Automatic BUilds - Focaljet

**Chaney** · 03-24-2008, 06:44 AM

What is suggested when building up an automatic.

Clutches, Valve body, what else?

Also what other options are their besides Lentech?

I plan on building up the spare blown Auto for my 2.3L if I didn't do too much damage to it.

Thanks.

My mods are header/flex intake and tune.

**ras50401** · 03-24-2008, 10:02 AM

nothing

**xp0s3d** · 03-24-2008, 05:37 PM

i'm going to lay this down flat out for you

if you're building an automatic to make serious power, there is no LSD option out there and you're screwed.

If you want to go all the way:
Alto Redline Clutches
Recalibrated Valve Body
High Stall Torque Converter

this can all be had at a performance tranny shop for around $2k including labor. Turns your car into a whole different beast (I had the xcal2 mod it worked very well, but when I had the actual tranny work done it was a world of difference. Not too many people know this though because few people actually have built automatic trannies. Listen to the ones that do have them, not the manual drivers that have no clue what they're talking about)

**RallyRacer** · 03-25-2008, 12:29 PM

I have built a few, all performance 4F27Es .
There are many tips you can use if you have not rebuilt a 4F27e before; and if you never rebuilt an automatic trans before- don't try now.
PM if you have an specific questions.

**Chaney** · 03-25-2008, 12:47 PM

I am going to try as I have the spare, and have the time to do so.

I am at least going to tear the bitch down and figure out what I did brake to make me lose first.

The build will be mid summer to winter depends on money.

**grbrgrnzx5** · 03-25-2008, 05:36 PM

Buy a Lentech.

**Z63R** · 03-25-2008, 07:50 PM

Quote:

xp0s3d

there is no LSD option out there and you're screwed.

Two years ago LenTech was modifying the Torsen to fit the narrower crank-to-trans centerlines of the ATX. Dunno if they still are offering it, though. The OP might want to call 'em and check.

While you're at it, see if their in-house trans or chassis dyno is up and running and if they've developed a shift map to work with their excellent valvebody which Ford Racing Performance Parts also sells.

**EnixStorm** · 03-25-2008, 08:04 PM

i've never rebuilt an automatic before and Im going to do mine this weekend

**focituner2** · 03-25-2008, 09:10 PM

lets make this the official built tranny thread. ill b calling lentech this week 2 c r options

**RallyRacer** · 03-26-2008, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by focituner2

lets make this the official built tranny thread. ill b calling lentech this week 2 c r options

Now I wish I had taken pictures during the rebuild process.

**focituner2** · 03-27-2008, 03:39 PM

just got off the phone with lentech. u cant buy their lsd seperate as they need a custom housing. your best bet is to buy a complete tranny from them which they quoted me $2900 for a set to handle 300+hp. forgot to ask about the rebuild kits...sorry!

**2006TZX4** · 03-28-2008, 07:45 PM

my lentech tranny will be in the car in three weeks it is on it's way to them on i sould get it back in two and a half weeks i'll show some pics

**focituner2** · 03-28-2008, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2006TZX4

my lentech tranny will be in the car in three weeks it is on it's way to them on i sould get it back in two and a half weeks i'll show some pics

what did you get?

**2006TZX4** · 03-29-2008, 02:59 PM

go with street terminator rebuild useing my same trans case and go with the 9"street terminator convertor it will handle 275 whp that is good for me

**boosted2nr** · 03-30-2008, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by focituner2

just got off the phone with lentech. u cant buy their lsd seperate as they need a custom housing. your best bet is to buy a complete tranny from them which they quoted me $2900 for a set to handle 300+hp. forgot to ask about the rebuild kits...sorry!

My MTX swap with Torsen, Alum. Flywheel, etc. Cost less than that LOL.

**2006TZX4** · 03-30-2008, 06:44 PM

that is ok i still what a atx

**fordblue03** · 03-30-2008, 10:09 PM

The only question is: Does the ATX, when built, have a quicker off the line than a MTX? I dont know if I want to mess aroun with a clutch.

