Patchem, Eric EM2 wrote: > I had read that an automatic transmission is less efficient than a > manual.
The efficiency of a manual and automatic transmission are essentially the same; both well above 90%. The problem with the automatic is entirely in the torque converter, which goes between the engine and transmission. It is basically a big slipping clutch. Some newer cars have torque converters that "lock up" under certain conditions or above a certain speed. If your Fiesta has such a locking torque converter, you can probably use the automatic as-is with no loss of efficiency. If you do NOT have a locking torque converter, then you're going to suffer a 10% or so loss in range due to the slipping torque converter. Automatic transmissions need oil pressure to shift. The pressure comes from an oil pump on the front of the transmission that is turned by the torque converter. So you have to "idle" the electric motor when the car is stopped to maintain oil pressure for the transmission to work. Or, you can keep the automatic transmission but leave out the torque converter. This will require some machinist work to connect the motor, and seal up the oil flow that normally goes between transmission and torque converter. You will also want to add an external oil pump or motor to operate the transmission's internal oil pump to maintain operation. -- Lee A. Hart Ring the bells that still can ring 814 8th Ave. N. Forget your perfect offering Sartell, MN 56377 USA There is a crack in everything leeahart_at_earthlink.net That's how the light gets in - Leonard Cohen
