Question about the tranny

[bts161]

I read in an earlier thread that people were thinking the tranny is a weak link in whether or not supercharge could be put on. Does anyone know for sure what the max hp and torque is?

What do you all think...

Supercharger
Twinturbo

or

leave it alone (my guess is this is where the 2005 guys stand)

[JMatt]

The compression ratio on this engine is too high to effectively use forced induction. You'd really need to change the pistons and drop compression to around 8.5:1. Of course, for anyone willing to take that effort . . . .

[bts161]

What do you think the engine and tranny could handle? I'd like to see 500 horses

[indyCoder]

My new car sales manager want to try and take one to 500 HP. I'm interested in seeing how the tranny handles that.

[goddardzilla]

Originally Posted by bts161

I read in an earlier thread that people were thinking the tranny is a weak link in whether or not supercharge could be put on. Does anyone know for sure what the max hp and torque is?

What do you all think...

Supercharger
Twinturbo

or

leave it alone (my guess is this is where the 2005 guys stand)

The maximum torque the transmission is designed for is 428 ftlbs

No opinion yet on Supercharger or Twin turbo

Zilla

[need4speed]

I've heard the same about the tranny .... I know it was also used in a benz that produced 420 lbs of torque ... does that mean they really only made this tranny to support that power, nothing more? Possibly ... some manufacturers seem to "over build" their stuff, while others really try to cut costs, and only offer what is needed out of their stock machine .... I guess we won't really know until someone does it ....

Yes, our compression ratio is on the high side, but .... there are plenty of other vehicles out there, with even higher compression ratios that people have supercharged and turbo'd without changing pistons out ..... (BMW M3, Honda S2000 to name a couple)

I'm sure if you do the math & research, you could probably get away with 7-8 lbs of boost ... maybe even intercool it to ensure nice cool air temps .....

Now, if you are wanting to run upwards of 10psi or 20 psi ... oh yeah, major stuff to do .....

Maybe you could throw a 50 shot of nitrous at it!

[Northern Rider]

There's lots of stuff in the forums about this tranny. It's one of the best in the world. Very smooth, very strong and very smart. Yes, it has a brain.

Built in Kokomo.

As to the rating: Mercedes spec it to 428 ft/lbs. I suspect it is typical German understatement. But I don't want to be the first guy to find out otherwise.

Here's some info from an earlier post:

This transmission has been around for a while with Mercedes-Benz and is even installed on the Jaguar XKR. Here is some more info:

W5A580 transmission features(standard on Laredo, N/A on Limited)





The W5A580 debuted in 1995 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles and is known to be one of the smoothest, most fuel-efficient and cost-effective transmissions in the industry. Its unique three-channel torque converter helps provide an exceptionally smooth ride and shifting, while reducing fuel consumption. A $455 million upgrade project at the Indiana Transmission Plant was started in 2001 and completed in 2003. The 600,000 SF plant was designed to produce around 400,000 of the W5A580 transmissions per year for the North American market. The transmission project was the first joint effort between the company's American and German wings after the Chrysler Corp. and Daimler-Benz merge in 1998.



A broad ratio spread from First to the Fifth was selected to minimize fuel consumption and reduce powertrain noise during cruising. An aggressive First-gear ratio provides excellent launch performance, and evenly spaced gear ratios provide smooth acceleration through the gears.

World-class efficiency is achieved through physical and electronic means. This transmission uses bearings to reduce friction in many locations where other transmissions may utilize bushings. The transmission also uses a unique scavenging system that removes oil spun off of the rotating parts by centrifugal force through strategically placed slots in the outside of the case. This saves energy that would be consumed by internal parts rotating in oil. Lubricating holes in the clutches are also positioned to promote quick passage of the transmission fluid through the discs, minimizing viscous losses due to trapped oil.

The shift schedule adapts to individual driving style, driving situation and road conditions, altering shift points based on an accelerator pedal usage, brake usage, lateral acceleration, altitude and load on the car as a result of grades. Electronically controlled engine torque management provides quick wide-open-throttle up shifts and quick two-step (4-2 or 3-1) kick-down shifts that are exceptionally smooth.

Transmission ratios:

GearW5A580545RFE1st3.59 3.002nd2.191.67 upshift / 1.50 kickdown3rd1.411.04th1.000.755th0.830.67Reverse3.1 63.0

Fully adaptive electronic control of all shifting makes shifts very smooth. The system monitors the transmission as shifts occur and adjusts hydraulic pressure as needed. In so doing, the controls make the powertrain feel responsive without harshness.

Driver recognition software alters shift points based on accelerator pedal usage, brake usage and lateral acceleration. This does not require a compromise between sporty and economical operation, nor is it a question of choosing one or the other.

A torque management system uses engine torque modeling to facilitate smooth transmission shifting. Because of electronic throttle control, torque management is more sophisticated and covers a broad torque range. Torque converter clutch slippage is electronically modulated and provides for partial engagement in Third, Fourth or Fifth gears. This results in improved shift feel, fuel economy, driveability and cooling. It can be used at lower speeds to provide benefits over a broad speed range. The system disengages as required to provide optimal performance.

[Rambit]

Originally Posted by bts161

I read in an earlier thread that people were thinking the tranny is a weak link in whether or not supercharge could be put on. Does anyone know for sure what the max hp and torque is?

What do you all think...

Supercharger
Twinturbo

or

leave it alone (my guess is this is where the 2005 guys stand)

My suggestion to you is to wait and see how much power the SRT8 has. You will never know till you DRIVE it whether you'll want or need that extra HP. I don't think a lot of people realize just how fast this car really is.

Rambit

[300CAWD]

we all know that this supercharger will produce 500HP, but how much on the torque levels, wouldnt the ECU do the torque management, shouldnt it limit the torque to 428(or 425) lbs of torque. Doesnt jaguar have there superchargerd engine or there v12 as northern said one of the jags use the same trannys or any issues with it after wards. If its possible to run the torque at 425(or 428) lbs, how long would our tranny's last before they run out of air. I am getting the 6 psi boost as soon as it hits the market, i can be the first guinea pig.

[bts161]

Rambit I'm sure I don't know anymore than 425....but 500 has a nice ring to it....