I have been reading a ton of threads about the auto tranny and how to launch and the 5-speed swap. I would really love to be able to swap the 5-speed in. But the problem is money. The auto launch blows, as I do not have the hold function anymore and it is just plain out tough to launch. I was wondering what I can do to the auto tranny to make it quicker. Can it be built? Stall Converter? Line-lock? I know you can swap the rear end with the 4.10's but is there anything else to be done? Thanks guys.

 

It seems that people say that there isn't anything you can really do, after 12 years of this car being out know one has figured anything out?

 

PM "weaklink". He's now converted to manual, but he's probably done the most with the auto tranny than anyone who is currently active on the forum.

 

did somebody say my name? You should search under my name and go way back and you'll see the whole journey. Just from your post let me offer some do's and don'ts

Do:
1. try the 4.10 (or higher) rear end.
2. save up for a tranny rebuild and use quality components. i would talk to a local shop and tell them your concerns/plans. opt for a "shift kit" or valve body recal.
3. use a quality full synthetic ATF.

Don't:
1. waste money on a stall converter-stock is +/- 3K.
2. brake torque-works but will quickly grenade the tranny.
3. go for big power upgrades if you don't plan on rebuilding your tranny, the stocker just won't take much more than stock power.

Pie in the sky:
1. www.transmissioncontroller.com this PTC TCU controls the tranny and is fully configurable, too configurable if you ask me. Allows to program back in your "hold" function if you so desire, but also has dyno mode, snow mode, economy mode...you get the idea. also improves the function of the tranny if you are using a stand alone like PFC AND gives you a way to monitor tranny temps.
2. www.shrifter.com works with #1 above to let you shift from the wheel. had this come out earlier, I might not have swapped trannies...for a while....

hope this helps. going fast in an auto is possible, and there are a number of people on the forum doing so. a search will turn up a lot of good info. having done the swap I do miss how the auto stays on boost all of the time, but it is a blast to shift things yourself and the car pulls so much harder. Fun too to roast the tires in first and second just by mashing the go pedal, but I digress.

if i were you, the two things I would do first would be:
1. tranny service and ATF change to full synthetic (consider having drain plug installed for easier service next time)
2. get 4.10 or higher rear end.

good luck....