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POLL: Automatic Transmissions in GT 500's?


David Hawkins

Automatic Transmission in a GT 500? POLL  

80 members have voted

  1. 1. If SAI offered a High Performance "AUTOMATIC" Transmission for the GT 500's to be installed only by their MOD Shops, would you do it?



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For myself, no but there is a market out there that could be had.

 

 

+1. Although I wouldn't buy one, with the new dual clutch technology, the more sophisticated automatics are now as good if not better than a manual from a pure performance standpoint. This could certainly be a legitimate option for those who don't want to (or can't) shift temselves.

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he11 no. that's sacrilegious.

 

 

You'd be surprised at new automatic transmissions. I had two identical cars (Shelby GTs), one with the 5-speed, and one automatic. The automatic shifted virtually every time at exactly the time I predicted I would shift if I had the manual.

 

Automatics don't miss gears at the drag strip. When I went to Bandimere I was surprised at how many "semi pros" had autos.

 

The problem with autos is they tend to not be able to handle the torque and HP of high output engines, and those that do are pricey. So if there is an auto that can handle the power of a GT500 with margin, it could be a seller...

 

Mods would also have to be done to the transmission tunnel and the covers/bezels. It would be a mechanical modification to the base car. I'd be worried about structural integrity in that area since the auto is bigger.

 

Also, what about the pedals? Most automatic cars have a bigger brake pedal. You could remove the clutch pedal but would have to replace the brake pedal.

 

Again, not impossible but I can see this being a very expensive mod...

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You'd be surprised at new automatic transmissions. I had two identical cars (Shelby GTs), one with the 5-speed, and one automatic. The automatic shifted virtually every time at exactly the time I predicted I would shift if I had the manual.

 

Automatics don't miss gears at the drag strip. When I went to Bandimere I was surprised at how many "semi pros" had autos.

 

The problem with autos is they tend to not be able to handle the torque and HP of high output engines, and those that do are pricey. So if there is an auto that can handle the power of a GT500 with margin, it could be a seller...

 

Mods would also have to be done to the transmission tunnel and the covers/bezels. It would be a mechanical modification to the base car. I'd be worried about structural integrity in that area since the auto is bigger.

 

Also, what about the pedals? Most automatic cars have a bigger brake pedal. You could remove the clutch pedal but would have to replace the brake pedal.

 

Again, not impossible but I can see this being a very expensive mod...

 

 

So your saying that the Mustangs have two different Transmission Tunnels, one for Manuals and one for Automatics? I don't think Ford would change the Structure of the Mustang Body just for the transmission. The V6, GT and Shelby GT 500 should have the same Body, inside & out, top to bottom, front to back, with the defferences in the Bodies being just cosmetics. I have switched from 4 Speeds to Automatics and Automatics to 4 Speeds in older Stangs with no problems and I think the process would be the same in the New Cars, Labor wiise. The most time being spent on the new Cars would be Computer Codeing for the Automatic.

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I started enquiries a year ago but to no avail, about automatics for the GT500 and GT350 (both the 525 and 624 HP). There has been no statement about what the HP or TQ rating is for the Ford automatic.

 

B)

 

Ford won't support their own automatic behind an S/C'd motor in the GT350 but I believe you can put an after market automatic in no problem - might be a little costly is all. Also, there are some automatic GT's that have been S/C'd by custom builders and they seem to work just fine. I know that West Coast Customs (everyone remember Amy?) built one for one of the B-J auctions within the last year and it was a charity car. It's on their web site.

 

So it can be done, just not warranted by FoMoCo.

 

John

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I voted yes because then I would be able to drive Secondo's GT500.... :happy feet: :peelout: :burnout:

 

Also I wouldn't upgrade my GT 5.0 automatic for a stick, it already rips very nicely on the drag strip.... :yahoo::banvictory:

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So your saying that the Mustangs have two different Transmission Tunnels, one for Manuals and one for Automatics? I don't think Ford would change the Structure of the Mustang Body just for the transmission. The V6, GT and Shelby GT 500 should have the same Body, inside & out, top to bottom, front to back, with the defferences in the Bodies being just cosmetics. I have switched from 4 Speeds to Automatics and Automatics to 4 Speeds in older Stangs with no problems and I think the process would be the same in the New Cars, Labor wiise. The most time being spent on the new Cars would be Computer Codeing for the Automatic.

 

 

No he's saying that in order to beef up an auto tranny enough to handle the torque and power you will not fit it in the tunnel. The only automatic Ford makes that would handle it is the F5R110 (and it will not fit) and I have doubts that it would handle it. I know neither one of mine in either of my trucks handles it very well with the 1100+ ft. lbs that the trucks are making.

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No he's saying that in order to beef up an auto tranny enough to handle the torque and power you will not fit it in the tunnel. The only automatic Ford makes that would handle it is the F5R110 (and it will not fit) and I have doubts that it would handle it. I know neither one of mine in either of my trucks handles it very well with the 1100+ ft. lbs that the trucks are making.

 

 

Yes that is what I meant. Of course there is some transmission engine combination that will fit, but I would suspect finding an automatic beefy/stout enough to handle the HP (with margin for upgrades) would be physically larger. Plus, I would also be unsure that any automatic Ford uses would just bolt up to the 5.4 or 5.8 engines.

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Ford could engineer their own or get a high performance auto from some manufacturer. We have GM, Bentley and many others with cars exceeding 550 HP and with high toque with auto trannys. It is not an impossible option for any size engine Ford makes. Heck look at the trannys developed for the Super Duty trucks. It depends on demand. And besides, since the Ford trans are built to spec elsewhere, Ford can do some shopping. And then maybe the Ford cars will come with paddle shifters and IRS at a competitive price.

 

I fantasize.

 

B)

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