I have a 97 with a D16A? and an automatic trans. I just turned it into a dedicated ice racer for racing with the Michigan Ice Racing Association. http://www.michiganiceracing.com/ We're always looking for more competitors

Anyway, I'm getting beat on the straights by other guys with LSD's or welded diffs. So, I'm going to disassemble the auto trans and weld the diff solid. I've only done this on a manual trans, but I expect the auto trans to be no different. Any suggestions/advice on getting this done?

Also, has anyone tried to manually select the gear in the auto trans? I only get auto or lock in 2nd, and I find the car in the wrong gear a lot of time. Any thoughts on controlling the shift solenoids manually? I suspect it would be easy to lock the trans in two gears, but IDK. I suspect I'm the only idiot trying to do this, so I'm probably on my own!

 

aquafina is the man for this question. he can answer any of this. he is a user on here and other forums.

 

Moving this thread to the Drive line Trans forum so you get better and more responses.

 

Thanks!

 

I thought for sure you'd get better response in this forum. Maybe should have left it where it was.

My Bad.

 

No worries man. I appreciate the effort anyway. I was looking through the dis-assembly procedure, it looks like a normal diff, nothing special. Hopefully, the snow has melted from the engine bay, and I'll attack it tonight. Got to have it done for Saturdays race!

 

Not sure about manually shifting it, my only experience with that is with the 92-95 which is possible to do.

For welding the diff, make sure the axles are seated in it before welding.

 

Thanks for the reply. How do the 92-95's do it?

Ha, I've made the mistake of not using the axles before...

 

Welding the diff did the trick. The car did awesome today, had some great battles for 1st, but couldn't quite pull it off.

Anyway, if anyone comes across this thread doing the same craziness as me and wants some pointers, just go ahead and reply, I'll get the email. I don't want to do a write up, since I'm sure the benefit is extremely limited.

 

Want to know if there is any other post/thread of auto transmission modifications? Have heard about good automatic transmission modification but can't find any good info about it.

Also any crazy mod like installing a manual "like" clutch to eliminate the power loss related to the torque converter "slippage"?

Maybe locking up the torque converter manually (with some solenoid or something) after the car is moving.

 

It is possible to manually shift the transmission by direct control of the shift solenoids themselves. I believe the service manual outlines the conditions (and solenoids) required to accomplish this. Using a toggle system or a programmable (or adjustable)rotary switch would be ideal so the contacts required for each gear are sequential. You will need to completely isolate the transmission from the ECU. (unplug everything, with the exception of the pressure control solenoid)

Leaving the pressure control solenoid in will allow the ECU to maximize line pressure during faults (unplugging everything will **** it off), which for you, is a good thing.

There is a programmable box available for technicians to diagnose gear related problems, comes in handy as a manual gear shifter too.

Removing the accumulators would be almost a necessity, and replace the spring with a rod to increase shift power.

As far as converters go, a higher stall would benefit you greatly, if you can find one. Use the converter clutch as a switch to get better cruising mileage. Just remember to disengage it when your on the brakes.

TRANS COOLER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
https://honda-tech.com/forums/transmission-drivetrain-127/automatic-transmissions-torque-converters-explained-2086594/

This is a thread I created a while ago that you may find useful. I need to update it to include CVT and DSG-style gearboxes.