Automatic Question

[BlueMP5Dave]

I have 2001 ES Auto (because my wife is SHORT and can't reach manual pedals). Anyways my question, I would like to get a high stall torque converter for my auto. So where do I start? I have searched and searched. Auto's are typically drag cars, so I want to turbo auto and i don't want to mess up my tranny. Need to beef up and I think this is my only chance. Anybody have any Ideas I am about to give up. My car is fun to drive already just want some more power??????? Zoom-Zoom

 

[20ESGUY]

I doubt you'll find a high rpm sthall converter for the pro. Theres just not that much demand for it. You might wanna contact Tri-Point Engineering though...they might be able to help you out on that. IMO though i don't think you gonna need it just yet, unless you've already done some serious mods. High sthalls are only really good if the "meat" of your power band is close to the lock up rpm of the converter. Say your motor makes most of its hp around 3000-6500 rpm, then you'd want a sthall close to 3000-3500 rpm which is where lock up occurs. If you're serious about draggin it then get a good line lock from Summit or TCI, add the BEGI/FM, Spoolin's, or Tripoint turbo kit and a good engine management set-up. It wouldn't hurt either to stiffin up the rear springs/struts to help keep the front end from lifting during launches. I've never driven a P5 so im not sure how the weight transfers in a serious launch, but the sedan tends to haunch the rear pretty good, which with a front driver isn't all that good. Someone correct me if im wrong on the explanation of the sthall, autos aren't quite my cup of tea...but from what I remember about them thats pretty close.

 

[BlueMP5Dave]

Thanks for explaination. The line lockkit you mention from Summit/TCI, what would this kit accomplish for me? Thanks again for all info 2.0ES my car looks just like yours. I already plan for coilovers or MS adjustables with groundcontrols. I am in Alaska right now so shipping is a pain. Will be in Vegas in January so then will be no issue, then more to come.

Current Mods:

Paint match interior parts
Paint match grill
Alpine7894 with various components (MB quart, Infinity, JL sub)
MHP Intake
Racing Beat Catback
Denso plugs (IK20)
Magnecor Wires

 

[20ESGUY]

its always nice to see another red mica, there aren't too many around where I live, i think only mine and one or two others in the area...I wanted black, but the dealer i worked for at the time wanted to give me the run-around so i got my second choice. As for the line lock...you can either do brake or tranny since you have an auto...the tranny version pressurizes the return line, i think, and holds pressure in the transmission to keep it from moving off the line at a start. The brake version works in the same fashion just with brake line pressure. It's activated and released by a switch you can mount somewhere inside the car. It allows you to raise the rpm's at the start without having to hold the brakes or running the risk of power-braking at the start. Basiclly when you release the line lock it'll be the same as dropping the clutch at 4,000 rpm or whatever you decide to hold it at on a manual.

 

[njaremka]

aren't line locks redundant on a front drive car? just pull the e-brake if you don't want the car to roll. line locks are for rear drive cars that have the e-brake going to the back brake, right? then, with the line locks you can lock up the front wheels. at least that's how i understand them.

 

[BlueMP5Dave]

Thanks again 2.0 ES. I also need to know how do you beef up a auto to stand high horsepower applications if it is even required?
Interesting question NJ it sounds logical what your saying but push button would probally allow for quicker response provided rate of fluid flow response. Good point though.

 

[20ESGUY]

actually you're both right, the brake version is a little redundant but it provides quick reaction times. The tranny version is the best way to go with the auto/FWD combo, its really better for all situations, just because its faster at "unlocking" than a brake version. As to the mod's for helping an auto under high hp, the best mod you can make is a tranny cooler...keep the fluid temps down, next in line would be the clutch packs...they're about the weakest link in the actual hardware..but again difficult to find unless somebody wants to make them, next would be the vavle body itself...if somebody's mapped out the vb you could do a shift modification by drilling out the channels and changing spring tension on the shift solenoids. The vb would take a lot of R&D, but if you're willing and so is a manufacturer then what the hey, go for it. BTW good luck on the move redmica, thats one hell of a change from alaska to vegas, you can break out the tommy bahama shirts and flip flops now!!!

