Transmissions2
From its humble beginnings to the introduction of the synchromesh, the Reo Self-Shifter, the Hydramatic, the invention of the fluid coupling, and Chrysler’s Fluid Drive. The automobile transmission had its start back in the eighteen hundreds and has had over one hundred years of evolution. With the introduction of the torque converter came the Buick Dynaflow followed by the Chevy Powerglide, the Fordomatic and the Chrysler M-6. The evolution continues to this day with many of the current transmissions being controlled by none other than our friend the computer. Stick with us to find out about the who, what, and why about transmissions of the past, present, and future.
The New
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Naturally the best place to start is the General Motors Turbo Hydramatic 350 automatic transmission. None can argue with the popularity of this transmission; replacing the Powerglide in 1969, the 350 Turbo as it is most commonly known, has been bolted to millions of General Motors assembly line rear wheel drive vehicles up until 1984.
Its weight of 120 lbs, relatively short length, availability, and an enormous after market supply of trick show and go parts and accessories make this transmission the most popular hot rod transmission ever bolted to the back of a motor. At any car gathering a quick look under the hoods and you will see many different makes with the venerable small block Chevy. Attached to this trusty small block; the 350 Turbo, hence the phrase “350/350” combo.
Coming up in our next issue we will take one apart and show you what is involved in a complete rebuild of the Turbo 350 including installing a Lokar automatic shifter kit [PT# ATS6350BM; Lokar] which will eventually find its way into a future feature vehicle build. Whether you are building your 350 Turbo for a Street Rod or repairing one of your daily drivers this will be the guide to show you the way. Not to forget about your local transmission shop, they can have one of these things pulled and have you back on the road in no time. But if you are a persistent DIY'er, the repair shops, along with our aftermarket world, will also be more than happy to sell you the parts you need.
Porsche, Back to the Future!
Well they have done it again, but this time they are hybrids. The Concept Study Porsche 918 Spyder, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, and the Cayenne S Hybrid. The Cayenne S Hybrid follows the rather typical hybrid system and helps out its own fuel economy, increasing it to 8.2L/100KM or 28.68MPG(US) while keeping the same performance as its gas guzzling cousin. This may not seam like much, however most forget that hybrids not only reduce fuel consumption but also decrease the g/km of CO2 emitted by the vehicle.
The 911 GT3 R Hybrid really goes back to its roots with the traditional 4L flat 6 out back but having the front two wheels driven by two 60kw electric motors. What most will find shocking is that it uses no batteries for stored power. It uses what porsche is calling a "flywheel power generator" which is an electric motor that spins at up to 40,000rpm storing the energy mechanically when the driver applies the brakes. The driver is then able to call upon this power in high demand situations such as passing our coming out of a corner.
The industry has been full of broken electric car and hybrid promises and we hope that Porsche isn't following that trend. Porsche claims that the 918 Spyder, at "over 500hp" will get you from 0-60MPH in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 198MPH and also be capable of aproximately 3L/100KM or 78.39MPG(US) while, what we can only assume, would be caucious city driving. The facts are still limited on this, but we hear it may actually see production so lets hope that they can break the industry trend and keep to their claims.
