Here is my dilemma, since my motor is going in for a complete rebuild I can't decide if I want to utilize the automatic tranny or just swap in a 6 speed.

I've always had a manual car but I chose to get the Sedan auto so everyone in the family could drive it if need be. Now I realize no one ever needs to use my car nor wants to lol.

So my question to you would be if you were in the situation would you spend your money on

A) Valve body upgrade, torque convertor and tranny cooler

or

B) complete 6 speed swap.

I wouldn't mind either just trying to get some different opinions/pro's con's from different perspectives.

 

PM DaveO - he has AT sedan with TQ converter and Valve Body upgrade... car has very strong TQ... I'm sure it's cheaper than going MT.

IMO sedan = AT, coupe = MT.... If I originally didn’t have a passenger need I would have bought MT coupe. I went AT sedan due to professional considerations at the time... You can get excellent performance however from an AT sedan so choose wisely.

DaveO will have great insight. Good luck, let us know what you decide.

 

For the cost / hassle of swapping a 5AT for a 6MT, it'd be easier and less expensive to buy a new vehicle. Driveshaft, transmission, flex plate, ECU, TCM, would all have to be replacecd and that doesn't touch on the work that would have to be done on the interior.

I'd recommend going the rebuilt transmission route you listed as option A. If done properly, it'll be a much better enhancement than a 6MT would. I'll be taking option A myself in the future, albeit with a couple other enhancements to the drivetrain.

 

Do tell... or is it a secret for now?...

 

^^
I have looked into this for a past vehicle that I had SC'd. The amount of money involved in swapping an auto to manual in a modern car is cost prohibitive. If you really want a manual sell yours and buy a manual or find someone to trade vehicles with. It will save you time and money. Get the valve body and torque converter. If done correctly you'll love that combo!

 

No secret, just other areas I feel that could use improvement on our transmission. I'm still in the data gathering stage and trying to figure out who offers the best parts for each aspect of a rebuild. I feel the driveshaft and clutch packs are worthwhile areas to inspect an upgrade on as well.

The 5AT is the RE5R05A, so if you find parts for that application, its a good place to start.

 

I hope you post your progress - my interest is definitely peaked!!!

 

I'm interested in the clutch pack as well! I find that in the long run with the power I'm going for I'll be in need of a new one. Right now I'm @ 386 rwhp 410 tq. I'm hoping with a fully built bottom end, vb, tc, 2.87 pully I can reach the numbers that I want.

 

http://www.altousa.com/np127.pdf

That's just a standard rebuild kit. I've contacted Alto to see if they're offering a high-performance variant. But form what I've found, they are the best source for upgraded internals of this nature.

 

Hrm, so I've gone route A. With the valve body/torque convertor/tranny cooler I'm at 1300. They've found that my oil smells burnt and it could possibly be from my tranny clutch packs going out. For a fully rebuilt tranny with new lines etc it comes out to 2700.

Has anyone upgraded their clutch packs with a successful build yet?

 

I have an upgraded VB and TC, no cooler yet. Driving in manumatic mode is the probably the best thing for higher power set ups. An upgraded higher stall TC can take some of the stress off the clutchpacks.

 

I love my 05 AT Coupe - NA all the way...

Rick

 

The stock TC already has a VERY high stall rate (2600-2900 depending on load) so I don't know that you'd want it higher. In fact most with FI take it lower, into the 2200-2400 range.

SGP Racing was supposed to have a new clutch pack upgrade for our cars - wonder what happened to that???

 

Trust me - when your putting out real HP and TQ to the ground effectively - and your new redline is about 7800RPM+ - you want the car in the mid-3000's as soon as you dump the pedal...

Rick

 

Unless there is a manufacturer other than Raybestos or Alto for performance clutch pack upgrades, there isn't anything currently on the market from what I've found.