944 Automatic

[Trouble]

Has anyone else seen or had any interest in a 944 Automatic Transmission Forum??? I guess the two models have the basic same features, But maybe someone can REALLY explain the differences…. There weren’t alot of them produced compared to the original numbers and I’m curious if any upgrades or modifications can be made for improved performance… Let’s hear from the Automatic Transmission Community….

[New2me944]

My 944 has an automatic transmission. One of the drawbacks to an automatic is the lack of information and parts availability for them.

Otherwise, I don't mind an automatic. Yes, it takes a rather large hit in performance, I have a second gen honda cr-v that has quicker 0-60 times, but it's easy to drive and it works well.

I've always been a DIY kind of guy so learning more about the automatic in my car would be great.

[Trouble]

I DID learn that the 3 speed automatic is a Volkswagen and Audi design and it’s REALLY a pretty strong transmission if it’s been properly maintained, The most expensive repair I’ve done was the dreaded Flex Plate Dampener failure which WILL happen on ALL the automatic cars, But if you replace it with the Manual Clutch Disc and the flywheel ring your good to go…..

[New2me944]

I did hear that the automatic transmission was a pretty tough unit and not to be too concerned with the transmission itself. The problem I'm having at the moment is with leaking transmission lines. The one up front will occasionally drip on the exhaust manifold when at a stop and make a little smoke come from under the hood.

The one at the transaxle has a fairly bad leak. I think if I remove the axle shaft on that side I can get a wrench on the fitting but where the hose connects to the hard line looks to be all but impossible to get to.

[Trouble]

I’ve had to replace the Transmission Reservoir and the line to it, But I’ve never had any issues with the cooling lines to the radiator, Might be worth checking IF I ever need to replace the Torque Tube bearings… I could be wrong, But I THINK our transmissions are called a Vanagon Transmission…. It was a popular design for the Volkswagen Buses But I’m not 100% sure…. You can’t really BEAT these transmissions up unless you’re abusing it or towing something heavy, But who would want to do that to a Porsche??? The clutches are a heavy duty material just like the manual transmission, And you can’t modify any of the pressures…. Just put it in Drive and steer…

[spacecad3t]

… I could be wrong, But I THINK our transmissions are called a Vanagon Transmission…. It was a popular design for the Volkswagen Buses But I’m not 100% sure….

Haha, they sure look like it! I had a couple Vanagons and 2 where autos, looks identical to the one I see in the 944 PET diagrams.

[Trouble]

Thanks for the confirmation Space, There’s a Company I THINK in Texas who specializes in upgrades to the transaxle with a COMPLETE rebuild with heavier clutches a different pressures for stronger shifts…. I’d have to dig up the information but I kept the contact for future reference in case I decided to ship it out to them…..