Well, in a few months I too will be driving an s197. Recently, I've decided to go with the 5-speed (we all know most of the pro's and con's). I just wanted to clear one thing that I was kind of confused about up. Some tell me you can't supercharge an automatic some say you can. I don't know why it wouldn't be possible but just becasue of the fact that I don't know is why I'm asking. Thanks guys!

 

well i have an automatic and i sure hope you can bcuz i was planning on it one day....[8D]

 

The issue is the tranny. Some say it won't hold as much hp and tq as the manual, some say it's too new to know. You can s/c an auto but they say cap it at 450hp until you can beef up the tranny, and at that point they say the internals will need some work if its a auto or manual regardless.

 

+1 powers said....an auto tranny can hold up to HP its the excessive torque that kiils not just the tranny but the other parts throughout the driveline....overall...you can definitely supercharge an auto...you just need to be careful with your tune..dont be too aggressive with shift firmness in an auto when exceeding that 400RWHP mark...then you will be fine...overall, you will probably need to one day rebuild the tranny and or driveline...but then again, my 1970 camaro with a B+M forced induction blower and a 350 4 bolt main went through 2 trans...and 1 set of u joints a long time ago...your driveline is only as strong as the parts in them...most problems in these cars occur due to the simplest of part failures...that unfortunately cause somewhat catostrophic chain reactions throughout...so getting a manual vs a auto does not guarantee anything...it all truly is a little luck with having consistently strong unflawed componenets throughout...thus the same reason some of these blocks blow at as low as 400 hp and others claim to 600 without any internal mods

 

A lot of it depends on your application. If you just want to have some fun on the street or do track days then either of the stock transmissions is OK...you will spin tires before you break the transmission most likely. (Keep in mind theManual is only rated to 380 ft-lb) If you are going to drag race, then things get a bit trickier. Those hard hits off the line are going to put your driveline to the test.

There's nothing saying you can't supercharge an auto trans. But I would make damn sure you have a good tune--firmer shifting will help keep the clutches in the trans from burning up. Also, get an auxilliary tranmission cooler as well. That is very cheap insurance!

 

I guess my car is just a figment of my imagination, because it's an automatic and supercharged lol. It's just a different tune is all. I went with JDM for everything. They really firmed up my shift points which actually is good for the tranny. No slipping. The automatic transmission is actually stronger than the manual on these cars. Unless all the research is wrong. JDM and others have abused the automatic and have had no problems.

 

I agree with Wally39. I supercharged mine with a Kenne Bell. I used their tune and I haven't had any problems. Granted, I don't take it to the track. But I am using good tires that stick. No issues.

 

I have a 2006 GT with the Saleen blower from JDM running the 3.2" pulley. I should be pushing somewhere around 450-500rwhp. Strongly recommend that if it is considered, the torque converter be changed. Works GREAT! -Joe

 

Interesting...well thanks guys! Now I have to reconsider my choice...good thing I have a few months!

 

If it helps your decision any, JDM Engineering professionally races the automatics. For a long time they were racing the automatic with no mods except the torque converter. I don't remember the power level they took the stock auto up to but I know it was well over 500rwhp. I think a lot of it is in the tune and JDM knows more about these autos than any I've seen. -Joe