Transmission Upgrade, How to Improve Your Transmission's Performance

Since the transmission is the element that lets your vehicle get the power from its engine, it directly influences your car's performance. It doesn't really matter whether you have a manual or automatic transmission, in any case, upgrades can make a huge difference, starting from a better acceleration to prolonging its service life.

Sometimes, regular changing of transmission fluid is simply not enough to get the desired effect. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to actually improve your transmission. Here are just a few to consider:

Transmission cooler

It keeps transmission fluid cool as it flows through the gearbox. This is important because transmission fluid breaks down quickly when it gets overheated, which can lead to transmission gearbox failure. Installing this gadget will yield the best results if you do a lot of towing.

High-performance transmission fluid

Of course, if you are not looking for major shifts in performance and all you want is smooth and efficient work, then you may consider using a much better quality transmission liquid. Its effect is subtle, but it helps to keep away early signs of wearing and improves the driving experience.

External transmission filter

It helps to cleanse the fluid and subsequently, extend the life of your transmission. This filter is, however, not a common factory-installed transmission part, so you should carefully inspect any aftermarket external filter you would like to install before buying it.

Shift kit

One of the most common transmission issues is slippage, and by installing a shift kit you can solve this problem. Basically, they eliminate transmission slippage by providing extra clutch pressure and enhancing the transmission's holding power.  Such kits are available for both manual and automatic systems.

And these are just a few transmission upgrade options that you can use to improve your car's performance. With a little effort, you can definitely make a difference in how your car drives.

How does a transmission shift kit work?

The main benefit of a transmission shift kit is that it can help to eliminate transmission slippage. Slippage is when the transmission does not engage fully, causing the car to lose power. This can be a major problem, especially when towing.

It consists of several parts. The main part of a shift kit is the clutch pressure plate, which provides extra pressure on the fluid. Other transmission parts may include a torque converter, an input shaft, and an output shaft. Shift kits also come with a controller, which allows you to change the transmission settings.

But there are a few drawbacks as well.  First, transmission shift kits are not always compatible with all transmission types. Second, they can be quite expensive. And last but not least, they may void your car's warranty as many aftermarket parts tend to do.

How can you make gears shift smoother?

There are many reasons why the shift might feel rough. An issue with the automatic transmission fluid, the clutch slipping, or the shift cables coming loose can all contribute to this. It's essential to have your car inspected by a mechanic if you're unsure what the problem is.

One way to make gears shift more smoothly is to change the transmission fluid. It lubricates the transmission and helps to keep it cool. And replacing the transmission filter on a regular basis also helps to make sure the fluid is clean.

If you have a manual transmission, the clutch may need to be adjusted or replaced. The clutch is what transfers power from the engine to the transmission. It can wear out over time and cause the transmission to slip.

Adjusting the shift cables can also help to make the shifting smoother. They connect the transmission to the shifter and can become loose over time.

Can you add more gears to the transmission?

If you have ever wondered how transmission works, you probably know that its efficiency heavily depends on the gears. The general rule of thumb here is "the more gears the better for your engines' efficiency". Unfortunately, you cannot simply add more gears and call it a day.

There are better ways to upgrade transmission though: by adding overdrive kits or installing a gear splitter.  The former swaps out your transmission's existing gears for taller ones. This makes it easier for the engine to run at lower speeds and use less fuel. The latter is a mechanical device that allows you to use two gears at the same time. This can be helpful when you're going up or down a hill, for example.

Both options can improve transmission efficiency without sacrificing performance.

How to increase performance by changing the gear ratio

If you are looking for a way to boost your car's speed, this is your option.  By changing the transmission's gear ratio, you can make your car go faster. It's not difficult at all, and you just need the correct parts.

The gear ratio is the number of rotations the input shaft makes in relation to the output shaft. For example, if the input shaft turns three times for every one rotation of the output shaft, the gear ratio would be 3:1.

A higher gear ratio means that the transmission is "taller". The engine will have to work harder to turn the transmission, but the car will be able to go faster. This ratio gives more torque. This will allow your vehicle to accelerate faster, but it will come at the price of your engine's rpm climbing up and poor fuel economy.

A lower gear ratio means that the transmission is "shorter". The engine won't have to work as hard, but the car won't be able to go as fast. This will result in less torque, but better top speed performance and gas mileage. It's critical to strike the correct balance for your car. If you're not sure, consulting with a professional is always a good idea.

Rebuilding vs replacing transmission

If your automobile's transmission is slipping or not shifting properly, you might be contemplating these two options. The right choice depends on the extent of the damage and the cost of repair.

In some cases, rebuilding the transmission can be just as effective as replacing it. This is usually true if only a few parts are worn out or damaged. Replacing transmission parts is usually much less expensive than buying a new transmission, making rebuilding a more cost-effective option. However, the amount of work dictates the price. Minor changes that include mostly maintenance and cleaning will definitely be more affordable. And if you rebuild a lot of older parts to make transmission as good as new, the price can easily get close to replacing it altogether.

If the transmission is severely damaged, it might be best to replace it completely. This usually costs more than rebuilding but can save you money in the long run by avoiding future performance problems for years.

Are transmission additives worth it?

The best way to save money on transmission is to avoid situations when you have to rebuild or replace it. The best way is to keep an eye on the way it behaves on the road, the condition of the transmission liquid, and to get it inspected by professionals from time to time.

Perhaps you have seen products that are supposed to help you with this. They are known as transmission additives, conditioners or sealers. These liquids are designed to improve the quality of transmission fluid and postpone the wear. It is true that transmission additives may be beneficial, but you should not get ahead of yourself and opt for them.

The major drawback of any aftermarket additives is that they might disrupt the fluid's delicate chemical balance and damage performance instead of making it better. There is a good reason why manufacturers generally advise car owners to refrain from using any supplement additives. You should also keep in mind that any damage caused by such additives may void your warranty.

Can you change transmission by yourself?

Upgrading your car's performance has never been a cheap whim. And there is great news for those car owners who know their vehicle inside out and have confidence in their skills. You can save a great deal of money on actual labor that takes a big chunk of the transmission rebuilding price. Depending on the model and shop you can expect to save up to a $1000 or more.

Transmission is a delicate and complex mechanism that requires exceptional caution. Before you begin, make sure you have a firm grasp of what you're doing. And ideally, get someone with expertise to assist you along the way. The whole process might take some time depending on the transmission type and the car model, but in the end, you will find it worth the effort.

Bottom line

Whether you decide to rebuild or replace your transmission, the quality of the transmission fluid is crucial for the longevity and performance of the system. Be sure to consult with a professional about what kind of transmission fluid is best for your car. It is always better to take good care of your vehicle to prevent problems than to try and cure the symptoms.

There is always a way to boost performance and upgrade your car. But the most important thing is to use common sense and add modifications responsibly with regards to safety.

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