A few geartronic questions

echo4747 · Jul 31, 2004

Being somewhat displeased with the the performance of my 60R/GT I am considering some modifications. At this point RICA & IPD have some ecu upgrades. After speaking with BSR rep they are just a few weeks away. I have read on these forums that Volvo limits the torque in 1st&2nd gear which is now easily worked around with ecu upgrades. I have some questions regarding the aisin warner geartronic and was hoping for some input. (concerned about the geartronics longevity with ecu/exhaust upgrades)

-What is the mfg's specs on the maximum rated amount of torque/hp this unit could handle
- what is this units weak link(s) torque converter? bands?

A long time ago I had an 87 mustang 5.0L(225hp) with the aod tranny (which wasn't the slickest unit) I added a 110hp NO2 kit and the transmission bit the dust 5000 miles later. I exchanged the tranny for an Art Carr performance trans( claimed to easily handle 700hp) and went thru countless bottles of nitrous oxide and the transmission lived happily ever after. It even shifted crisper than when the car was brand new. Last questons.
Does anyplace rework the geartronic units to handle increased power and quicker shift responnse?

SilverS60RNYC · Jul 31, 2004

Re: A few geartronic questions (echo4747)

The auto in the the R is already very near its limit in terms of torque.

I believe the basic Asin Warner unit volvo uses has a max torque level of 330nm or 243ft/lbs. they did some modifications so that it can handle another 20nm or 258ft-lbs.

because of the transverse engine mounting, space is a premium, and they could not fit a more robust automatic. the XC90 T6 has the same problem which is why volvo had to use a 4sp auto for the T6 versus the 5sp in the T5

the ecu cuts power in 1st and 2nd to keep it at this level, most likely by cutting boost. 3rd, 4th and 5th have more boost, but cut out at 258ft/lbs.

There are those that have found ecu programming (RICA) that remove this limit and raises power levels to that of the stock 6MT.
The likelyhood that their transmission will survive beyond a year is very slim.
although it probably has a safety tolerance, a power load increase of 40% in 1st and 2nd will most likely cook a non modified and upgraded transmission. AFAIK, its not the torque converter thats specifically the weak link. its the whole assembly thats not robust enough.

BOOSTED S60R · Jul 31, 2004

Re: A few geartronic questions (SilverS60RNYC)

Just for everyone to know it has been almost 10,000 miles since my upgrade with no problems. Also from what I have heard IPD leaves the torque limiter on, Rica is the only company that takes the limiter off. My tranny is holding up fine and my car is making 322 foot pounds of torque at the wheels with no problems at all. I am planning on upgrading mine through Level 10 Transmission they are the specailist when it comes to auto trannies. Then it will hold 3 times the amount of torque and Horsepower. They do limit the boost to keep the torque down. 1st-2nd gear boost is 10psi then 3rd-5th is 14psi in stock form. Rica upgrade is 1st-2nd 13-14psi and 3rd-5th is 19-20psi so huge improvements with hopefully more from them in the future.

gaven · Jul 31, 2004

Re: A few geartronic questions (BOOSTED S60R)

This is GREAT to hear. I really like my S60R with the exception of the detuned torque. I can't stand the fact that I am only turning out 258 ft/lbs of torque out of 1st and 2nd. So just to be clear in what you said, you are currently using the Rica upgrade on a stock tranny for the last 10,000 miles without any problems? I don't pound my car at all. But there are times where I do like to push it and am sorely disappointed that I am not experiencing the same rush that the 6MT users are feeling.

What do you think Level 10 will be able to provide to you for your R? Are you looking at a new transmission?

echo4747 · Jul 31, 2004

Re: A few geartronic questions (BOOSTED S60R)

I believe IPD can remove the torque limiter, however; you must sign a type of waiver not to hold them responsible for any tranny damage. Glad to hear that after 10,000 miles since the upgrades all is well. How often do you drive it hard? I am hoping that the BSR ppc( still several weeks away or more) will also remove the torque limiter as well. I would rather not have to remove & have thave to ship the ecu.
BoostedS60R... any chance that you have spoken to Level 10 yet? If so I would be curious as to the cost of their performance rebuild for the GT.

BOOSTED S60R · Jul 31, 2004

Re: A few geartronic questions (echo4747)

My car has been upgraded for around 10,000 miles with no problems i drive my car hard almost every day. They say to rebuild our tranny would be around 3500 dollars and it would hold triple the power and torque as the stock one would. Two to three weeks of down time though. Also they offer a life time warrenty with that. They change all the clutch packs and torque converter along with numerous other things, it was almost three months ago when i spoke with themso i dont remember everything they said.

gaven · Aug 8, 2004

Re: A few geartronic questions (BOOSTED S60R)

This is very interesting information. Since bringing the torque back up to 300 ft-lb, are you seeing comprable 0-60 numbers to the MT vehicles? I understand the gearing ratios are different, but how far off are you now from an acceleration perspective?

BOOSTED S60R · Aug 8, 2004

Re: A few geartronic questions (gaven)

My car has alot of extra weight from my stereo but it performs a little above the level of a Mt car now. If the stereo was out of the car it would be on the same level as a modded Mt car would be.

JRL · Aug 8, 2004

Re: A few geartronic questions (BOOSTED S60R)

Quote, originally posted by BOOSTED S60R »

My car has alot of extra weight from my stereo

About HOW much, seriously?
JRL

BOOSTED S60R · Aug 8, 2004

Re: A few geartronic questions (JRL)

It seriously has to be around 750 to 800 if not more. Here is ever thing I can think of that would weight it down. 5 battires, 5 amps, 5 caps, about 100 foot of wire total, all the amp racks are made out of metal racks, 3 10w7's, 3 boxes, all the fiberglass, the car is also dynamated with 3 layers of dynamat.

SilverS60RNYC · Aug 8, 2004

Re: A few geartronic questions (BOOSTED S60R)

Quote, originally posted by BOOSTED S60R »

My car has alot of extra weight from my stereo but it performs a little above the level of a Mt car now. If the stereo was out of the car it would be on the same level as a modded Mt car would be.

err... a stock MT does the 1/4 mile in 14.0. your last slip was for 14.6.

SilverS60RNYC · Aug 8, 2004

Re: A few geartronic questions (BOOSTED S60R)

how the heck did you exceed the max load capacity of the sedan and pull off a supposed 14.6 second quarter mile. sorry, but there's no way you're lugging around 1/2 a ton of crap and still pulling those numbers.

chris@swedespeed · Aug 9, 2004

Re: A few geartronic questions (echo4747)

if we can get some sort of engineering response from Gothenburg I will pass on the information regarding max torque considerations.

RUFASTR · Aug 9, 2004

Re: A few geartronic questions (Chris@Swedespeed)

gaven · Aug 10, 2004

Re: A few geartronic questions (BOOSTED S60R)

Hey I have to ask, since your Rica upgrade, what does your gas milage look like compared to stock? I am getting about 18 mpg with my GT. With the car boosted, what are you seeing now?

A few geartronic questions

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