test drove an auto!

Matt S: There are alot of things you can do to this tranny, it's just that not too many people talk about, or care, because the 5-Speed is the more popular one that performs better right off the bat. With the auto, you basically need to make it stronger. A good cool flowing radiator will save the life of this tranny first off the bat.
People have alot of confusion of the entire tranny getting shot, when most of the time, the converter is the cause of it. My converter already came modified when I bought it, along with when the starter was replaced. It was a recall years ago, that noone ever seemed to pay attention to for the automatics(can provide the recall sticker replacement if abosolutey necessary). Stronger converters can get very expensive, I just got lucky and mine already came like that. Other then that, to make it quicker, you can invest in shift improver kits. The most effective one is made by TransGo. After you did that, start looking into your electronic controlled shifting options. B&M makes one that enables you to be able turn it on and off when needed.
After that, go for gillis, to auto's were set to boost up to god knows what, I forget, it was a while ago..(Don't set it over 15-16 PSI)
Another thing you've gotta watch for is the bell housing, if you haven't looked at your tranny for a while, and have had problems, most problems will cause more..
And of course the exhaust, its all in your preference on how you go with that.
Other then that, your pretty good on it, just don't drive like an idiot, blow out your seals, try to do burn outs all the time.
I'd suggest you read about the auto's in the tech articles.. its got good info on there..

Lol... I forgot about the most major part. There is a KA4LD upgrade for these...
http://superiortransmission.com/products...n/a4ld.htm

Thanks, man. I'm on the fence on this one though. But first: there was a recall on the torque converter?? None were listed in Alldata, nor the database my brother looked up - he's a service manager for a Ford dealer in California. Maybe this explains why I have a different shifter than everyone else; and the now obvious fact that my transmission has been removed at some point before my ownership.
Right now, it seems pretty strong, but is just a dog from the start.
I'm also lazy, so if it's coming out to add shifting goodies; then it's not going back in. A 5 speed is.
In the mean time, I s'pose I'll adjust some bands and find the modulator (still can't find it) to replace.

Yep, I never knew about it either until I actually looked into my recall fix stickers under the hood.

I have an auto. But the guy how had it before me put a three speed in it. I hate autos. Mine its fast, I get normly like 11-12psi, Sometime 14. But thats ok cuz this summer I am going for a swap

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~88 T-Bird TurboCoupe
~3speed AutoTran
[LINKIN PARK] New CD METEORA Out 3-25-03
Check Out LPTV
http://www.bandbuilder.com/lptv/index.ph...ode=D13798

My auto tranny is getting rebuilt before long, just went out with 130,420 miles on it. I'm trying to put stuff in it that will keep it from being a dog. How much does that KA4LD thing cost? What size convertor do you recommend? The engine is mostly stock now, but I'd like to do some work. How much is the Gillis boost valve thing? The engine will prolly be coming out to get the tranny out, so I'd like to make this thing as fast as possible before I completely rebuild it, (new rods, pistons, etc.) So if you could recommend some stuff for the tranny to make it stronger and get the turbo to spool up better, I'd appreciate it.

Geez louise, we all beat these a4ld's to death on the boards. I am ready and willing to do a t-5 swap but I decided to wait until my a4ld is on it's last leg. I am running 15psi on mine (with the addition of a big big tranny cooler) and the thing puts 90 350 camaros out to pasture. I haven't been able to run it into the ground yet. I really like having 15 psi in all gears with not having to respool after a bov dumps the air.
[Image: smile.gif] Just my .02

[This message has been edited by rich (edited 06-06-2003).]

Hey stop rippin on the auto.....

I got 14.0 in the 1/4 with mine. To be fair, I do not drive the car much, it has a huge tranny cooler, the rest of the cooling system is in perfect shape. I also do not rag on the car if she is fully hot.

I have know idea how long mine will last. The tranny fluid is still pink, and doesn't smell bad.

If you like to have fun drag racing, the auto is the only way to go. But I also have a 88TC 5speed conversion kit, for when the auto blows. But my engine gave out first. Who would have thought!!!!!

Big problem with the auto is cost.....
You can convert the car with clutch and parts for 500-600 or spend 1500 on the properly built auto. The 5speed will be more fun on the street and get alot better gas mileage. I know mine totally sucks. Any speed over 60mph its 3000rpms and the la3 is in enrichment mode.

If you find a low mileage car, if the tranny has had some maintance in the last 20 years would help a bunch.

For the record when I got my cougar it ran about 8-9psi and was a dog. I got rid of the factory boost control and that crummy convertor, poof. The car spools pretty good.
I got a 2.0 60' on stock sized pirella somethings.

Now I have another motor to put in.

Good Night,

Travis

I guess the fastest C3 on NATO

I'd have to double check on the price of the KA4LD upgrade...or you can just email the company about it, there are other kits, but that's the best known one. As for the converter, I'll have to take a picture of the job done by Ford, maybe you'll know more about it then me. I've got a buddy that knows everything possible dealing with transmissions, so maybe he can help out.

How much exactly do tranny coolers run for exactly? never looked into them yet...

Anyway, I'll post more info when I can

i have had my auto running at 18 psi and it runs very good. but i'm still hoping to get the t-5.