1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Fascinating discussion, gentlemen!
I don't think Dave9 at SPG9 mentioned anything about hardening or exotic alloys, but maybe that's part of what they're considering. I =do= remember him talking about putting in a "useful" 1st gear with a different ratio than the current one, and maybe also a different 5th for lower cruise RPMs and higher top end. But my memory and impression of the internal "strengthening" he was talking about had to do with bearings and how things were mounted inside the case. He talked about how things strained and flexed under heavy torsion forces.
I've heard of cryo-hardening metallurgical techniques, too, but didn't realize they were used on auto parts. Makes sense, though.
I suppose the guys with megahorsepower Saabs have rally trannies that cost more than my whole car did when it was new. Seems there should be some alternative for us that isn't so extreme -- a slightly more costly and more robust than OEM version. Other than replacing the clutch, I haven't had any transmission troubles... yet. But I'm afraid it's only a matter of time, and until then, I'm doing my best not to abuse the OEM one.
A buddy of mine sent me a neat gizmo -- an electronic "dyno" that consists of some accelerometers and digital timing circuitry in a little electronic package. You stick it onto your windshield like a radar detector, and can use it to measure 0-60 times, 1.4 mile times, estimated HP, etc. You can turn it sideways and measure cornering (lateral) g, also. Anyway, to do the HP test, they want you to make a Wide Open Throttle accel run hitting close to redline in each gear before shifting -- a drag race run. I'm curious about my times and HP, but totally unwilling to boost the Beastie in the first three gears like that. I'm convinced something will rip loose! It made me realize how much the fear of transmission failure is affecting the way I drive my car.
Thanks again for posting, gents.
- = M = -
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |