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Adding power with AW-71? 700 1990

posted by  someone claiming to be Lars O on  Mon Apr 30 02:44 CST 2001 [RELATED]

I´m about to add some power to my 740, b230ft, with AW-71 autotrans and have some concerns about how much power this transmission can take.

I´m aiming at about 220 bhp but don´t want to kill my automatic trans. Is there any danger of damage to the trans? How much power will it handle?

Any preventive measures? While where at it: How does one effectively kill an automatic transmission?

Any input from someone who has a similar setup would be much appreciated.

Lars O







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    Re: Adding power with AW-71? 700 1990

    posted by  someone claiming to be dick on  Mon Apr 30 04:57 CST 2001 [RELATED]

    Believe this is the same transmission as used in the turbo and it is a very capable unit. According to turbobricks site, it is used a lot with little problems unless you really get into the high HP. Change fluid and install a filter and keep it cool. Have heard the synthetics keep tranies even cooler-----keeps them going longer.

    dick







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    Re: Adding power with AW-71? 700 1990

    posted by  someone claiming to be philip bradley on  Mon Apr 30 03:02 CST 2001 [RELATED]

    Much depends on when the power comes in. With a stock torque converter, your trans will probably not be compromised much. With a higher stall converter, you will put more power to the trans sooner. I wrecked one AW71 this way. The remedy is a performance valve body. Level 10 sells them for about $600. Adding one will dramatically increase the torque capacity of your otherwise stock AW71. The valve body is more important than a rebuild with heavier duty clutchs (though if you do need a trans and you decide to rebuild rather than to replace with a low mileage used unit, you might as well pay a little more for heavier duty clutches).

    Philip Bradley







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      Re: Adding power with AW-71? 700 1990

      posted by  someone claiming to be Nick Choy on  Mon Apr 30 07:42 CST 2001 [RELATED]

      Philip,

      So I take it your tranny issues were solved? I know last time we talked, you had some problems dialing in that Level 10 valve body. I might consider this upgrade at a later time, if it's not too much hassle.

      I was perusing the local U-Pull this Sunday, and found some 4spd/OD trannies in what appeared to be turbo diesel 700s. It got me wondering if they'd fit in my car. I believe both engines were 6cyl turbo diesels.

      Later,







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        Re: Adding power with AW-71? 700 1990

        posted by  someone claiming to be Fimum Fit on  Mon Apr 30 13:32 CST 2001 [RELATED]

        I suspect that transmissions from diesel RWD Volvoes will be Z-F rather than AW. The Z-F boxes have a lot of torque capacity but are subject to that smog-test burn out problem made famous by BMW and Volvo gas cars in recent months -- some sequence of reving the motor after shifting to park, as required for certain smog tests, burns up the clutches. I don't remember the details, since I don't have one to worry about right now.






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