Skydive@AI

$2,650 - Spare Trans (Reclaimed on sale of stock trans.)
$ 175 - Freight to Level10 (CA -> NJ)
$4,400 - Level10 Work (Valve bodies, Torque Convertor, Clutch Bands, etc.)

Return freight to California is included in the cost of the Level10 work.

I'll recover the cost of the spare transmission when I sell my own stock one after the project is complete. All told, the transmission work will have cost about $4575 when it's finished.

Stupid? Perhaps. However, this is a hobby for me, and I am thus able to chalk some of the cost up to entertainment. My physical state at this point pretty much requires me to drive a Tip or other clutchless transmission. The B5 S4 is the most entertaining car I've ever driven, and it fits my lifestyle rather well. I derive enjoyment from the modification process, and the car itself is paid for. I like the B6. It's smooth and quite refined. However, I am not drawn to it in the same manner. To me it is, for a lack of better words, a domesticated version of the B5 I already own. With the Level10 gearbox aboard, I will be equipped to go Stage III and beyond. I expect this car will serve me well for quite a while.

For those of you who suggest a Porsche, I would say, "love to!" but only as a second, less practical car.

For those of you who suggest a WRX or an Evo, I would say, "I'm 33, and they don't appeal to me."

For those of you who suggest the 2005 Lecacy, I say... "Hmmm... Intriguing, but still not enough."

For those of you who suggest an E46 M3 SMG, I say, "I considered it, but I prefer the sleeper appeal of the S4."

S4Per

All I can say is: Enjoy it! (I feel exactly the same way and hope to have the $ available to go the same route) :-)

a666

Don't go too high on the stall speed, since it will increase, to a higher RPM, once your engine produces more torque, near the stall speed.

The torque limits of the transmission are set by the weakest link, which may not be the torque converter. On a specific transismission model/make, there may be specific weak links, but the wider bands and more clutches in the clutch pack are common improvements to increase torque, without slipping.

The valve body is often modified to increase the shift pressure on the clutches and bands. It is usually setup to increase the speed of the shift. This ususally just consists and drilling a few holes larger and changing a couple of springs and/or pistons, which changes the rate of the servo filling.

The higher stall torque converter will reduce turbo lag and soften the firmer shifts of the valve body.

Keep us posted. I have done this on some American cars and may do this on my S4 TIP, in the future, since Porsche, BMW & Mercedes are too flashy and the RS6 is a little large and pricey.

Don

Skydive@AI

Mike, (BLK01S4), originally went with 3200 RPM and changed his mind, and sent it back for 2500 RPM. Sam at Level10 says 2800 is the sweet spot, so I'm taking his advice.

Ming 2.7T

and giving us the inside scoop.

internecine

plus a bit more for install, right?

Skydive@AI

The trans will come out when I do the Stage III install, (with help from the LA crew), so I'll be putting the Level10 trans. in simultaneously.