Engine and Transmission Tech

Sort of a continuation from this thread:
[forum.britishv8.org]
And referencing this application:
[forum.britishv8.org]

A little more on that AA80E transmission (the one that comes on the Cadillac turbo 400+hp V6 and the Lexus IS-F, etc).
Development on the MegaShift controller is moving right along and the circuit engineering work may be done by the end of this week. Software mods will take a little additional time. I can describe some of the relevant features now that they are pretty well nailed down.
-CAN bus for communicating with the rest of the network (engine controller, etc.)
-All relevant inputs/outputs for the AA80E which includes 9 servos, input and output speed sensors, shifter inputs, etc
-Brake switch input
-Paddle shift inputs for "Manual" mode
-Input for an "Auto" mode engage button (momentary) which doubles as a downshift button in Auto mode
-4 outputs for LED gear indicator array or digital display
-Speedometer output which can drive an electronic speedometer directly or drive a PWM motor attached to a conventional speedometer
-Up to two inputs for standalone (non-CAN) operation to input vacuum and throttle data.
-And my own personal favorite, an input for a completely experimental and highly controversial "clutch" function. Totally a "Use it at your own risk" feature and not one likely to be enabled by default, this is NOT a launch control, but rather a means of retaining some semblance of the traditional clutch function in a manual transmission car where the driver can disengage the drivetrain at will. It is not intended to let you drop the hammer at wide open throttle and such use is entirely at the owner's own risk, and likely to burn up clutches and brake bands, although we may be able to put in some code to prevent that use. For future development.

I believe this controller will prove to be suitable for non-electronic engines given suitable vacuum and/or throttle position inputs. But we're still in the development stage.

The AA80E is a performance oriented 8 speed automatic. As configured in the IS-F it was potentially second in speed of shifting only to Formula 1 race cars and is a beefy unit, well able to handle the output of just about any engine we might put in front of it. It fits the MGB tunnel easily without any need for modifications other than a new rear mount and an oil cooler. Weight fully configured is just over 200 lbs.

Jim

Sounds intriguing, do you have a target price yet ? Cheers, roverman.

It's not something I'm putting on the market Art. You'd buy a Megashift kit and roll your own or pay someone else to build you one. By the time you have all the parts you need the cost is going to run somewhere north of $300 I figure. For someone else to build it.... what, I dunno, double that? Just a guess.

Jim

Certainly would like a frontwheel drive version of that setup!

Hey Jim,
I might have stumbled upon the perfect solution for you!
Just bought a 1969 Renault R10. It's a true barn find with 14,000 original documented miles
It just happens to have the Jaeger electronic automatic trans in it. (that appears to be the reason that it was parked)

Possibly the ECU could be modified for your use?
It even has a transistor! ;-)
Cheers
Fred

Is that the Renault transmission with the magnetic clutch?

You bet your divalent iron compound Larry.
Cheers
Fred

OMfreakinG!!
Fred, you are a GENIUS!
Can I have it, please, please, can I, huh, can I?

All it needs is a "B" cam installed and it'll be PERFECT!

Jim

Sadly Jim, I'm going to have to disappoint you.
I need this ECU for the Renault.
So to me your best course of action is to continue with the Megashift.
I know it's a tough pill to swallow. But you're resourceful and clever and it will workout just fine.
All hail the mighty "B" cam.
Fred