3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

automatic FD guys

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-27-08, 03:57 PM
  #1  
It's finally reliable

Thread Starter
iTrader: (18)
 
MOBEONER's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: NEW YORK CITY
Posts: 3,512
Received 9 Likes on 7 Posts
automatic FD guys

I was wondering what guys have stock automatic transmission in their FD, drag or street race what type of mods and how the transmission are holding up.can a trans brake be installed in a stock tranny?

I was thinking of going manual then I learned about the Th350/w Trans brake but before I make a decision I would like to know what has been done out there with the stock tranny.
Old 07-28-08, 01:16 AM
  #2  
Full Member
 
rotard_robbie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Terra Firma
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From what I've been reading, it's a toss-up when you puch the hp past 300hp. That being said, I'm not sure about the TH350. Sorry.
Old 07-28-08, 01:11 PM
  #3  
Rotary Enthusiast

 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: california
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
no need fo a swap now that banzai racing has developed the auto ecu harness. it let you use the auto trans at stock functions while upgrading the ecu. I now use the pfc and the trans works the same as stock. you can upgrade to a level 10 trans for the stock unit or go with the TH350 but that will require some mods.

What are your mods now?. if your not going over 300 HP just get the stock trans serviced with synthetic oil and don't power brake or speed shift the trans and it should hold up for a while.

with all the bolt on's and a dyno tuned pfc 280-300 rwhp is about max you will get on stock ports and injectors. I will post some numbers after I get my car tuned in a couple of weeks.

Jeff
Old 07-28-08, 04:48 PM
  #4  
Resident Retard

 
weaklink's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Cockaigne
Posts: 1,918
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by jeff p
no need fo a swap now that banzai racing has developed the auto ecu harness. it let you use the auto trans at stock functions while upgrading the ecu. I now use the pfc and the trans works the same as stock. you can upgrade to a level 10 trans for the stock unit or go with the TH350 but that will require some mods.

What are your mods now?. if your not going over 300 HP just get the stock trans serviced with synthetic oil and don't power brake or speed shift the trans and it should hold up for a while.

with all the bolt on's and a dyno tuned pfc 280-300 rwhp is about max you will get on stock ports and injectors. I will post some numbers after I get my car tuned in a couple of weeks.

Jeff

no one makes a transbrake for the stock rx7 transmission.
Old 07-28-08, 06:06 PM
  #5  
All Spooled Up

iTrader: (7)
 
badddrx7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Ironton,ohio
Posts: 2,752
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
The stock mazda auto transmission will not take much over 300 hp. It WILL burn up. I know from experience. Exactly why I went manual transmission. so if you stay under the 300 range and watch those tranny temperatures, you'll be alright. But when the mod bug hits, watch out.


Later
Old 07-28-08, 09:21 PM
  #6  
Full Member

 
Insomniac21772's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Lancaster, PA
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have a TH350 w/transbrake tranny in my car. gotta say... trans brake is insane, one push of a button and crazy g-force pushing u back in your seat. KDR did the conversion.. unfortunatly i think i blew a coolant seal so its back there right now. got ne questions about it just ask
Old 07-29-08, 01:07 AM
  #7  
NYC's Loudest FD

 
RX794's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
The one mod you can do to help any automatic transmission from premature failure is the addition of a transmission cooler. The automatic FD transmission can be upgraded to take the abuse of 700RWHP with no problem, it's all about the $$$. Upgrading to a slightly higher stall converter will help with launches as well. No transbrake is available though for this transmission.
Old 07-29-08, 01:39 PM
  #8  
Resident Retard

 
weaklink's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Cockaigne
Posts: 1,918
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by RX794
The one mod you can do to help any automatic transmission from premature failure is the addition of a transmission cooler. The automatic FD transmission can be upgraded to take the abuse of 700RWHP with no problem, it's all about the $$$. Upgrading to a slightly higher stall converter will help with launches as well. No transbrake is available though for this transmission.
I guess you mean upgrade the trans cooler as the auto rx7 already has a stock trans cooler located on the passenger side oil cooler mount. Stock stall is around 3-3.5K. Any higher wouldn't be streetable.

