S5 rx7 auto trans help (possible bridge project)
 

So I have an '89 s5 rx7 NA. Future plans are to rebuild engine and possibly go with a Bridgeport. I will be sticking with an Automatic Transmission and have no interest in a manual conversion. I am not chasing crazy HP but would like a trans that will last and handle a shift kit etc.
1.Do I stick with the original Auto Trans and have it rebuilt to handle the increase in HP? Will it?

2.Is there a better Auto Trans from another model that will fit and be more suited to rebuild? eg. FD or rx8.

Please excuse my ignorance but I am new to the Auto Trans thing.
Cheers

welcome to the board. :)

i'm not saying it can't be done, but i think you'll pretty much be on your own with this. you mentioned the FD and Rx-8, and both had to detune "stock" power levels for their automatic versions - to the extent that the S1 Rx-8 even ran a completely different engine to achieve the restriction.

there are companies that do modified torque converters and other mods to help automatics cope with increased outputs (torque), but at least for rotaries, there is another issue: the high revs. that's the issue that i see being a problem for you if you bridge.

that said, i remember many, many moons ago RB built a Convertible (i think they dubbed it the California Roadster or something) that was featured in Road & Track issue. it was automatic. they put a modified JATCO behind a slightly modified T2 engine (something like 250 hp level), someone around the board must be old enough to remember it and maybe have been privy to some details that they could share. so take my nay-saying with a grain of salt and check it out if you're committed to your goal. good luck.