Hi performance engine

[Zvway]

Can the automatic gearbox handle much horspower?

[bookwus]

Hiya zv,

Theoretically, the AutoStick gear box should be able to handle the same loading pressures as a manual gearbox.  However, the gearbox itself is not the weakest point in the transfer of power to the wheels.  

Your attention should be focused on the clutch and torque converter instead.  Generally speaking they would be the limiting factor in how much horsepower one could successfully mate up to an AutoStick gearbox.

[Zvway]

Hiya zv,

Theoretically, the AutoStick gear box should be able to handle the same loading pressures as a manual gearbox.  However, the gearbox itself is not the weakest point in the transfer of power to the wheels.  

Your attention should be focused on the clutch and torque converter instead.  Generally speaking they would be the limiting factor in how much horsepower one could successfully mate up to an AutoStick gearbox.

Ok..
But if I go for a 1600 engine or 1776, will I have problem ??
It depends on a lot of things, I know that..But some of you guys must have tried this?? or

[bookwus]

Hiya zv,

The AutoStick can handle the output of a 1600 dp.  It's engineered to do just that.

A 1776 is a bit more problematical.  I would guess that the clutch can handle the extra torque.  Same with the torque converter.  However, that does assume that the car is being driven in a safe and sane manner.  Fast starts with a 1776 (duals and a low restriction exhaust) would make the clutch life very short or simply blow it all together.

And since most install a 1776 for better low-end performance, I would think that, overall, a increase in horsepower like this one would not be a good idea.  I might give it a try someday, but then again, I'm a conservative driver.  I'd be looking for a boost in performance at mid-range and top end.  Both are spots where there occurs minimal wear on the clutch.

As you mentioned, whether this set-up works or not depends on a lot of factors, primarily how you drive the car.

[dmc]

I've been looking into the same thing Zv.  What I have looked at is a 1641cc rebuild kit from Scat.  It seems to be a safer bet for more performance without sacrificing my trans.  I've been told that that kit works real well with a stock 34pic carb and dual port manifolds.  Tho I would like to give dual carbs a try I really think it would be almost too tight of a fit on the sides.

[Zvway]

I've been looking into the same thing Zv.  What I have looked at is a 1641cc rebuild kit from Scat.  It seems to be a safer bet for more performance without sacrificing my trans.  I've been told that that kit works real well with a stock 34pic carb and dual port manifolds.  Tho I would like to give dual carbs a try I really think it would be almost too tight of a fit on the sides.

Thanks again guys...
Well someone have to try this..I have a spare gearbox  
So I may go for a 1600 to begin with...

[danny]

hey all,
semi auto box can handle a 1600 dp with ease, the little bit of extra power makes it even more of a joy to drive.

the engine in my car is a 1600 dp with slightly ported heads, and empi extractors. not only does it go well now it sounds good as well.

as for anything with a more powerful engine, as long as its not driven as if youve stolen it i think it would be fine.

[KevM]

Hi,

I'm running a 1641 twic carb on a fibreglass body. No problems so far but I tend to drive it 'leisurely'  :lol:

[gleason]

Danny, you said you are running Empi extractors on your car, but what do you have for a muffler?  I'm looking at a Bugpack extractor with the Bugpack Mondo muffler.  (PO bought it for the car, never been used)  Just wondering what this will do on the stock 1600 dp.

Any input?  Thanks all