**funkdaddyfresh** · 04-03-2008, 01:32 PM

bump for more info. ive been wanting to build the auto(due to traffic) and dont want to have to chase down a bunch of nick nacks for a manual swap.

more info!

**fordblue03** · 04-03-2008, 04:46 PM

Bumpidy... bump

**3xzsucof** · 04-03-2008, 05:48 PM

wont handle that much. i know. my car isnt makin that much and ive got the same set up a little over a year and kabOOm.

**2006TZX4** · 04-03-2008, 07:34 PM

the trans is coming out of the car on monday the build trans will be in about three weeks

**fordblue03** · 04-03-2008, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3xzsucof

wont handle that much. i know. my car isnt makin that much and ive got the same set up a little over a year and kabOOm.

What exactly are you saying? Stock or built, ATX?

**Z63R** · 04-03-2008, 11:41 PM

The hardparts in a 4F27-E will withstand 500 whp. Traditional automatic boxes (as opposed to something like VW's DSG, an automated manual) have a coaxial torque path because of their planetary gearsets and as such are inherently very strong.

What's weak are the stock friction materials, perhaps a servo or two and the stock torque convertor and stock input shaft... and the stock valvebody is calibrated (along with the PCM's shift map) for soft shifts.

A better TC, better input shaft, better valvebody (all sold though Ford Racing Performance Parts) and premium friction material (clutches and bands) are all that the Focus automatic needs to be virtually bulletproof.

**fordblue03** · 04-03-2008, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z63R

A better TC, better input shaft, better valvebody (all sold though Ford Racing Performance Parts)

Where can I find these parts? I cannot seem to find them in Ford catalog.

**Z63R** · 04-04-2008, 12:18 AM

The newest FRPP catalog I have is from 2006... the Focus parts are on pages 170 - 190.

Page 178 lists these part numbers; call Steve @ Tousley Ford or someone at Capaldi Racing to check the following:

Focus Torque Converter and Input Shaft Kit (23 spline)... M-7902-FR
(includes 23 spline front drum)

Focus Torque Converter (for stock 16 spline)... M-7902-FD

Focus Recalibrated Valvebody... M-7100-FVB

03-24-2008, 06:44 AM	#1
Chaney Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Brighton, Michigan Posts: 1,083	Automatic Builds What is suggested when building up an automatic. Clutches, Valve body, what else? Also what other options are their besides Lentech? I plan on building up the spare blown Auto for my 2.3L if I didn't do too much damage to it. Thanks. My mods are header/flex intake and tune. Last edited by Chaney : 03-24-2008 at 06:54 AM.

03-24-2008, 10:02 AM	#2
ras50401 TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cedar falls, Iowa Posts: 427	Re: Automatic BUilds nothing __________________ 02' Sedan SPI Blood type Qow1"LOOKING FOR SVT" Engine, Focus flo intake msd wires Efp orp Efp atx shift improver soon spi controller. Interior, Gauge cluster with tach. key fob haha. Exterior, Cfm shortie antenna st200 wheels m3 mirrors sedan tail light mod

03-24-2008, 05:37 PM	#3
xp0s3d Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 60	Re: Automatic BUilds i'm going to lay this down flat out for you if you're building an automatic to make serious power, there is no LSD option out there and you're screwed. If you want to go all the way: Alto Redline Clutches Recalibrated Valve Body High Stall Torque Converter this can all be had at a performance tranny shop for around $2k including labor. Turns your car into a whole different beast (I had the xcal2 mod it worked very well, but when I had the actual tranny work done it was a world of difference. Not too many people know this though because few people actually have built automatic trannies. Listen to the ones that do have them, not the manual drivers that have no clue what they're talking about) __________________ PnP Head,FC65mmTB, SRI, FR2Cams,FC Sprockets,Eagle, Supertech, Clevite, ARP, Ford Racing, 180DegThermo,Focus-Power Kit, 3" Exhaust,Performance Clutches,High Stall TC,Recalibrated Valve Body,XCal2, 25PSI!

