Help an A/T newb out please!

[ZenkaiRacerDsM]

Ok Ive been reading a little bit about A/T trannies. Seems to me they are more reliable when it comes to drag racing. Ive never even considered an A/T before but the more I read the more Im thinking about getting one. Now on to the questions.

First off Im wondering if its possible to launch an A/T with the same 60ft times as a similarly modded M/T dsm. Im pretty sure the answer is yes. But what has to be done to do it? And how daily drivable will it be afterwards?

Also what is the TCU? Does it stand for Transmission Control Unit? Is there a way to modify the TCU for push button shifting? Like one button for up and one for down?

And last but not least. How do you control what rpm you want your tranny shifting at?

Ive been searching through posts but it seems that no one is asking these questions because they already know so its hard to find the answers.

Help a A/T noob out please! Im thinking its crazy how Ive blown A/T's off for so long!

 

[TURFNNSURF]

Ok Ive been reading a little bit about A/T trannies. Seems to me they are more reliable when it comes to drag racing. Ive never even considered an A/T before but the more I read the more Im thinking about getting one. Now on to the questions.

First off Im wondering if its possible to launch an A/T with the same 60ft times as a similarly modded M/T dsm. Im pretty sure the answer is yes. But what has to be done to do it? And how daily drivable will it be afterwards?

Also what is the TCU? Does it stand for Transmission Control Unit? Is there a way to modify the TCU for push button shifting? Like one button for up and one for down?

And last but not least. How do you control what rpm you want your tranny shifting at?

Ive been searching through posts but it seems that no one is asking these questions because they already know so its hard to find the answers.

Help a A/T noob out please! Im thinking its crazy how Ive blown A/T's off for so long!

Zen,

If you have been reading up on the A/T threads, then you may have seen me post in a number of them. I have a 91 GSX A/T fairly well modded and the latest mod I did was a re-stalled torque converter. What a difference that has made.

To answer some of your questions:
60ft times, Yes, you can cut 1.7 and 1.8 60ft times but you'll need a re-stalled converter, end clutches and an external tranny cooler. Here is a list of the fasted A/T DSM's as of 4/25/05 http://www.vrcracing.com/fastest.htm

If you want to read up on more A/T DSM info click here http://www.ecanfix.com/~atdsm/index.htm

The TCU is the control unit for the trans, IPT, has a pushbutton shifter for the DSM's, and I hear it works very well, I haven't installed it in my car, because I don't drag race enough to warrent it. You can read about the shifter and alot more here http://www.importperformancetrans.com/mitsubishiauto.shtml

There is also a forum there you should join and read up on everything. I have had all my Trans work done by John at IPT, and I can't enough good things about him and his staff. They have always been very helpful, HONEST, fair in pricing on labor, and always make you road test your car with John riding shotgun before you take delivery. If you are going to order parts from them, Shipping is first rate and almost always out the door next day unless it's a special order.

Controlling when your A/T shifts: Most of the time from my own experience, My TCU will up shift at WOT at the following gear/RPM points:
1st - 2nd 6850 to 6950rpm I logged 7000+ once since I've had my car.
2nd - 3rd 6650 to 6750rpm consistently
3rd - 4th(OD) around 6500rpm Most of the time I have let off by the top of 3rd, due to traffic or already going over 110mph.

My car has never shifted into 4th at the drag strip, since my fasted mph is only 101, hopefully that should change this summer with my new turbo and FMIC setup along with the re-stalled converter and a water injection kit. I'm hoping to break the 110mph ceiling.

If you have any other A/T questions feel free to PM me or post at the IPT forums.

Happy modding,

Brad

 

[ZenkaiRacerDsM]

Hey thanks for the info man. Good stuff! Ive looked at the IPT page before and I guess I just looked right by that push button shifter. Looks like theres a button for each gear? Would take some getting used to.

I think Ive been swayed. My next dsm will be an auto. Ill be doing a tour in Japan for a while and when I come back I will have me a good chunk of change for a new dsm .

Again thanks for the info!