Fuel Additives

One more trick that has been employed in making cars run faster, is the addition of car additives which are not really as effective on regular cars as people have been led to believe. In this case, it is more advisable to run the car in a way which the manufacturer has explicitly stated in the manual.

8. Short Ram Intakes

A short ram air intake with the use of a short pipe will only draw hot air around the motor which is not what is necessary to speed up your car. Hot air cannot boost the speed in comparison to cold air which can do a much better job which, therefore, makes a cold air intake a better option since the filter will be as far as possible from the hot engine.

9. Adding Stickers

Many people believe the use of stickers will add horsepower to their car, but that is not the case. Nonetheless, the same cannot be said about Car Throttle stickers which can add 20bhp which is not advisable.

10. Too Large Exhaust System

A large exhaust will allow your car’s engine to breathe easily and also free its performance. Now, while that may be a good thing, using a box that is overly too large will only draw the attention of everyone around you since a smaller one would’ve done the job just as well without being a nuisance.

Conclusion

Your “need for speed” and to be “fast and furious” can be actualized with the 10 modifications to make a car drive faster and better which we’ve outlined in our guide. While you’re at it, you also know what to keep in mind in order to prevent any potential problems that could arise through certain modifications. So, go ahead and boost the cool air levels, fuel, NOS system, supercharger, etc. and your car will be a wonder to you and an onlooker.