03-25-2008, 12:29 PM	#4
RallyRacer TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Burnsville, MN Posts: 740	Re: Automatic BUilds I have built a few, all performance 4F27Es . There are many tips you can use if you have not rebuilt a 4F27e before; and if you never rebuilt an automatic trans before- don't try now. PM if you have an specific questions. __________________ 2001 ZX3 Infra-Red, Auto Power: Volant Ram Air, 65mm FC TB, 2000 ported intake, SVT header, Random ORP, Bosal flex, Borla exhaust, Esslinger UDP, FocusSport Xcal2(FR stage1 cams and gears to be installed) Handling: Energy bushings everywhere, Koni Adjustable dampers, H&R sport springs, SVT rear swaybar, FC rear toe links Braking: SVT brake kit, Hawk HPS pads F&R, Aeroquip braided lines

03-25-2008, 12:47 PM	#5
Chaney Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Brighton, Michigan Posts: 1,083	Re: Automatic BUilds I am going to try as I have the spare, and have the time to do so. I am at least going to tear the bitch down and figure out what I did brake to make me lose first. The build will be mid summer to winter depends on money.

03-25-2008, 05:36 PM	#6
grbrgrnzx5 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Olympia Washington Posts: 1,366	Re: Automatic BUilds Buy a Lentech. __________________ Lookin' fast in the slow lane RIP, Jellybean (11/16/2001-6/16/2008)...you will be greatly missed. 2003 Infra Red ZX3 SVT-Totally stock...FOR NOW!

03-25-2008, 08:04 PM	#8
EnixStorm Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jacksonville, N.C. Posts: 1,478	Re: Automatic BUilds i've never rebuilt an automatic before and Im going to do mine this weekend __________________ -2003 SE PZEV ATX - FS 2.3l Stage 2 1/4: 13.78@100mph -2008 Mazda 3S Touring 2.3l w/VVT

03-25-2008, 09:10 PM	#9
focituner2 TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: St. Paul, mn Posts: 690	Re: Automatic BUilds lets make this the official built tranny thread. ill b calling lentech this week 2 c r options __________________ 05' 2.0 atx duratec, saleen suspension kit, M.S.S short ram intake, fc 65mm TB, Massive's dynomite coil packs,18"s, cf hood, sctxcal2, fs front & rear strut bars,fs exhaust, ,f2 cf spoiler, tyc tailights. coming soon: 300 hp 2.3 built motor & turbo kit! www.massivespeedsystem.com- My home away from home!

03-27-2008, 03:39 PM	#11
focituner2 TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: St. Paul, mn Posts: 690	Re: Automatic BUilds just got off the phone with lentech. u cant buy their lsd seperate as they need a custom housing. your best bet is to buy a complete tranny from them which they quoted me $2900 for a set to handle 300+hp. forgot to ask about the rebuild kits...sorry! __________________ 05' 2.0 atx duratec, saleen suspension kit, M.S.S short ram intake, fc 65mm TB, Massive's dynomite coil packs,18"s, cf hood, sctxcal2, fs front & rear strut bars,fs exhaust, ,f2 cf spoiler, tyc tailights. coming soon: 300 hp 2.3 built motor & turbo kit! www.massivespeedsystem.com- My home away from home!

03-28-2008, 07:45 PM	#12
2006TZX4 TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: winston salem Posts: 510	Re: Automatic BUilds my lentech tranny will be in the car in three weeks it is on it's way to them on i sould get it back in two and a half weeks i'll show some pics __________________ www.focussport.com www.killboy.com focus stage 2 turbo kit upgrade atx by lentech

03-29-2008, 02:59 PM	#14
2006TZX4 TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: winston salem Posts: 510	Re: Automatic BUilds go with street terminator rebuild useing my same trans case and go with the 9"street terminator convertor it will handle 275 whp that is good for me __________________ www.focussport.com www.killboy.com focus stage 2 turbo kit upgrade atx by lentech

