Lets talk auto transmissions. Auto guys come in....

[Nick_04K]

I know the consensus about automatic transmissions in s-chassis cars. "They suck!" And i know a clutch is obviously preferred for drifting.. but besides that why are the automatic transmissions so "bad"? Are s-chassis automatic transmissions worse than normal auto's in other cars? Extremely slow shifts? Whats the deal? I've been driving a manual s13 for over a year now, and am somewhat growing tired of the shifting. I dont drift it because there are no tracks and its really just for "street" fun. So i've been thinking and im curious about getting an auto s14 now. With hopes to boost it to around 300whp and just have a fun, streetable car. Is this possible? Will it hold the power?

[rob22]

im also going the automatic turbo route.
should be intresting.

[negrosx13]

auto trannys suck but not as a whole cause not everybody want to give them the right care from when they first buy the car..You're suppose to change your tranny fluid at like every 30,000miles and people dont..they forget and leave it..once they remember when the tranny is shifting like crap and the car has 120k and the oil cooked from all the driving..

240 trannys dont suck as bad as people think.

[Flicktitty]

the major issue with ANY automatic transmission is HEAT. that is the killer, keep the transmission cool(er) and you will be fine. A transmission cooler isn't all that expensive then get a trans. temp gauge and keep an eye on it, that will help keep your auto trans alive for longer.

you could look into a valve body upgrade or replaceing the sprags in the automatic.
Nissan | Infiniti | High Performance Automatic Transmissions | Racing Transmission (http://www.importperformancetrans.com/nissanauto.shtml)

you could always good with a higher stalled tq converter too don't go to big or else it wont be fun on the street.

the 240sx automatic transmission code is "4RE401A" doing some google searching with that will bring up some more upgrades as they are used in the pathfinder and a few other cars. I'm not sure WHAT auto the Z32TT uses, but i know those hold some good power so if you really want a good setup you could look into that, or even swapping out to a American transmission (C4 like what Ivan at AMS runs) or a TH400, both would need a custom adapter plate though.



here is a some useful info on Nico.
Automatic Transmissions Ultimate Guide : 240sx General Discussion (http://forums.nicoclub.com/automatic-transmissions-ultimate-guide-t167131.html)
Turbocharging your automatic trans 240sx – NICO Club (http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/turbocharging-your-automatic-trans-240sx.html)

BTW - don't let all the auto haters get you down about doing it, Do it and show them whats up.

[ManoNegra]

My daily is auto, ~200k+ miles and running strong
I flushed and replaced the ATF with oem fluid recently so it's well maintained
after years of SRs and 5-speeds, I'm not really in a rush to get anywhere fast
nor do I care too much for the attention
so auto does well

but, Nissan trannies of this era suck in the respect that they are sluggish and
hesitant when it comes to shifting

had a z32 auto on my previous daily S13
allegedly good for drag
worked ok then it died and I converted to 5 speed.

the day the one on my daily quits it'll get a 5 speed conversion.

[Nick_04K]

Thank you FlickTitty! Super informative post. I didnt have a clue that any of that stuff from importperformance was available. It's good to know. I honestly think im going to go ahead and do this... If it doesnt work out, lesson learned i guess haha.

[KoukiDrifter240]

auto tranny run more consecutive 1/4 mile time. auto is not bad they shift faster from what i hear

[soreballz]

Be sure to unplug the doohickey thats mounted on the drivers side fender tub near the airbox. It'll allow for more crisp shifts.

[Flicktitty]

Thank you FlickTitty! Super informative post. I didnt have a clue that any of that stuff from importperformance was available. It's good to know. I honestly think im going to go ahead and do this... If it doesnt work out, lesson learned i guess haha.
no problem man thats what we are here for. Please keep me informed with what you end up doing. I've been considering doing a auto KA-T as well for a little fun daily setup to go along with it's 2JZ'd coupe brother.

[S13pign0se]

Flicktitty knows whatsup.
never doubt a auto.

[soreballz]

Real talk: if you have a left leg which is capable of pressing a clutch pedal, and you're not planning on running 10s or faster in the quarter, but you still choose to use an auto trans over a manual in any type of "sporty" car... Well, shit... Grow a pair, ya pansy.

Auto trannies are good for three things: daily drivers, crippled/disabled drivers, and sub 11.00 drag cars.

[jumpman2334]

Real talk: if you have a left leg which is capable of pressing a clutch pedal, and you're not planning on running 10s or faster in the quarter, but you still choose to use an auto trans over a manual in any type of "sporty" car... Well, shit... Grow a pair, ya pansy.

Auto trannies are good for three things: daily drivers, crippled/disabled drivers, and sub 11.00 drag cars.
thank you for doing this, so i didnt have too.. although you were still a little on the soft side. =P

[Sergio180sx]

some of those AT are no joke my buddy ripped me a nasty one on his mk4 but his was upgraded and hes putting down 630whp on his 2J

[lizmo]

no problem man thats what we are here for. Please keep me informed with what you end up doing. I've been considering doing a auto KA-T as well for a little fun daily setup to go along with it's 2JZ'd coupe brother.


its a sisterrr.

and autos are great.
expecially when you race someone in a manual and you win. they aren't usually too happy.. :)