There is probably a transmission shop in almost every town in the country that can build a bulletproof transmission for American made vehicles. Whether it is a late model Mustang or a 60's Chevelle, there are lots of aftermarket components and many years of technology available for the transmission rebuilder to utilize.
The same cannot be said for the 4EAT automatic transmissions found in Subaru vehicles. In factory form, these transmissions demonstrate several problem areas that can cause failure in as little as 20,000 miles with a stock engine and even sooner in modified applications.
Poor shift quality, anemic factory components, and above all, improperly configured torque converters plague the automatic transmission equipped vehicle. This is in conjunction with the automatic's propensity to burn out the high clutch pack (third gear) and the 2-4 clutches (second and fourth gear) with even moderate increases in engine output.
Realizing the need to take import and sport compact automatics to their fullest potential, IPT Performance Transmissions- a New Jersey based company, committed a large portion of their research time and dollars toward improving the Subaru automatic transmission.
First up on the hit parade of internal modifications is the need to address the issue of valve body calibration. The valve body mods are really the foundation of any performance trans rebuild. An automatic transmission utilizes a network of valves, servos, solenoids, orifices, accumulators and passages that control and route hydraulic pressure to the appropriate places to apply the clutches and bands.
Without going into elaborate detail which would fall outside the scope of this article, suffice it to say that modifying the valve body effectively changes the rate of clutch apply and also increases the clamping force with which these components have to work with. This is why shift kits and modified valve bodies produce that firm, performance type shift that increases the transmission's overall capacity for power handling.
Next, all critical support bushings need to be replaced to insure that the centerline of the transmission runs in perfect alignment with the centerline of the crankshaft. Ignoring this step puts a lot of undue stress on the internal transmission components.
Many of the other parts also such as the pinion shaft, the front differential ring gear and the planetary gearset undergo various metallurgical processes such as heat treating, Meta-Lax stress relieving, and cryogenic treatment (freezing them in liquid nitrogen at -300 degrees Fahrenheit to 'reset' the part's structure on the molecular level).
Lastly, all of the required seals and gaskets are changed to materials that are better able to cope with the heat and stress that is common in high powered applications. Performance clutches and steel reaction plates are installed and their clearances set to much more exacting specifications than those that are used by the factory. Most importantly, IPT utilizes a proprietary six disk high clutch pack and a five disk 2-4 clutch pack which increases the second, third, and fourth gear torque capacity by over 25% versus the factory set up- this is the key to getting a high powered vehicle make a 1-2, 2-3, and 3-4 shift instead of just bouncing off the rev limiter.
As for the modifications outside of the gearbox, the next thing of importance is of course the torque converter. In an automatic equipped vehicle, one of the most important components in the entire car in regards to optimizing performance is a correctly configured converter.
In addition to being made with many strength improvements over the factory piece, a performance converter enables a vehicle to better take advantage of the RPM range at which maximum power is made. In simple terms, a properly designed converter will allow a vehicle to launch under more power by increasing the rpm at which the launch takes place. In essence, a torque converter is an infinitely variable transmission in and of itself, and altering its torque multiplying characteristics becomes absolutely necessary when other variables in the vehicle are changed (bigger turbos and bigger cams).
Even in otherwise stock turbocharged Subaru vehicles, ET reductions of over one full second are not at all uncommon with the addition of a properly configured converter.
Transmission, torque converter and valve body upgrades are not only for American made vehicles anymore. Increased performance, durability and more efficient shifting is now available for the vehicles of almost every manufacturer- thanks in part to the few companies that are willing to do the research and development work required for this rapidly growing segment of the automotive aftermarket.
For more information, please follow this link: http://www.importperformancetrans.com/subaruauto.shtml
-John Lombardo, IPT Performance Transmissions
Subaru Performance Transmission Upgrades
Audi to Introduce Three New Models in South Africa
The South Africa market of Audi—luxury unit of Volkswagen, Europe’s largest automaker and producer of quality Volkswagen Scrirocco parts --- is currently offering a comprehensive range with an almost complete choice of fine cars starting from the most basic A3 up to the selection of flagship models which includes A8 and Q7. Petrol and turbo-diesel options are also available throughout the range including manual, tiptronic auto, multitronic constantly variable and revolutionary double-clutch gearboxes, Quattro drive, S and RS sports models--- are just some of the models that are being offered and will increased further with the coming of other Audi models.
The V8 powered A8 4.2 TDI, the RS4 Avant and the new Audi S3 are all scheduled to hit South Africa in the coming months. Just what would car buyers in South Africa expect from these three new Audi models?
To start off, the huge A8 which is Audi’s aluminum-bodied Quattro AWD sedan flagship will introduce the first turbodiesel V8. The A8 possess the sophistication of an SUV and at the same time provides remarkable fuel savings that doesn’t hamper its powerful performance. The A8 4.2 TDI’s advanced V8 rides and feels just like it petrol siblings. Its monstrous torque pumps an imaginable amount of power but compared to its gas-burning rivals it is still by far more economical.
