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All,
I have sorted out a Nomad valvebody from Wholesale Automatics in VIC. Damo and I changed it out today and we also wanted to retrofit a manual lockup switch, but time was not on our side. The task is fairly easy, although the instructions need improving alittle (I shall be passing this info onto the manufacturer). You need a good understanding of mechanical work and I would suggest getting a transmission workshop to tackle the task, if you are not an experienced/qualified mechanic.
First up we lifted the car onto four car stands and drained the oil. Then the transmission sump was removed to expose the valvebody and the transmission filter assembly.
Once the stock valvebody was removed, we placed it on the bench next to the upgraded unit and proceeded to swap over all the electronic solenoids that control the transmission. Care must be taken to keep everything spotlessly clean and hands must be clean as well.
It was really interesting to take a good look up into the transmission while the valvebody was removed. I took the chance to give the underside of the transmission housing a good clean, while we swapped over the solenoids.
Once the swap of all the solenoids was completed, we just refitted the upgraded valvebody and wiring back into the body of the transmission.
Refilling the transmission with WS spec Penrite transmission oil was made alot easier with the aid of a Tom Thumb drum pump. The actual procedure of refilling the oil was interesting, as it goes into the side of the trans body at the top, feeds it's way down thru the clutchpacks and then finally drains into the transmission sump, which has a overflow type level plug at the bottom of the sump pan. We had to start the engine, cycle it thru the gears a few times to pick up the fluid and then shut it down. Then we reset the oil level again, we did this a few times to get the oil level correct.
So, how does it drive ? Was it worth the hassle ?
Well in a few words, yes it drives alot better and was well worth the hassle. On the road it seems to hold gears longer and feel crisper to drive. The delay and sloppiness of the autobox has basically been reduced by around 70%. It feels nice on the highway when changing lanes and cruising up hills. In traffic it seems to just get the 120 moving quicker and easier. Engine braking seems to have improved downhills also, although I have not tried it off-road yet.
The manual lockup kit will make it better again, but that will have to wait for another free weekend.
Although it's only done about 200kms, I think it was a good move. I shall report back after I put some more miles on it.
I have sorted out a Nomad valvebody from Wholesale Automatics in VIC. Damo and I changed it out today and we also wanted to retrofit a manual lockup switch, but time was not on our side. The task is fairly easy, although the instructions need improving alittle (I shall be passing this info onto the manufacturer). You need a good understanding of mechanical work and I would suggest getting a transmission workshop to tackle the task, if you are not an experienced/qualified mechanic.
First up we lifted the car onto four car stands and drained the oil. Then the transmission sump was removed to expose the valvebody and the transmission filter assembly.
Once the stock valvebody was removed, we placed it on the bench next to the upgraded unit and proceeded to swap over all the electronic solenoids that control the transmission. Care must be taken to keep everything spotlessly clean and hands must be clean as well.
It was really interesting to take a good look up into the transmission while the valvebody was removed. I took the chance to give the underside of the transmission housing a good clean, while we swapped over the solenoids.
Once the swap of all the solenoids was completed, we just refitted the upgraded valvebody and wiring back into the body of the transmission.
Refilling the transmission with WS spec Penrite transmission oil was made alot easier with the aid of a Tom Thumb drum pump. The actual procedure of refilling the oil was interesting, as it goes into the side of the trans body at the top, feeds it's way down thru the clutchpacks and then finally drains into the transmission sump, which has a overflow type level plug at the bottom of the sump pan. We had to start the engine, cycle it thru the gears a few times to pick up the fluid and then shut it down. Then we reset the oil level again, we did this a few times to get the oil level correct.
So, how does it drive ? Was it worth the hassle ?
Well in a few words, yes it drives alot better and was well worth the hassle. On the road it seems to hold gears longer and feel crisper to drive. The delay and sloppiness of the autobox has basically been reduced by around 70%. It feels nice on the highway when changing lanes and cruising up hills. In traffic it seems to just get the 120 moving quicker and easier. Engine braking seems to have improved downhills also, although I have not tried it off-road yet.
The manual lockup kit will make it better again, but that will have to wait for another free weekend.
Although it's only done about 200kms, I think it was a good move. I shall report back after I put some more miles on it.
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