Tasca is the real deal
I met Bob Tasca when I worked for Ford launching the 2002 Explorer (when the big generation change). He came to the plant in St. Louis and blasted us for using cheap-looking plastic around the bumpers and wheel arches. He 'customized' all of his Explorers with upgraded...
Torque Converter
I used to work on this very transmission in calibration so I have some familiarity with the nuances. What you're seeeing on the RPM step-change is the Torque Converter coming on and off. The CX-7 has what they call an "agressive locking schedule" to maximize fuel economy...