I had modded/rebuilt my stock tranny with level 10 components. It served me well and I sold it when I swapped to a 5 speed. But the guy that bought it after me broke it at the drag strip. Nowhere near 700hp either.
Old 07-29-08, 01:42 PM
  #9  
Resident Retard

 
weaklink's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Cockaigne
Posts: 1,918
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Insomniac21772
I have a TH350 w/transbrake tranny in my car. gotta say... trans brake is insane, one push of a button and crazy g-force pushing u back in your seat. KDR did the conversion.. unfortunatly i think i blew a coolant seal so its back there right now. got ne questions about it just ask
track only car?
Old 07-29-08, 04:13 PM
  #10  
Turd Ferguson

iTrader: (1)
 
grimple1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sherman Oaks, California
Posts: 2,047
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
in all my research, the auto rx7 tranny is still grossly unexplored. banzai's harness is the first step in really seeing where the breaking point is. without the harness it appears (from a few that have pushed the transmission) to lie in the 300-350 range; however, no one has really came up with any solid list of transmission modifications done to these "failed" transmissions.

in my book an additional/better transmission cooler is an absolute must on any modded auto car. I'm currently running both the stock cooler, an aftermarket, and the banzai harness. still got a few other pieces to put on the car before getting it over to tuning.
Old 07-29-08, 05:29 PM
  #11  
Rotary Enthusiast

 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: california
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
these cars stock have about 210 rwhp. so moving up to 300 rwhp is a big jump for a stock trans. thats why adding synthetic oil and an aftermarket cooler will add longevity. even now with the banzai harness I think 350 rwhp will kill the stock trans. so if your going to have numbers over 300 rwhp a level 10 or better upgrade will be needed or the trans will be short lived. we need someone with a one owner low mileage well maintained trans to do the testing.

my car was purchased used so I have no idea how well the car was cared for. so my results will not be accurate.

Jeff
Old 07-29-08, 07:06 PM
  #12  
Full Member

 
Insomniac21772's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Lancaster, PA
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by weaklink
track only car?
Na, I drive it everywhere, havent even had a chance to take it to the track. gearing is shorter then what i would like it... tops out about ~125mph. I do wish I had a 4thg ear or overdrive cause im at about 3500rpms going 60 mph on the highway. great acceleration though.
Old 07-29-08, 07:59 PM
  #13  
It's finally reliable

Thread Starter
iTrader: (18)
 
MOBEONER's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: NEW YORK CITY
Posts: 3,512
Received 9 Likes on 7 Posts
Originally Posted by Insomniac21772
Na, I drive it everywhere, havent even had a chance to take it to the track. gearing is shorter then what i would like it... tops out about ~125mph. I do wish I had a 4thg ear or overdrive cause im at about 3500rpms going 60 mph on the highway. great acceleration though.
The reason I know about the th350 on an FD is because I read one you your threads so from your experience would you have rather go manual or stay th350?
Old 07-30-08, 01:37 PM
  #14  
Resident Retard

 
weaklink's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Cockaigne
Posts: 1,918
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Insomniac21772
Na, I drive it everywhere, havent even had a chance to take it to the track. gearing is shorter then what i would like it... tops out about ~125mph. I do wish I had a 4thg ear or overdrive cause im at about 3500rpms going 60 mph on the highway. great acceleration though.
Did you keep the auto 3.9 rear end?
Old 08-03-08, 10:39 AM
  #15  
Junior Member

 
Bernardd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: manitoba
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
This is a link to mods I've done on my datsun jatco 3n71b. I also have a zip file with the rebuild info for nissan jatco's from keas. You might be able to apply it to the mazda trans. PM me with an email address to send it to if you want/need it.

http://www.z31performance.com/forum/....php?f=3&t=889
Old 08-03-08, 11:05 AM
  #16  
Constant threat

 
bajaman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: near Wichita, Kansas
Posts: 4,952
Received 35 Likes on 31 Posts
While we are on this subject...yet again....I have always wondered one thing: What EXACTLY 'fails' on the transmission as you go up in hp? Gear sets? Clutch packs? Torque converter? Combination of things? And so...what EXACTLY is done by shops like Level 10 to make these 'bulletproof' trannies?
In all the 'muscle car' playing around I did in the '70s, most people were running TH400s in REALLY modded, big block cars or dual-plate clutches if they stayed 4 speed. A stock TH350 would run forever with engines pushing 400 hp and cars weighing two tons. Shoot....one of the fastest, most reliable combos I'd seen was a friend's '62 Chevy running a 283 with a two speed Powerglide...that car ran in the 12s at the track and was his grocery getter/work car too.
There are some excellent transmission shops in my area, I've been tempted to purchase one of the many stock FD transmissions seen for sale here or go to a salvage yard and get a MPV tranny and take it to Neil Chance here in Wichita and let them play with it.
Old 08-03-08, 11:15 AM
  #17  
Junior Member

 
Bernardd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: manitoba
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by bajaman
While we are on this subject...yet again....I have always wondered one thing: What EXACTLY 'fails' on the transmission as you go up in hp? Gear sets? Clutch packs? Torque converter? Combination of things? And so...what EXACTLY is done by shops like Level 10 to make these 'bulletproof' trannies?
My planetary set grenaded. My trans also slipped like crazy until I did vb modifications. The 2-3 shift flareup was terrible. A jatco with the 4 gear planetary will hold as well as a c4 according to Keas.
Old 08-03-08, 05:46 PM
  #18  
It's finally reliable

Thread Starter
iTrader: (18)
 
