Re: Towing With V8 (was: Boating with an S4)

["Fred Munro" <munrof@isys.ca>]

----- Original Message -----
From: Wolff <quattro200@earthlink.net>
To: Paul Wilson <pauldwilson@ne.mediaone.net>
Cc: <quattro@audifans.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 1999 2:07 AM
Subject: Re: Towing With V8 (was: Boating with an S4)


> > Also, say what you will about American car manufacturers, but they do
> > automatics very well(makes sense since most lazy Americans drive them).
> > Autocratics are better for towing since they multiply the torque and
give
> > smoother takeoffs from idle.
>
> Just watch out for the torque converter overheating because it is not a
> locking type and then wait for the tranny to fry because there is no
> temp gauge on it. BTST. To tow serious weight with an auto, it has to be
> set up for it.
> Wolff
> BTW, the BTST was with a '97 Dodge ram extra cab long bed dually. The
> thing looks like it will pull a house, but looks can be deceiving.
> Nothing wrong with the motor though. (Cummins)
>

The American car manufacturers used to make automatics very well, but the
trannys built since the mid-80's seem to be suffering more failures than the
earlier slushboxes. You couldn't hurt the 3 speed turbohydramatic in my old
'79 Chev van with a sledgehammer, but I can tell you I'm treating the 4
speed OD tranny in my '93 Chev van with kid gloves. An additional cooler is
a good idea even if you don't tow anything.
    The locking torque converter on my wife's old '87 Delta 88 was a major
PITA. I finally disconnected the lock-up clutch and solved a whole raft of
driveability problems.

Fred Munro
'91 200q  280k km