First thing to say is that it is very, very nice. It’s hard to say its the best mod yet, as we’ve done a series of engine and vehicle mods to get to this point, but its certainly up there and besides the power (286kw at wheels) its the most defining feature of the vehicle when driving. Anyone who has been taken for a drive has been super impressed and keen to know more.
As we know it can handle some serious power, we expect this will allow people to have a superior shifting transmission and pursue the power limits without budgeting to regularly blow gearboxes.
Whats good about it?
We can have 4 different maps for shifting and normally just use the one - these can be modified within the laptop software to tweak in line with engine output characteristics.
For “normal” driving is changes are barely detectable and as more pedal is added the line pressure is raised so shifts become more defined and shift point RPM is increased to stay within the ideal rpm range for max acceleration.
Has full tiptronic shifter installed to make it hold the gear or to take full control of shifting or keep the revs up for getting ready to come out of the turn. Its ideal if wanting to make it labour in a gear, rather than change down. The shift response is almost instant.
The shift timing for clutch engagement is all self learning using base start maps so as things change it can be told to reset from the control box.
Coupled with the 3.9 ratio diff gears it will cruise at 1760rpm at 100kph and 1935rpm at 110kph
With our large transcooler, on a 20km beach run we didn’t see much over 70 deg on transmission temp.
A standard box can handle 1000hp and maybe over 900nm in standard form. Ours is upgraded with stage2 clutch packs and replacement internals to take power capability up to 1200-1400hp.
Whats bad?
We are working on new adapters and torque converter design for the F150 box so this has delayed release of kits and being about to finalise the pricing. The initial release will have 10 kits and are taking expressions of interest already.
This is a full electronic box and requires solenoids and control box to function - no hydraulic mode although can limp home in a low gear.
Currently one of the required inputs is accelerator position so cruiser control is not available unless you are using a cable system (like the FZJ105) which works in my FTE converted 105. We hope to find a signal we can get from ECU to simulate pedal movement, but that hasn’t been investigated yet.
Whats next?
Finishing developing a kit for the 1HDFTE engines and offer the box in standard or upgraded form. Similarly for the torque converter will be triple plate or single for lockup.
Do the same for the 1VD engines in the 79 series for those wanting to have a 6 speed auto but choke on the idea of buying a kit for $25,000.
1FZ setup for the turbo guys who want to run 600hp but can’t find a gearbox to hold together.
If you are interested please send an email (info@pdicoolers.com.au) and we will make the information available for others. Im keen on getting this out there so others can experience this but need to reduce the time on the phone talking about it. If you want to go on the list to be emailed once we are ready to go and have pricing sorted please specify in your email.