The arrival of the new S3 that would complete the current S range under the S4 and the new V10, S6 and S8 gives the Ingolstadt marque a powerful hatchback in the range. The development of the 2.0T with Quattro all-wheel-drive together with the S3’s fiery turbocharged fuel stratified direct injection inline four, revs up 195 kW which makes it one to fear contender against the likes of Astra OPC, Focus ST, the all-new Volvo S30 T5, the RenaultSport Megane, and Golf GTI.
The S3 is the only model in its class with AWD. It is distinguished by its made even bolder Audi grille, neat aero kit and stylish alloy wheels. For its interior it is equipped with fully-adjustable, leather-wrapped, solid-packed sport seats to protect the driver inside. The S3 is scheduled to hit dealerships in South Africa in May.
The RS4 Avant which is scheduled also for South Africa is a station wagon version of the RS4. Audi is hoping to bring back its tradition of the supreme station wagon with its RS4 Avant.
And lastly, with the addition of the three new Audi models, the automaker is hoping to further boost its sales in South Africa.
One of the toughest vehicles on the road today is the truck. Named after “trochos”, the Greek word for wheel, trucks have become synonymous with vehicles that can bear and transport heavy loads over long distances. There are many types of trucks found on the road today, but they often share the same rugged automotive parts in their construction. Trucks such as sport utility vehicles or pickups, for example, use gasoline engines, while larger types of trucks use four stroke or two stroke turbo intercooler diesel engines, which produce a lot of horsepower to carry huge loads. Trucks can also have similarities in drivetrains. Some small trucks have automatic transmission or a manual transmission with synchronizers, while bigger trucks just settle for a manual transmission without synchronizers, which is lighter weight than synchronized transmissions. Other parts that share the same rugged construction include the chassis, axles, wheels, and pneumatic systems. But there are, however, also other optional parts and accessories that can be installed to your truck to improve the performance and appearance of this already rough-and-ready vehicle. And one of those components is the cargo rack.
Cargo racks are optional components that can be installed into your truck for additional cargo space. So whenever you need to carry more gear for that camping trip in the woods in your vehicle, or you just want to dress up your rig a bit, then cargo racks offer a perfect solution. Cargo racks are specially constructed to carry heavy loads, such as kayaks and large camping equipment. Most cargo racks have large tubes with big 1-inch diameter carbon steel rail tubes, and have 1 inch square T6 aircraft grade aluminum floor tubes. Also, swaged joints ensure a tight fit and enhance the strength of the cargo rack, and button head stainless steel fasteners add strength and improve resistance to corrosion. And to further improve the corrosion resistance, the cargo rack is coated with a premium powder coat finish, wherein five stages of metal pre-treatment with gloss powder coat finish is applied to your car. Cargo racks that are coated with this powder coated finish are especially resistant to corrosion and abrasion, and will not fade or dull over time. And aside from strengthened tubes and powder coating, other features of truck cargo racks also include aerodynamic beveled crossbars and longitudal floor tubes that reduce drag, floor tubes that are captured within cross bars that provide flat floor while giving a full cargo depth, and custom mount kits, which are usually sold separately, for all types of trucks.
Aside from the standard model of cargo rack, there are also other types of cargo racks that are available for your truck. One such type is the ladder rack, which is constructed of steel, aluminum, or diamond brite, and has a carrying capacity of up to 1,500 pounds. Other types of cargo racks also include a roof rack, which have a streamlined design that matches the contour of your vehicle, and utility racks that have an extra wide surface for carrying exceptionally heavy loads. But whatever the type of cargo rack, it is always important not to overload the rack. Overloading can create stress on the tubes of the cargo rack and shorten its service life.
Diesel Amplifies Mazda Vehicles
Before the year ends, Mazda will expand its diesel offerings in Australia.
An example is the Mazda 3 diesel that will join the Mazda6 and is expected to arrive in September. It will be available in both sedan and hatchback form, the Mazda 3 will have the same engine as the present Mazda6 diesel.
One hundred five kilowatt (105 kW) and 360Nm are produced by the 2.0-litre common-rail turbo diesel and its fuel consumption is rated at 6L/100km.
Will only be available in the one Maxx Sport trim level, the Mazda 3 will feature a rear spoiler as well as 16-inch wheels. And not like the petrol models, Direct Stability Control will be available as a standard feature.
Alistair Doak, Mazda spokesman, said that the Japanese company is targeting to sell more than 100 Mazda3 diesels per month. However, he added that it will be a reasonably small percentage of overall sold Mazda 3 units. For the month of May, Mazda reached sales of 2758 units. This figure means that the car is the second most popular small car, next to Toyota Corolla.
Mazda originally forecasted 50 sales per month for the Mazda 6 diesel when it went on sale. But Doak said that they now target 100 models per month. He added that the company has no plans to expand the diesel range further in Australia.
He explained that the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 will be the two diesel passenger cars, the car types that comprise the highest sales in Europe. He further explained that their fellow Japanese car makers are not offering any diesel car and the company is introducing the second one.
He also said that the company has no plans for diesel engines in the larger CX-7 as well as to the yet-to-arrive CX-9 because these cars are primarily for the market in North America, where demand for diesel is far too low.
The generation of the Mazda 2 will follow after the Mazda 3 diesel. The Mazda 2, which is smaller, will go on sale in October and is expected to remain at nearly $16,000 for the entry model.
According to Doak, buyers can expect that the new Mazda2 will be comparable in price to the current car, which begins at $16,335 for the Neo and rises to $20,290 for the excellent Genki model. He added that the Mazda2 would be available only with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, not like some of its competing cars, which offer 1.3-litre entry models. He further stated that as to the cost, certainly there is not much difference.
With the light car running in the third spot of sales behind Mazda3 and Mazda6, the Mazda 2, according to him, is an essential part of the overall line-up. He said that the car's styling brings it into line with the rest of the Mazda line-up. He also said that the company has always established good image regarding being a leader in style and the Mazda2 should also establish good reputation in the light-car segment.
Since December 2002, the current car has been on sale. So far this year, Mazda has sold 3045 units, which is a 30 percent increase on last year's sales figures.
The industry is also expecting that Mazda will carry over the existing three model names; Neo, Maxx and Genki.
With curtain and side airbags as options and the ABS in the current model, safety has been the very aim of building the car. The new one is expected to add dynamic stability control feature to the safety kit. This new comer removed nearly 100kg of weight from its predecessor.
The company says that high-tensile steel was utilized to slice out weight without putting at risk the safety, body inflexibility, noise, vibration and sharpness. It also claims that the car has improved up to 15 percent over the current car. So this has benefits for fuel economy. The 60/40 split rear-fold seat is still present while the luggage area has been decreased from 280 to 250 liters.
The 1.5-litre offers 76kW at 6000 revs and 136Nm at 4000 revs – decreases from 82kW at 6000 revs and 141Nm at 4000 revs.
About Mazda Motor Corporation
A Japanese automotive manufacturer that is based in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda Motor Corporation is a well known producer of different types of vehicles as well as their corresponding Mazda auto parts. It began supplying tools in 1929 and soon branched out into production of trucks for commercial purposes.
The manufacturer’s name is derived from the transcendental God of Zoroastrianism, Ahura Mazda. It is also believed that Mazda coincides with the anglicized pronunciation of Zoroastrianism founder's name, Jujiro Matsuda, and opted to rename it in honor of both his family and the believers of Zoroastrianism. In the Avestan language, Mazda means “wisdom”. Nonetheless, because the company is from Japan, the name has always been pronounced and spelled as "Matsuda". This leads the public to believe that “Mazda” is just an anglicized version of the founder.
The company is expected to produce 1.25 million vehicles annually as of 2006. Among Japan, Europe, North America, and Latin America, its sales will be evenly divided.
Mazda’s 33.4% of controlling interest is controlled by the Ford Motor Company.
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Used Volvo 780 Buying Tips
Things to consider in buying a used Volvo 780 include: its modern availability; engines in the U.S. Market like the V-6 (B280F) and the 4-cylinder Turbo (B230FT); suspension (Nivomat Self-Leveling Rear Shock Absorbers); interior amenities like power seat switches, seatback releases and sun visor vanity mirrors; and other concerns like the door panels, rust and corrosion, rear license plate lamp housings, winter driving performance, and parts availability.
Aside from those things, miscellaneous parts like front air dam, dashboard and wood trim, trunk and fuel filler door releases also need to be considered.
Front Air Dam
The design of 780’s front air dam is lower to the ground than other 700 series models. The air dam, therefore, tends to receive damage from curbs and parking barriers often times. As a result, the dam experiences cracked plastic, missing tow-hook covers, and bent fog lamp brackets. So when looking for a prospect 780, check how the air dam has held up under the front bumper to see.
Dashboard and wood trim
After six or seven years of regular wear and tear due to exposure to sun, heat, cold, and the like, the 780’s dashboard tends to begin showing small cracks or splits. The cracking is usually experienced on the passenger side, near and around the ECC sensor above the glove compartment. Though not really distracting, the damages could be more widespread and/or severe in cars which are abused or left out in the elements. These damages can be fixed by dashboard repair kits, or might as well replace the dashboard. To place over the damaged dashboard, many have opted for buying aftermarket fabric covers.
Along the same timeline as the dashboard, the varnish on the wood trim also tends to crack or flake. They particularly occur on the panels mounted on the face of the dashboard itself. Wood trim which appears quite faded or has little varnish left usually indicates an abused interior. Specialty shops on hand which can repair or re-polish damaged wood trim are always available. Purchasing replacement of wood trim panels is also possible, though really costly.
Filler Door Releases
When the driver's door is opened, the 780 has two levers accessible along the door jam. One lever opens the trunk while the other opens the fuel filler door. By pressing a rocker switch on the dashboard, the fuel filler door may also be opened.
Another option on how to open the trunk is by pushing a button inside the glove compartment. Aside from this, there is no other way to open the trunk and fuel door on the 780, so it is important that these items are working properly on your prospect 780.
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