I'm in the middle of building my own 3800 turbo right now (I'll make a build thread later when I'm further into the build), problem is I just can't decide what transmission I want to use, 4t65e-HD or F23. They both have their pros and cons of course, but I'm still not sure what route I want to take. I don't have any transmissions in my possession yet, I haven't bought anything for the engine yet that deals with what trans I would pick, so it's pretty neutral right now. My Fiero is currently setup for an Auto, however I have most everything already to change over to a manual and my fiero doesn't have the auto trans lines anymore (just removed them, they leaked).
I understand most of this decision is based on personal preference, however I'm looking to see if anyone has suggestions or experience as to which setup works best.
It's just going to depend on your goals and what you prefer.. If it's for drag racing then an auto would probably give you the best results. Manuals are usually funner in the curves.
------------------ 86 Fiero GT 4spd - L67 swap: VS cam, GenV. Needs exhaust (ETA 9/13) Build Progress 98 GTP - Some mods
I'd say build a 4t65E-HD.. I have both a manual and auto trans 3800 turbo swaps and while the manual puts more down more because of less drivetrain loss, I lose a lot of time shifting and have had constant issues with my clutch/pressure plates.
Yes, one of my concerns about the manual part was having issues with clutches not holding up or ending up with a very harsh engagement. Another important issue was the fact that the gearing is just flat out wrong in the F23 for this power level, It's geared way too low, even if you use the FY1 ratio (3.63 compared to 3.94).
The only thing holding me back on the auto right now is the cost, It's going to be around $3000 or so for a built one from ZZP (including upgrades and their TC), and I certainly do not want to go cheap with a "junkyard" 4T65e-HD, considering how much power it's going to have to take.
Another important issue was the fact that the gearing is just flat out wrong in the F23 for this power level, It's geared way too low, even if you use the FY1 ratio (3.63 compared to 3.94).
Thats what I was going to say since you mentioned that a while back. Do you really have to go all out with the trans? I mean I don't know what kind of power you're shooting for, but couldn't you get by for a while on a 1" chain and an input shaft?
Thats what I was going to say since you mentioned that a while back. Do you really have to go all out with the trans? I mean I don't know what kind of power you're shooting for, but couldn't you get by for a while on a 1" chain and an input shaft?
Actually the price I stated isn't even including a 1" chain, that would be an extra $1000 right there (no thanks). I don't have a trans right now, so even if I buy a used one with low miles, it still would need to be taken apart to have those parts installed, so why not do a full rebuild at the same time and get it over with? I don't exactly want to get this setup going and then have to drop it again soon after and replace the trans if I don't have too.
I plan to start out slower, get used to handling my car safely, and work my way up to at least 500WHP (simply by cranking up the boost. )
[This message has been edited by mattwa (edited 08-20-2013).]
Actually the price I stated isn't even including a 1" chain, that would be an extra $1000 right there (no thanks). I don't have a trans right now, so even if I buy a used one with low miles, it still would need to be taken apart to have those parts installed, so why not do a full rebuild at the same time and get it over with? I don't exactly want to get this setup going and then have to drop it again soon after and replace the trans if I don't have too.
I plan to start out slower, get used to handling my car safely, and work my way up to at least 500WHP (simply by cranking up the boost. )
I thought the same thing. Then I turned it up and I'm not going back
What about looking at the 6T-series? I hear there's been some pretty serious work done on compatibility with those transmissions and they're built pretty solid as well.
Wasn't that with some extreme torque management during shifts?
Yea, a week sounds about right once I get it going. Haha.
The 4T80 is a big heavy monster I'd rather not use, but has anyone figured out how to make it work with the 3800 PCM? And what about axles?
Quite a bit, but it was functional. Im not suggesting it really, just saying it is an option to get a taste of things while you save up... Reality is if you spend even $1500 on a trans, its going to double the investment into the car vs having a running driving stock transmission turbo fiero.
I just looked into the 6T7x series, and that is something I just don't want to get into at this time. I'm happy with the 4-speed, as it has a better overdrive and it doesn't have that insane 4.484 1st gear ratio..that's just nuts.
What about the 4T80e? It seems like a decent idea, my only issue with it is compatibility with the 3800 PCM. Other then that, it's super-beefy and already has a 1" chain. And I'm sure a hell of a lot cheaper then building a 4T65e-HD like I stated.
[This message has been edited by mattwa (edited 08-22-2013).]
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