How about a transmission tuning tutorial!

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Originally Posted by joecar

Yes, feel free to add that too, and any helpful information.

I haven't put a shift kit in a PCM controlled trans., so I don't have direct experience with the effects of this on adaptive learning.

I would caution about removing TM althogether since it can be hard on the drivetrain (would require stronger parts in the trans. and on back).

If the trans. is fairly stock, I would reduce TM/TR some amount, but not all the way.

If trans. is built up, and driver doesn't mind the feel, then there's quite a few people who have zeroed out TM/TR with no problem.

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Good points about TM. Heavy clutches and an hardened output shaft, at least, would be good. If a hi stall converter is used it will soften the blows.
Before I knew about adaptive learning I notice that the reprogrammed shifts were getting softer. It was over a long period. Months. It's been at least a year since zeroing shift times and no changes have happened.

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Originally Posted by jfpilla

Before I knew about adaptive learning I notice that the reprogrammed shifts were getting softer. It was over a long period. Months. It's been at least a year since zeroing shift times and no changes have happened.

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Good piece of information;
this must happen because the trans is not aware that the pressure/flow is supposed to be at the increased level with the shift kit, so it tries its best to learn the shifts back down.
Interesting.

Guys,

I am so glad this thread lives on! Nice job in gathering the info! I can see that this tutorial will be a work in progress. I happen to have a couple A4's in the shop for packages and I look forward in applying these lessons.

Its amazing that the tranny calibrating can be as exercising as the PCM tuning.

Howard

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Originally Posted by Redline Motorsports

Guys,

I am so glad this thread lives on! Nice job in gathering the info! I can see that this tutorial will be a work in progress. I happen to have a couple A4's in the shop for packages and I look forward in applying these lessons.

Its amazing that the tranny calibrating can be as exercising as the PCM tuning.

Howard

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Sure can. I have had a lot of stock or semi-stock cars that just want tranny adjustments. World of difference from the stock settings.

10 4, will update with the extra comments and change the PDF now.

You might want to reconsider recommending synthetic fluid. Dexron lll ATF non synthetic for warranty.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showth...t=tranny+fluid

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Originally Posted by jfpilla

You might want to reconsider recommending synthetic fluid. Dextron lll ATF non synthetic for warranty.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showth...t=tranny+fluid

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Could be...

I'm using Mobil 1 Synthetic Dexron III (which meets the GM specifications including the friction holding characteristics).

I haven't had any problems with it, and I push my car hard at least once a day, but that's my trans. with my calibration/tune with me driving, and I change my ATF and filter every 15K miles (including TC flush).

I can't say with any authority, but I suspect those people's trans. may have already had a problem regardless of fluid, of course I may be proven totally wrong in saying this; my opinion only.

You're right, I should not be recommending synthetic ATF.

Edit: I'm wondering if those people had already firmed up their shifts (pressures and times)....?

This is from the Amsoil webpage...

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2001 PONTIAC FIREBIRD 5.7L 8-cyl VIN Code G
LUBRICANTS & FLUIDS

Engine Oil
Grade 1......API*
Series 2000 Synthetic 0W-30 Motor Oil
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil
SAE 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil
SAE 5W-30 XL Synthetic Motor Oil
Above 0°F......10W-30
All Temps......5W-30[1]

Manual Transmission,.....AF3
Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
Torque-Drive™ Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATD)

Automatic Transmission.....AF3
Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
Torque-Drive™ Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATD)

Standard Differential, Rear .....GL-5[2]
75W-90
Severe Gear 75W-90
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube

Controlled Slip Differential, Rear .....GL-5*[3][4]
75W-90
Severe Gear 75W-90

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This is unlike the statement made by one person that 'Amsoil' recommends against. :nixweiss:

But anyway, I'm on a search now to see what people have to say about this....:bash:

I use amsoil automatic trans fluid,No problems so far...............Paul

I have always used non-synthetic fluid because of what I have read on other forums. Maybe they were wrong.:exactly:

Bill