Hi all,

Just got my Z recently, 1991 Jap Spec SWB, Auto.

 

Now, I can't read Japanese, and my english handbook does not cover the switchable auto, so can someone describe the functions of the switch, I've had an Audi auto before with a sport mode, but the Z seems to have 3 modes in total!!

 

What does it do in HOLD?

What does it do in the middle!!?

What does it do in POWER?

 

HOLD seems to equate to the sports setting on My old Audi, as it holds back longer before changing up which I can understand, but what does power do?

 

I've only driven the car home at 60MPH tops in appaling traffic and weather so have'nt tried it out yet, it's now laid up in the garage until its been fully "Titivated" and rust proofed, as although it has only done 24,000 miles from new and has no rust/corrosion anywhere, the underbody protection looks a bit scant to me (but I've been spoiled with Audi's, my current "banger" is 13 years old with 204,000 miles on it, just refuses to die or rust!!).

 

Also, what the hell is DURASTEEL?? Am I right in assuming it's a cheap version of Galvanising, ie. Nickel plating of some sort? A friend of mine made a big thing about it on a Blubird he bought in 1990, still went rusty though (Although not much!)

 

As ever thanks for any feedback, seem to be a nice bunch on here.:)

Ok, I think this is basically it....

 

Middle position for normal driving (overdrive on or off)

 

Power lets the engine get to higher revs before changing up (for when you're GOING FOR IT!).

 

Hold makes you pull away in second and changes gear before the real power kicks in (for use in slippery conditions)

 

Enjoy!

Further info. on autobox, when in normal and you floor it ( and I mean to the floor), it should switch to power mode unyill you back off.

And ( I may be wrong here it also switchs the A/c off to max. out power?

 

Durasteel I believe is an alloy of steel and aluminium mixed in about 50/50 so it is lighter than steel and stronger than aluminium. I dont think it corrodes.

 

Welcome to the madhouse!

 

 

 

:D

Can't remember where I found this, but it explains it all quite clearly.

 

The 4 speed automatic transmission is a lockup type. When in drive mode, gears change 1-2-3 then 3 lockup, giving the effect of 4 gears. When overdrive (4th) is switched in, the change goes 1-2-3-4 then 4 lockup, giving the effect of 5 forward gears. There is a communications link between the automatic transmission control computer and the engine management computer, and this amongst other things, allows the engine computer to retard ignition, thus momentarily reducing engine power, during auto gear changes. Auto gear changes therefore are very smooth. The automatic transmission fitted to the turbo model is stronger than the one installed in the non turbo. Although the gear ratios are almost identical, there are many minor differences between the two transmissions.

 

The Japanese automatic transmission has many more features than the export models. A "power", "normal" and "hold" switch is fitted to modify transmission shift points. The effect of the "power" setting is to delay upshifting, but does not alter the maximum RPM that change occurs. In order to change at the red line or rev limiter speed, one must operate the shifter manually. The hold setting allows holding prevents downshift into second when the shifter is set to "D", and prevents downshift into first when the shifter is in "2". Another curious feature with the Japanese version is that lock up is also available in second gear.

And ( I may be wrong here it also switchs the A/c off to max. out power?

 

Correct, on kick-down the A/c is switched off to reduced the load on the engine and propel you even faster into the horizon.

 

The great thing about the auto is the smooth progression of power during those mandatory power slides you do out of every junction!

 

SimonP (Lurking ex Zed owner)

which parts of the body are durasteel ? All the metal panels ?

Where are you going with this Nelson mate? Deja vu...

Thanks for all the feedback!!

 

Although DURASTEEL can't possibly be an alloy of steel and Aluminium in 50%50% mix as it is impossible to create such an alloy to my knowledge. It does also rust!! although not as badly as mild steel