 

[BlueMP5Dave]

Again Thanks for reply! Can't wait for sunshine need some, civilization also, this place is isolated. With your description of mods for auto tranny makes me want a manual even more. I think my project may dead end because of tranny. Well on the upside I may save money and get a MS and let the wife have her AUTO all to her self. Thanks again


Anybody else have any suggestions, Tech help maybe? Not that there is any other with your knowledge 2.0ES! I need to have your knowledge of car or maybe I will go to ASE school.

 

[KYREDP5]

If your serious about it check out www.levelten.com I've heard nothing but good things aoubt there TC's. Also they have valve body kits.

 

[BlueMP5Dave]

Thanks RedP5 that site rocks I have already E-mailed them. Have you purchased or know of anybody who has purchased their products? Well hey thanks everybody for your help. This site is the best thing that ever happened to my Protege.

 

[20ESGUY]

hey redmica, one thing i wanted to ask you since we have the same cars....how'd the magnacore wires and iridium plugs help out? It's about time i change my plugs and was wondering if there was any noticable difference.

 

[KYREDP5]

I don't know of anybody that has any L10 stuff on a Protege, but if you go over to www.probetalk.com (when the permanent site is back up) and go to the A-Team section, there are a couple Probers with the L10 TC. From what the've said they're running even with MTXs.

 

[BlueMP5Dave]

2.0ES the wires themselves did not make much of a difference but the iridium plugs WOW! I was very impressed they did alot for mid power band. My orginal plugs got fowled by a octane booster I had used. This could have been hindering the performance of the wires though being that my plugs were fowled. Anyways I like them both and I definitely will Endorse the plugs.


Thanks for your help KYRedP5 I really appreciate your suggestion. You brought hope back to my project. I may now go with Spoolins starter kit and L10 Torque converter, line lock, and transmission oil cooler. Thanks for all your help and it is very encouraging to know probes have L10 Products. Do they have a similar Tranny to ours?

 

[KYREDP5]

Thanks for all your help and it is very encouraging to know probes have L10 Products. Do they have a similar Tranny to ours?

Nope, the trannys were pure ford BS. The CD4E (4cyl tranny) was pure crap. They've been known to go after as little as 11k. The 4EAT (6cyl tranny) is somewhat ok though. As for the Tranny oil cooler go to Advance, Autozone, etc. and get a Hayden 505(?). Shouldn't cost you more than $50, and will help out alot.

 

[tut_tutZOOM]

I'll second the benefits of the Denso Iridium plugs in my ES Pro. I noticed some change all the way through my powerband, but would agree with redmicadave that the middle was the most affected. I'm getting my new wires from SparkCo on Monday (the delivery guy actually came by my apartment this afternoon, but I was out all day so he just left a note and no package!!) and look forward to gauging the response of new wires with aftermarket plugs already installed.

If it is time to change your stock plugs though, here's my vote for putting Denso's in there. A few extra bucks (okay, about $30) will go a long way, as I even noticed 1-2 mpg increase in fuel efficiency!

Josh

 

[BlueMP5Dave]

I have interesting info on all Protege Auto applications. Our transmission is a Ford/Mazda hybrid very similar to Focus. I have a few E-mails out waiting for returns on cost to rebuild, revalve and get new torque converter. This mod would hopefully make a bullet-proof tranny with larger driveaxles and a tranny cooler, would hopefully hold up to 300HP, just a rough estiment though still waiting on e-mails. Also looking at cost of used tranny so I don't have to lose my daily driver for upto a week or so. I almost forgot the purpose of this post the part # for this tranny is (Protege)=F4NEL and is used in the Focus also but has different part # 4F27E->(Focus) due to bolt pattern on engine. I will repost some more info soon so that I can dump this info, so all of us auto guys don't feel left out. While Manual guys go ZOOMING by with 200+ horsey. Thanks again to 2.0ES and KYRed, you guys are awesome and kept my project on track of cousrse that is as soon as I can get a second job to afford all of this stuff.

Finally added signature and pic of car on very first day of ownership!

 

[Crazee D]

Bfd = Back From Dead