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Old 05-27-2013, 10:01 PM   #3 (permalink)
gone-ot
...beats walking...
 
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Yep, the torque converter is like swiming in syrup. However, *IF* it can be "locked" once 1:1 ratio has been (roughly) achieved, the automatic transmission "loss" can be less than before--ie: close to a manual--but never equal to the manual.

The advantage of CVT is it's ability to infinitely 'adjust' engine speed to coincide with engine *load* so as keep the engine within its BSFC "sweet-spot," something that discrete gears can't do.

Last edited by gone-ot; 05-27-2013 at 11:38 PM..
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