Wonder how long it will take the aftermarket to get a hold of this one? http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/transmission26e_20051026.htm Devon
6 speeds will be nice. I hope the case isn't huge. I wonder if 6 speeds could make the rev range significantly narrower allowing the engine to be tuned for a higher but narrower power band. The ultimate would be a continuously variable transmission where the engine stayed at a specified RPM and the tranny varied the speed. I wonder how efficient an engine can be made if it has to focus on 1 speed only. Tune the runners, cam, piston, stroke, valve size, exhaust to deliver maximum efficiency at one rpm. Science fiction is becoming reality faster than I would've guessed. John
I believe they've had something like that for quite some time (where the tranny did much of the speed control - not all), but it's not very practical or something like that. Someone explained it to me years ago when I worked at a gas station, but I forgot most of the conversation.
I remember reading about continuously variable transmissions back in the 60's, in either Popular Mechanics, or Mechanix Illustrated. I was just a lad then, but seriously into cars just the same, knew every make and model of every year from 1961 on. I think it used some sort of four disc variable ratio clutch type system. o No: Fascinating reading for a 10 year old. :TU: Think along the lines of variable speed belt driven clutch drives on snowmobiles, only replace the belt with two more discs. Each disc was in constant contact with its two neighbors, or something like that.
I think Honda has a variable tranny right now, they are out there. Weird to drive I hear, it never shifts!! This new six speed will be popular I think. I read another article, the thing is modular. The bellhousing is a seperate piece so all we would need is someone to make a Buick bellhousing and we're in. Its almost entirely internally controlled (electronics are inside) so could be a standalone unit pretty easily...and its about the same size at the 4l60 e so no worries there... Would be cool with a 455 six speed auto....!! later Tim
I drive a 6 speed automatic transmission right now in my 2006 Silverado. It's an Allison transmission, though, behind the Duramax diesel.
2006 is a 6 speed. I have 5 speeds in the other trucks. I LOVE those transmissions! The 06 has a "Manual" setting where you can select the gear by a button on the shift lever...pretty neat...but kinda useless, especially with a 4x4
There are a couple of variable-speed transmissions on the road now, I think Saturn has one. The main problem with them is that they can't handle high power (so far), but belt design may be catching up. GM is supposed to be developing 3 versions of the 6-speed, for various power levels, but I don't *think* there's going to be a stock version that could handle 500+ ft/lbs. But heck, if an Allison transmission wasn't $5000+, I'd get one.
The Corvette version or the Truck version should be good enough for the Torque factor! A TH350 can handle up to 450, the new 6 speed should be no problem for a 455! I have more faith in GM Automatics, as a Tester, a User, and a Rebuilder! I wonder how "adaptable" they'll be, though. I know the newer Vettes have the engine and transmission integrated into the Chassis structure! I don't know how the heck you'd be able just to drop one of those into a Chevelle, for example. They don't use the same Crossmember, or even similar. You'd almost be better off to use the whole frame from the Vette, and just drop a Chevelle (or GS) body on it, somehow. :bglasses:
It will take 500+ ft/lbs no problem, one of the trannies is designed for severe usage. Also, they are modular, so the bellhousing will be a bolt on part.The tailshaft part is changable as well, don't forget one of the primary uses for this tranny will be trucks and they still use a typical crossmember. I wish I could find that article again, it was really interesting. Had gear spreads, wieght, blow apart picture, install pictures etc....but I forgot where it was...sorry!! o No: later Tim
Cool, sounds great! Love to see that article. I'll bet the cost of one of these will make your eyes bug out, though... :eek2: :shock:
this sounds cool would this have any power advantages over a 4speed manual? i know autos are slower then manauls but it has 2 more gears then the 4speed....plus i'm sure thre will be various stall converters and shift kits available when it comes out..
Autos may SHIFT slower than Manuals, but that doesn't mean that they're not Superior transmissions, in other ways! Advantages? Autos are more CONSISTENT than Manuals, because they shift at the exact same points EVERY time! 6 speed Automatic over 4 Speed Manual? - 2 extra gears, as you mentioned,whether for Overdrive or for Takeoff (best of both worlds)! - Quicker Takeoff - Higher Top End - Better Fuel Economy with 6 speed over 4 speed! - Less maintenance (no "adjusting" required, as on Manuals), just rebuild it and let it go for 100,000 miles! Manuals are fun, but Automatics are more practical! :Smarty:
I just remembered where I read that article, it was the latest issue of Hot Rod magazine. They have nothing about it online, athough there is a great buick 455 engine buld under the engine masters series... Later Tim
Good Googly-Moogly! :eek2: :shock: :Brow: Comparing those gear ratios with the 3.08 and THM350 currently in the 2NABOT, just changing the tranny would be like a 4.90 rear end in first gear, and a 2.05 rear end going down the highway - 5000rpm in first = 34 mph, and 80 mph in 6th would be just < 2000 rpm.
