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A4 Breaking Point?

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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 04:01 AM
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St. Jude Donor '06
Default A4 Breaking Point?

When upgrading HP for fun, not serious track use, what is the weak point(s) on the A4 tranny? Looking to go to 500/500 HP Torq level.

Clutches? Cooling? etc.


Thanks in advance

tt
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 04:17 AM
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500/500rwhp/tq SHOULD be OK for DRIVING use. but if you do go to the track, try to stay away from drag radials with hard sidewalls. like nittos for example.

and of course you dont need to worry about clutches since you don't have one.

cooling should be good also.
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 08:35 AM
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From: Vettemod.com For the C3 People
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Thanks,

Guess need to see what one upgrades on tranny to handle more HP, clutch packs to Kevlar, bell housing support?

OK, the real question, whats it gonna cost when it breaks to have a rebuild that will handle 500/500 at the track
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 08:44 AM
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Originally Posted by gr8vet
Thanks,

Guess need to see what one upgrades on tranny to handle more HP, clutch packs to Kevlar, bell housing support?

OK, the real question, whats it gonna cost when it breaks to have a rebuild that will handle 500/500 at the track
It all depends on how you drive

Mine went out at 82k with only intake and exhaust.
I'm having it built right now.
I dont know what trans sponsers are on here, but i'm using one of the BIG ones from LS1tech (pm me for details)
For 500/500 expect to spend between $1800 and $2500 depending on labor.
You'll prob want to do a little more than clutch packs and bell support.
My 3/4 clutches started slipping real bad and i think G said the planetary gears were showing A LOT of wear.
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 09:19 AM
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RPM transmissions is an excellent trans vendor.
With 500 and 500 you are living on borrowed time. So it all depends how you drive.

My A4 is supercharged with those same numbers, and I have about 10-15k miles on the supercharger.
No trans work yet.

If you slam it every day, you will kill it in a few months. If you just drive it, it's anyone's guess. I would take the 2k and put it in the bank.
That way when you blow it, you can just fix it. RPM suggested I not waste my money on an upgrade until it goes.
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 09:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Clay_Assassin
RPM transmissions is an excellent trans vendor.
With 500 and 500 you are living on borrowed time. So it all depends how you drive.

My A4 is supercharged with those same numbers, and I have about 10-15k miles on the supercharger.
No trans work yet.

If you slam it every day, you will kill it in a few months. If you just drive it, it's anyone's guess. I would take the 2k and put it in the bank.
That way when you blow it, you can just fix it. RPM suggested I not waste my money on an upgrade until it goes.
IMO that is very respectible of RPM to tell you that they could have just said yes you better get it done just to get a job
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 10:49 AM
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From the research i've done, it's not really the power level (to a point) but the RPMs your running through the trans.
I forget which part (LS1tech's Auto section has TONS of info) but it has a hard time holding 7,000 rpm shifts.
Heat and RPMs are probably what kill the most autos
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 02:18 PM
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I'm running well over 500 RWHP and have had no trouble with everyday driving and an occasional bit of spirited driving. Andy told me as long as I stay away from drag slicks the tranny should be OK. They did redo the tranny pressure, shift time, and shift points to add a little durability to the trans.
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 03:04 PM
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Good deal guys, thanks for all the input. I have stiffened up all my shift points where it slams into next gear, i.e. no easy slipping shifts. (of course that is just pushing the problem into another area) Looking into a tranny cooler right now.

I'll keep you guys posted when and If she goes, 51K right now, no problems, yet........

Turbo's in shipping right now.

I spoke with friend of mine few minutes ago, had problems in the 3-4 area too. He likes to do alot of 4-3 shifting on the interstate. Pushing 585HP; now rebuilt tranny, stroked motor, now has 650HP.

Thanks for ls1 tech info.

Thanks again!
tt
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