Metro automatic trans mod.

[engineer93065]

Hi, new member here. I searched the archives, but didn't find mention of this trick, so I thought I would pass it along.
I am driving a 91 metro vert automatic. My commute is 80 miles, approx 1/2 of which is stop & go. The automatic's shift points are all wrong for this, it seldom sees 3rd without coaxing, and downshifts too soon.
I read on Teamswift that these can be run with the shift solenoids disconnected, and shifted manually. So, WTF, I disconnected them for a week to try it out. I discovered that I can keep it in 3rd as long as I am still rolling, start out in 2nd if stopped, and get it into 3rd at about 15-20 mph. This netted me a 4 mpg improvement.
In order to retain the option of full-automatic, I wired in a DPST dash switch to the solenoids that allows me to switch between automatic or manual shifting on demand.
I don't know if this scheme works for other transmissions, but it is the hot ticket if you are stuck (blessed?) with an automatic Metro.
Ray

[Daox]

Sounds like a great mod for an automatic. We don't need no stinkin computer telling US when to shift.

[JohnnyGrey]

For bonus points you could get one of those arcade machine shifters. They have the sweetest throws ever!

[Johnny Mullet]

Damn. I never knew that could be done on a Metro Auto.

[bhazard]

If youre startingi in a higher gear all you're doing is slipping more and heating things up. Youll save a buck or two at fillups but be out hundreds for another trans in the long run.

[engineer93065]

Bhazard,
True the t/c may slip more, especially if I tried to start out in 3rd. 1st gear on these things is ridiculously low however. It gives this little 3 cyl the opportunity to accelerate at a rate that is almost acceptable. In MY daily drive, 2nd gear leisurely starts do not seem to cause noticeable slippage or engine lugging.
In my experience clutch slippage is the killer. This mainly happens during shifts under extreme load. The little Metro weighs almost nothing, and the engine could be best described as wimpy. Not too much loading going on.
If this seems to be an issues, I will put a temp gage on the tranny, & keep an eye on it.
Ray

[MetroMPG]

I'd never heard of this mod before. Very interesting.

[cubano112266]

Very interesting mod. Keep your fuel log updated, I would love to see the benefits to this mod.

[1.5Ldave]

this is an awesome mod! anyone have any idea how to go about doing this on a 91 civic auto?

[dremd]

how about a controller like these? New! Suprastick V4 - standalone tranny computer - SupraMania