Nothing to do tonight, so I figured I would post a review.

Recently I installed a JDM 4.7 FD in my GSR. I already had an ITR tranny which I installed the FD into. The countershaft was busted up in the trans so I needed a new one. I opted for the JDM FD becuase I always wanted to try it out, and now was the best time.

I did alot of research about the JDM FD and the ATS FD. I came to the conclusion that my car is a daily driver and the only racing I really do is drag, so I would go with the JDM FD. I figured it would be good for me if I want to get into road racing or autocross, which I plan to soon. I was under the impression that the ATS was for a car that does more road racing. I also read alot about the option of installing a GSR 5th, and most people said it was a waste. Seemed like people really into racing were saying this.

I have never driven in a car with either of the final drives until I put mine in. So this was my first experience. All I can really say is "WOW". I was driving around with my original GSR trans where the gearing felt liek ***. Goin from a GSR trans to an ITR with a FD is awsome. As soon as I pulled out of my driveway and accelerated, I could feel the difference. Every gear picks up very fast and shoots to redline. In first you need to pay close attention as to when to shift. Then I just plow thru the gears. I installed a GSR 5th gear, and I honeslty think it is worth it for the highway in the 80mph range. My exhuast is kind aloud and the higher I rev, the louder it gets. So now 5th is the same as it would be as with a stock ITR trans. I also have a CM Flywheel and CM Stage 3 Clutch in my car. The flywheel works very nicely with the final drive.

I did all the work on the transmission myself. It really isnt the complicated, once you open it up and go step by step with the Helms. I would also like to thank everyone who answered my questions about the install and for giving very helpfull tips.

After driving my car now, I would really like to drive in something with the ATS to have something to compare too. With what my car feels like now, I can only imagine what the ATS feels like.

 

Good Job!

 

awsome dude, cant wait to install mine!!! eric

 

I want a JDM fd! Thanks for the review

 

I want to get a FD also. I suppose FDs and HIDs are in the same boat.

You just can't lose with either!

 

You lose money in both that's for sure.


Too bad you couldn't do stock ITR tranny to ITR Trany w/JDM FD comparison. Some people say they don't notice a difference and others say that you can definitely feel something.


[Modified by CPR, 4:23 AM 7/28/2002]

 

I did have the ITR tranny on my car for about 2000 miles. The when the ITR tranny broke i put my old GSR trans back on to just get around with. Now I have the ITR back in again. I can feel a big bifference in the ITR trans with the new FD.
It is very noticeable.

 

Ah, I see. That's good to hear because I was starting to doubt the butt dyno effects of the JDM FD.

 

You can definatly feel the difference. No way you can miss it.

 

thanks for the Review , how much did you pay for your jdm FD ?
also im defenetly going with the gsr 5th gear , IMO is way worth it if you drive a lot on the freeway ....

 

I bought is for either $400 or $425 shipped. I forget which. You can usually find shops selling them for around $475.

 

thanks ...

 

http://www.jdmspecperf.com has some coming I believe for a good price. Hopefully they aren't all presold.

 

Big Teggie: Have you ever done any tranny work before this or was this your first time???

 

My first time. I just took my time, as not to rush anything, and forget some small detail.

 

in yr opinion.. is there a big difference between a stock gsr tranny and a ITR tranny (both stock 4.40 final drive). Im just curious because I just swapped out ITR gears 1-4 into my gsr tranny and an LS 5th gear. Going from stock gsr gears to ITR, you think there will be a noticeble amount of difference? Thanks

 

so what is a Final Drive? I thought it was 5th gear, guess Im wrong

 

What are your shift points at 8K in each gear now?

That 1st to 2nd shift is what killed me in my GSR.

 

I noticed a big difference when I just swithed out the ITR tranny for the GSR. The gearing just keeps you up higher in the powerband. You will notice the difference. Why did you get an LS 5th. The GSR 5th would have been fine.

 

Shifting an indicated 8k on the tach.

1--->2=6200
2--->3=6300
3--->4=6300
4--->5=5800

Those are not that exact, just went for a quick drive. They are with pretty quick shifts and I get a decent amount of wheelspin goin from 1>2 and 2>3. Those rpm are probably off bt around 75-100 rpm, I didnt have enough time to look at my vafc.

 

Tight
Before, I'd have to speed shift and spin the wheels to keep the secondary runners open on the 1-2 shift. I bet you gained a couple tenths from that swap alone.

 

The final drive is a "gear" that determines all your gear ratios.

 

yummmy...me want, heh

 

so installing by your self isnt that hard??

damn man~ are you a mechenic or something?

how long did it take you ?

 

Interesting