When considering modifications to improve the performance of an automatic transmission, there are several options available, depending on your goals and the specific characteristics of the vehicle. While most people focus on making their car’s engine more powerful when they want better performance, it is not the only part of the powertrain that can be upgraded. The car’s stock transmission can also be improved or swapped out for a performance-enhancing gearbox, even if it is an automatic transmission.
While not as common as manual gearbox upgrades, there are plenty of options for those looking to get their automatic vehicle to swap cogs quicker while keeping it a self-shifter. Aside from replacing the entire gearbox with a different unit, there is also the option of upgrading the gearbox’s internals, updating the software that controls it, and installing an uprated torque converter that can lock up more quickly and give a sportier response.
How Transmissions Work
Transmissions are designed in a way that will enable a car to move swiftly with little effort provided by the engine. A transmission contains an input shaft, intermediate shaft, and output shaft, which all rely on several gears with different teeth-counts. The gears tell us the transmission ratios – the ratios between the input and output shaft speeds.
The purpose of the intermediate shaft is to enable the input and output shafts to rotate in the same direction. This is because the intermediate shaft’s gears usually have the same number of teeth in comparison to that on the input shaft.
Here are some of the best modifications you can consider:
Performance Torque Converter
Upgrading to a high-performance torque converter can significantly improve acceleration and overall performance. A performance torque converter is designed to provide better torque multiplication and efficiency compared to stock converters, resulting in quicker launches and better response.
Shift Kit
Installing a shift kit can enhance the shifting characteristics of an automatic transmission. A shift kit modifies the transmission’s valve body to improve shift firmness, reduce shift times, and optimize shift points for better performance. It can also help prevent slippage and improve overall transmission durability.
Transmission Cooler
Adding a transmission cooler can help maintain optimal transmission fluid temperatures, especially under heavy load or high-performance driving conditions. Cooler transmission fluid helps prevent overheating, reduces wear and tear on transmission components, and improves overall transmission reliability.
Transmission Tune/Reprogramming
Many modern vehicles with automatic transmissions can benefit from a custom transmission tune or reprogramming. This involves adjusting the transmission’s shift points, shift firmness, and other parameters to optimize performance and responsiveness for specific driving conditions or performance goals.
Upgrade Transmission Fluid
Using a high-quality synthetic transmission fluid can help improve lubrication, reduce friction, and enhance heat dissipation within the transmission. Upgrading to a performance-oriented transmission fluid can help maintain optimal transmission performance and durability, especially in high-stress driving situations.
Performance Transmission Upgrades
Depending on the specific transmission model, there may be aftermarket performance upgrades available, such as upgraded clutch packs, stronger internal components, and improved valve bodies. These upgrades can help increase the transmission’s power-handling capabilities and overall durability, making it better suited for high-performance applications.
Transmission Cooling System Upgrade
In addition to adding a transmission cooler, you can also consider upgrading other components of the transmission cooling system, such as high-flow transmission cooler lines, upgraded radiator, and additional cooling fans, to further enhance cooling efficiency and reliability.
Finally
The most extreme (and costly) approach to upgrading your car’s standard self-shifter would be to have one custom-made to your specifications by a specialized shop. This way, you can not only choose all the individual ratios, but you can also have the transmission beefed up with high-strength gears and tougher internal components if you plan to use it in some very high-horsepower applications.
Some specialist companies will even be able to design and get a completely new custom bell housing cast for the transmission, although this will only add to the price of an already expensive operation as it may require outsourcing. How much you decide to spend and how extreme you want the transmission to be will ultimately be dictated by your budget and what you plan to do with the vehicle.
It is important to note that modifying an automatic transmission can be complex and may require professional installation and tuning to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Additionally, modifications should be chosen based on your specific performance goals, driving habits, and the capabilities of your vehicle’s transmission.