MOBEONER's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: NEW YORK CITY
Posts: 3,512
Received 9 Likes on 7 Posts
bajaman- thats awesome that you are looking into the auto tranny.i would love to make 400HP and still rely on my auto transmission it would be even better if some made a trans brake for it.i my self will be looking and asking questions to the automatic gurus to see what can be done
Old 08-04-08, 10:37 AM
  #19  
Full Member
 
rotard_robbie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Terra Firma
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by bajaman
While we are on this subject...yet again....I have always wondered one thing: What EXACTLY 'fails' on the transmission as you go up in hp? Gear sets? Clutch packs? Torque converter? Combination of things? And so...what EXACTLY is done by shops like Level 10 to make these 'bulletproof' trannies?
In all the 'muscle car' playing around I did in the '70s, most people were running TH400s in REALLY modded, big block cars or dual-plate clutches if they stayed 4 speed. A stock TH350 would run forever with engines pushing 400 hp and cars weighing two tons. Shoot....one of the fastest, most reliable combos I'd seen was a friend's '62 Chevy running a 283 with a two speed Powerglide...that car ran in the 12s at the track and was his grocery getter/work car too.
There are some excellent transmission shops in my area, I've been tempted to purchase one of the many stock FD transmissions seen for sale here or go to a salvage yard and get a MPV tranny and take it to Neil Chance here in Wichita and let them play with it.
When I pull my auto, we can figure out a way to get it to you, but the shipping probably outweighs the free transmission. I'm figuring if they can take a 200r4 out of a GN and make it run in the 10's, they can do the same to the rx-7's trans. Just upgrade the internals to billet, have good clutch packs, springs and a shift kit to firm it up some. Some might be willing to pay $1500 or so for a built reliable auto trans that can hit the drag strip (transbrake?) and then auto cross and drive home...Heck, I would if it was available.
Old 08-04-08, 06:29 PM
  #20  
Constant threat

 
bajaman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: near Wichita, Kansas
Posts: 4,952
Received 35 Likes on 31 Posts
Originally Posted by rotard_robbie
When I pull my auto, we can figure out a way to get it to you, but the shipping probably outweighs the free transmission. I'm figuring if they can take a 200r4 out of a GN and make it run in the 10's, they can do the same to the rx-7's trans. Just upgrade the internals to billet, have good clutch packs, springs and a shift kit to firm it up some. Some might be willing to pay $1500 or so for a built reliable auto trans that can hit the drag strip (transbrake?) and then auto cross and drive home...Heck, I would if it was available.
Shipping these days IS outrageous but if you get to the point of really wanting to give it away....I'd be willing to work something out with you perhaps.

And yes, I can speak for myself and probably others in saying $1500 would be considered very reasonable. Heck, Level 10 wants a grand for the torque converter and $3,300 for their 'bulletproof' tranny.

http://www.levelten.com/store/mazda.htm
Old 08-04-08, 07:59 PM
  #21  
Resident Retard

 
weaklink's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Cockaigne
Posts: 1,918
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by bajaman
Shipping these days IS outrageous but if you get to the point of really wanting to give it away....I'd be willing to work something out with you perhaps.

And yes, I can speak for myself and probably others in saying $1500 would be considered very reasonable. Heck, Level 10 wants a grand for the torque converter and $3,300 for their 'bulletproof' tranny.

http://www.levelten.com/store/mazda.htm
It ain't bulletproof.
Old 08-04-08, 10:04 PM
  #22  
Full Member
 
rotard_robbie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Terra Firma
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm definitely serious. Would love to contribute in some small way. If it's the trans and later, a few dollars, would be willing. Hopefully I'll get my longblock soon from Jerome (djseven), still trying to get a 5-speed and when I get the automatic out, I'll contact you in trying to get it over there.
Meanwhile, I can try to contact the GN guys and see if they can do something about it. Aloha. Robbie.
Old 08-06-08, 04:02 PM
  #23  
*** Bless The USA

iTrader: (8)
 
Viking War Hammer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Saint Louis / Illinois
Posts: 7,139
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
C4 $50
$300 to build it
$500 converter from www.DirtyDogPerformance.com
$50 2nd Gen Auto Bellhousing, Starter and Flexplate
$200 driveshaft
$100 Manual Valve Body
$250 Transbrake

Much cheaper than a TH350, Levelten or KEAS
Old 08-06-08, 04:21 PM
  #24  
Junior Member

 
Bernardd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: manitoba
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Where did you find a manual valve body for 100.00?
Old 08-06-08, 04:27 PM
  #25  
Constant threat

 
bajaman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: near Wichita, Kansas
Posts: 4,952
Received 35 Likes on 31 Posts
Originally Posted by weaklink
It ain't bulletproof.
That is why I put it as 'bulletproof'....lol!


Quick Reply: automatic FD guys



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:30 PM.