3KGT Base Automatic FWD TT Conversion

[whitedragon]

I just had my transmission rebuilt by IPT, and I must say, it rocks the house. I'm really considering getting that Manumatic controller. Was it a big pain in the butt to install?

[R3KGT]

Originally Posted by whitedragon

I just had my transmission rebuilt by IPT, and I must say, it rocks the house. I'm really considering getting that Manumatic controller. Was it a big pain in the butt to install?

E.T. Motorsports did the controller when we switched up on the tranny.
I think the biggest issue they ran into was the wiring. Since it was the first to go into a 3K they found out the harness was made too short and E.T. had to extend all the wires but they contacted IPT about the problem and I'm sure that has been resolved.

I'm hoping it will be good for autox. I can put it in 2nd and let her eat

Granny

[R3KGT]

I thought I would post an update since there was a lot of discussion at the VA meet and NG08 about why my tranny was having problems and the car didn’t make it to either of the events.

The original problem I had with the tranny getting stuck in third gear was pretty much what we had suspected and turned out to be electrical.
The solenoids on the valve body had malfunctioned and were stuck open. It was sent back to IPT for diagnosis and returned fully repaired with out any question.
It’s been three months since the replacement and we have not experienced any more problems of that nature.

I also wanted to share my thoughts on the pros and cons of running this setup after a year of driving the car for those considering doing the same.

I can’t tell you how much fun this setup is!
The past year we have continued to iron out the little issues to improve the performance of the car as a daily driver and with that I have become very pleased with the performance of the tranny as well. When you really get into it the tune and tranny shift so smoothly to catapult you down the road it sends your adrenalin rushing!

The things I have learned about this setup is that as you build HP the end clutch pack becomes more vulnerable to destruction. About 2 weeks ago we blew out our first one.
After E.T. Motorsports consulted John at IPT we have found we are going to have to really change the way we drive the car to prevent this from becoming a regular event.

The only time we are to use the OD is basically when traveling on the interstate or 55 to 60 mph where there is no pull on the tranny like large hills or mountains. When we encounter any of these conditions we have to take the car out of OD and drive it in third gear. We live in the Shenandoah Valley and to accomplish this we have to pay a lot of attention to the driving conditions because this is very hilly terrain even on the interstate.

The other advice IPT gave us was to use the tranny controller only when racing and to never use the fourth gear button.
Hubby has put a rubber stopper under it so we will not even be able to push it down.

Even with the care not to put the end clutch pack under any strain John says we will still probably be replacing it every couple of years
due to the added wear on a part basically not designed to carry 400 HP. I can live with that.

This is just my personal feeling and experiences and in no way is to debate what in theory should or shouldn’t work. This post is strictly information for those that may find it helpful.

Granny