D2a TD5 auto torque converter upgrade options

[gavinwibrow]

I would appreciate any words of wisdom or comments on what if anything is realistic to enhance my auto performance/longevity, subject to my comments below and given my understanding that the auto is pretty much at design limits?

I know Tombie and others have made recent comment on this topic, and maybe they might like to expand.

Given I'm proposing to tow 2.5 plus tons around OZ, while I have my engine out, I want to revisit the options (if any) for enhancing my auto - I assume specifically the torque converter (TC). With both a transfer case and a torque converter, abbreviations can be confusing!!

I already have a larger intercooler and an auto trans cooler upgrade with auto fan, plus a TD5 Inside stage 1? specifically set up for towing/economy compromise (other mods in footer). But I also want to fit the highest practicable AT/LT tyres to enhance ground clearance (but without any lift), which obviously will impact.

If I recall a prior thread correctly, Ashcrofts say don't bother upgrading unless you have engine mods.

I've also heard that using a Disco v8 auto TC can help, plus Auto Trans R Us have a modified/slightly HD version that they use as pretty much standard practice for any replacements - I suspect not much different from the Ashcrofts upgrade.

I'm also aware that changing 4th gear lockup speed is basically not negotiable, even though when not towing the flat country around here is ideal for a lockup from 70 kmph.

Cheers Gavin

[Tombie]

Best single modification I've done....

No more 'peaky' engine flare on acceleration, the unit 'grabs' about 800rpm lower.

Makes for a much smoother acceleration, less NVH as its revving lower on take off and transmission is running notably cooler now... (Slipping = heat).

Combined with a remap makes a quicker, smoother vehicle all round.

I wonder why they didnt do it factory :cool:

[justfishing]

Hello,
Ashcrofts TC is much bigger in size than standered. I do not know what Trans R US are doing. Yes you do need a very good tune to have it work properly. You would need a stage 2 I installed mine with a stage 1 and normal exhaust went ok but now have made a 3inch S/S exhaust and better tune map.file from TD5 Inside and much better. If you want more power for towing good look at installing LPG I have had it on my car TD5 for a couple of years now and WOW just re-tuned it and it revs muh better and oil is cleaner for much longer now, all the mods are now working very. I just got 500ks to half a tank of diesel. when driving around town it is changing gears between 1600rpm and 2000 giving a little (ha ha) throttle is changing 2200ish a great mod depends on how much you want to spend and get out of your car.
Ian

[gavinwibrow]

Hello,
Ashcrofts TC is much bigger in size than standered. I do not know what Trans R US are doing. Yes you do need a very good tune to have it work properly. You would need a stage 2 I installed mine with a stage 1 and normal exhaust went ok but now have made a 3inch S/S exhaust and better tune map.file from TD5 Inside and much better. If you want more power for towing good look at installing LPG I have had it on my car TD5 for a couple of years now and WOW just re-tuned it and it revs muh better and oil is cleaner for much longer now, all the mods are now working very. I just got 500ks to half a tank of diesel. when driving around town it is changing gears between 1600rpm and 2000 giving a little (ha ha) throttle is changing 2200ish a great mod depends on how much you want to spend and get out of your car.
Ian
G'day Ian. When I made some local enquiries about fitting LPG late last year, I was looking at about $5K from memory, so a bit expensive?
Cheers