03-30-2008, 06:44 PM	#16
2006TZX4 TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: winston salem Posts: 510	Re: Automatic BUilds that is ok i still what a atx __________________ www.focussport.com www.killboy.com focus stage 2 turbo kit upgrade atx by lentech

03-30-2008, 10:09 PM	#17
fordblue03 TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 859	Re: Automatic BUilds The only question is: Does the ATX, when built, have a quicker off the line than a MTX? I dont know if I want to mess aroun with a clutch. __________________ 2003 LX, 2.3L, ATX, Arizona Biege sedan. -FocusSport front strut-bar -SCT tune by FocusSport -Eibach Sportline Springs -FocusSport CAI w/factory splashguard -LCR Front Camber plates -FocusSport Catback Exhaust -SPC Rear Upper Camber arms -Red Prothane Bushings (full kit) -28.6mm Steeda rear sway -24mm H&R front sway

04-03-2008, 01:32 PM	#18
funkdaddyfresh Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 65	Re: Automatic BUilds bump for more info. ive been wanting to build the auto(due to traffic) and dont want to have to chase down a bunch of nick nacks for a manual swap. more info! __________________ "Pioneers get arrows in their ass"-Don Garlits

04-03-2008, 04:46 PM	#19
fordblue03 TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 859	Re: Automatic BUilds Bumpidy... bump __________________ 2003 LX, 2.3L, ATX, Arizona Biege sedan. -FocusSport front strut-bar -SCT tune by FocusSport -Eibach Sportline Springs -FocusSport CAI w/factory splashguard -LCR Front Camber plates -FocusSport Catback Exhaust -SPC Rear Upper Camber arms -Red Prothane Bushings (full kit) -28.6mm Steeda rear sway -24mm H&R front sway

04-03-2008, 05:48 PM	#20
3xzsucof Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: south Jersey Posts: 1,755	Re: Automatic BUilds wont handle that much. i know. my car isnt makin that much and ive got the same set up a little over a year and kabOOm.

04-03-2008, 07:34 PM	#21
2006TZX4 TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: winston salem Posts: 510	Re: Automatic BUilds the trans is coming out of the car on monday the build trans will be in about three weeks __________________ www.focussport.com www.killboy.com focus stage 2 turbo kit upgrade atx by lentech

04-03-2008, 11:41 PM	#23
Z63R Official [FJ] Distinguished Advisor Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 19,821	Re: Automatic BUilds The hardparts in a 4F27-E will withstand 500 whp. Traditional automatic boxes (as opposed to something like VW's DSG, an automated manual) have a coaxial torque path because of their planetary gearsets and as such are inherently very strong. What's weak are the stock friction materials, perhaps a servo or two and the stock torque convertor and stock input shaft... and the stock valvebody is calibrated (along with the PCM's shift map) for soft shifts. A better TC, better input shaft, better valvebody (all sold though Ford Racing Performance Parts) and premium friction material (clutches and bands) are all that the Focus automatic needs to be virtually bulletproof. __________________ . Vacuum Vulture Racing - We've got it down to a science. "SCIENCE. It works, bitches!" 2.3 Duratec ZX3 + some bits

04-04-2008, 12:18 AM	#25
Z63R Official [FJ] Distinguished Advisor Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 19,821	Re: Automatic BUilds The newest FRPP catalog I have is from 2006... the Focus parts are on pages 170 - 190. Page 178 lists these part numbers; call Steve @ Tousley Ford or someone at Capaldi Racing to check the following: Focus Torque Converter and Input Shaft Kit (23 spline)... M-7902-FR (includes 23 spline front drum) Focus Torque Converter (for stock 16 spline)... M-7902-FD Focus Recalibrated Valvebody... M-7100-FVB __________________ . Vacuum Vulture Racing - We've got it down to a science. "SCIENCE. It works, bitches!" 2.3 Duratec ZX3 + some bits