Re: 3 series with AT?


"Dave Plowman (News)" <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:4e3bf97ecfdave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
In article <uLWdndbC6a1snwDZnZ2dnUVZ_sidnZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxx>,
Eisboch <nothere@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I don't know the exact ratio, but here in the US the vast majority of
cars are automatic.


And have been for decades.

Yes - I'd guessed that.
By basic definition here, an auto utilizes a torque converter

Eisboch correctly uses present tense, since the fluid coupling Hydramatic
was replaced in the U.S. by torque converter based units by the mid 1960's -
although I understand Rolls Royce used it through 1967.

Strange given one of the first mass produced autos was the GM Hydramatic 4
speed in the '40s and '50s which didn't have a torque convertor.

Of course, Chevrolet and Buick each developed their own torque converter
transmissions and never used Hydramatics.

IIRC, the only other fluid coupling units were Chrysler's 4 speed M-6
transmissions which were semi-automatic, requiring a (de-clutched) manual
shift from 2nd to 3rd, even when the coupling was replaced by a converter.
And for a number of years, Dodges could be equipped with a conventional 3
speed manual (including clutch) with a fluid coupling. A well used version
of one of these "Fluid Drives" was my first car, and it was easy to learn to
manipulate the clutch as the engine wouldn't stall.

Tom K.




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