R33 Auto

[sxc33]

Howdy all,

been reading thru a ton of info about upgrading the auto in my sedan and i am tossing up over a stage 2 versus 3 kit. I know the difference and have an idea as to the pros and cons of each, but i still have a few quick questions;

If its left in 'D' with over drive still engaged (stage 3 in question), is it like a manual car trying to take off in 4th? I am assuming that the car is still going to move, but its going to overheat the daylights outta of the box right?

The stage 3 obviously allows me total control over gear changes, but if i decide to snap from 1st up to 2nd for example, how quickly is going to bump it up to the next gear?

Exactly how does the manual valve body give the driver control over when and where the gear change occurs when the auto ecu runs the changes when in drive in a normal gearbox? Am i correct in assuming that the valve body 'manually' over rides this process?

And by that i mean it alters the way the pressure of the auto fluid is moved from 'a' to 'b' thru the application of a seal or something along those lines, therefore over riding the ecu?

I realise that the above may sound a little disjointed, but i am trying to get a better understanding on the way everything works before i decide on which way to go.

Cheers,

Chris

[Abo Bob]

Stage 2 and 3 mean nothing to me. Can you please tell me what's involved in each then I might be able to help.

[WazR32GTSt]

stage 2 = automatic shift kit

stage 3 = manualised autoamtic shift kit

stage 2 just hardens up the shifts but the auto does the rest still

stage 3 you have to shift for it to change gears

when i rang mike @ MV, he said he only recommends the stage 3 for engine conversions where the auto computer can't control the gearbox

if you have any Q's on how it works then call mike, he is the best person to speak to and is very happy to help explain it

[Abo Bob]

He is a champion.

[sxc33]

I have mike's number from when i had a bit of a look earlier.

Does anybody have the manualised valve body (stage 3), I wanna know about any personal experiences that any people have had them.

[the stink]

If you decide you want the stage 2 i have a MV valve body for sale at the moment for $250. Did about 20k on my car before i decided it was too firm and i changed it back to stock.

[sxc33]

So i have done a run around and know about prices and bits and pieces, but has anybody got a stage 3 (full manual body) that they can share their experiences with me???

For example, how is in gear acceleration in full manual mode? Normally, u put the foot down, it has a think, kicks down a gear or two and then starts to haul. U pull it back a gear and floor it, does it react the same way?

Is general drivability affected?

Any differences in fuel economy or the way it behaves when u get up it???

Surely someone out there has some personal experiences they can share. Good or bad.

Cheers,

Chris

[sxc33]

BUMP!!!

Has no one got a stage 3 shift kit on their skyline??? I cant be the only one contemplating this surely???

[pkblade]

I've got a sequential manualised-auto with a stage II shift kit. Using MV Automatic's electronic shift controller you can disable the auto ECU to make it behave similar to a manual valve body. As the name implies having a manual valve body requires it to be driven like a manual just without a clutch so, you wouldn't leave off from the lights in 4th

There's no O/D & kick down function so, now O/D button off=3rd & O/D on=4th...think I got that right as, I use a ratchet shifter. NB: If you have the O/D on (4th) still engaged & then shift gears the trans will flare & can shock the trans when you correct it back into gear .

With med-high loads the shifts between gears are instantaneous & crisp but, off throttle & low loads gear changes can sometimes be a bit jerky. Also, for me going down from 4th->3rd the engine brake doesn't engage & not sure if this is the same with a 4speed manual valve body. But, yes when you down shift & plant it, it will haul, as well as, chirp the wheels even in 3rd .

[sxc33]

I use a ratchet shifter

But, yes when you down shift & plant it, it will haul, as well as, chirp the wheels even in 3rd .

Awesome shifter. I want the same thing. If u dont mind me asking u, how much was the elec device and stage 2 kit worth together versus a stage 3?

How did you wire up the o/d on a ratchet shifter? How difficult was it to get into place?

I imagine that your set up is the same as a full manual one, but did it affect anything like an increase in revs at certain speeds. Eg, atm 100klms is 2650ish revs. If i go full manual set up jobby, i dont think that this would change

PS - Cheers for your input dude

Edited April 5, 2007 by sxc33

[pkblade]

The B&M pro-ratchet is an excellent shifter & only downside is trying to do quick 3pt turns or if a motorkhana stage requires reversing :).

At the moment the O/D (4th) is wired up to the POWER switch but, plan to fit one of B&M replacement gear knobs which has a button & activate it that way.

Nah, the auto gear ratios have remained the same.

If you haven't already seen there's an ongoing group buy for the upgraded valve body from MV Autos & think Guy (4door_sleeper) has updated prices > Click to link

There's also some good info in that thread so, if you have time worth a quick read & I'll PM you approx prices for the various other items needed for the conversion.

[sxc33]

Didnt see the group buy

Will have a look. Thanks for that mate. Appreciate the help