For those of you with the SS auto(or know about the tranny), I have one question. What is the realistic longevity of the automatic transaxle? I know a few of members here have put quite a bit of power down with tunes and whatnot. I have a trifecta budget tune (hits 25 psi) and I am just curious/cautious to see how things are holding up and what modifications have been done to strengthen the transaxle.

I have read a bunch of threads, and found almost nothing about the failure of the auto. I also have seen an array of different numbers, including what the gearbox can handle, when it comes to hp/tq. I do not plan on any other power mods besides maybe an intercooler(trifecta, hot side, cold side pipes, currently installed)

I do plan on getting drag radials or slicks, just for the track. On that note, I will talk about my driving habits...I have taken my car to the track. I made about 20 1/8th mile passes last year. I plan on going again, but I do not want to run as much. On the street I do not drive like a granny. There are times where I try to stretch the gas mileage, but I usually end up around 19.5-20.5 mpg range. I do have a 50/50 mix of city/highway driving...

SO long story short(as if you didn't read the long part) I just want to know what people think the tranny can handle, and how long it will last. any input/criticism/opinions are welcome

 

Quick answer..the more traction you acquire..the more the trans is stressed on these cars.
From what I have read so far..most all the failures were from wheel hop and hook up. In the mod world if you beef up one thing,,you'll soon be beefing up another..that stress has to go somewhere. But talk to RobsTurbo, I think, as he has had some failures, he races alot.

 

1. Castrol Premium Synthetic DEXRONŽ VI ATF.
2. Reducing shift-time , between gears, via HPTuner,
as a quicker shift = less slipping of cluches.
3. Turbo-Tech trans mount.
4. DD street tires that are not 'sticky' , & will spin easily, as
spinning tires, will decrease drivetrain stress.
You don't want to 'dead-hook' on the street.

DD + ran 12.5s last 3 times at the track.
Been beating it hard for 3 years now, no issues...

 

Thanks guys. Is the auto trans fluid hard to change?

 

At 26,000 miles, my SS's trans melted the bands on the way from LA to Vegas.

I ran for about 15 minutes at 140 mph, but then back off and it ran fine, crossed into Nevada for gas and reverse went out, then first, then second.

Made it into Vegas in 3rd and Finley chevrolet repair it under warranty.

I told them I drove at 140 and asked if that's what did it and the tech said probably not, it just happens sometimes.

Don't know if this was from prior abuse as I bought the car new with 19,000 miles, though it seemed perfectly cared for.

Also on a previous trip to vegas the high pressure fuel pump failed and also went to Finely Chevrolet. (great service department).

Maybe my car just doesn't like Vegas.

 

^ you admitted your trans broke while driving 140mph during a warranty claim?






hahahaha

 

car is rated at 155..why not?

 

It may sound naive, but of course. I didn't do anything abusive, I just drove fast, actually less fast than that little car will go.

I wanted to know if it was a systemic problem to watch out for.

I think the damage came from the issues I had with the gmtu cutting on and off which made the power like an on off switch. I think that damaged the trans more than anything, but that's just a guess.

Now I have the gmtu fixed it runs great, more than great (fingers crossed).

And I should give a big thanks to finley chevrolet in las vegas. They really have a great service department.

 

Thats pretty good for a beefed up cavalier tranny