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Converting ST to Automatic Transmission

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#81 ·
Not taking any sides on the issue, BUT, I had 2 previous mk3 Foci with automatics.
One of the reasons I went to the ST is that the auto shifting was atrocious. It would constantly be going for top gear and would keep the revs low. Pickup was dismal when rolling at slow speeds.
Not sure how this would translate to a boosted motor.
The only possible saving grace would be shift button on the shifter, but even with that, the shifts were very lazy.
 
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#82 ·
RR13ST3 said:
As modern automatics go, many are FASTER than manual version - both drag racing and road course - by time you think of grabbing gear lever, a fast automatic will already be rev matching and squeezing band on the next gear.

After sitting in traffic for an hour yesterday.. automatic would have been NICE!

It's probably more complicated with regards to computers, etc than it is bolting it up - most likely same case as use on titanium n any of other lincoln products with 2.0L Turbo and automatic.
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Mach1 said:
@RR13ST3 Yes!! Finally someone who gets it. Anyone that reads the latest car magazines or watches reviews on youtube know that automatics are now faster in most sports cars! Many don't even offer the manual anymore.

I don't care how good you are, you're not going to outshift a computer!
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I hope you guys aren't under the assumption that the auto transmission that will swap into this car is performance oriented. It will have ratios designed to optimize fuel economy and far too soft shifting, which a tune should help with, but it won't ever run like the ZF in the hellcat or the converter based 8 speed in the c7.

I say go for it if you want but if I were in your shoes I would pick up an EB mustang.
 
#84 ·
The auto in the new C7 is pretty amazing I hear.

Anyway, if you're up for spending this level of money, how about instead using it to figure out how to install AWD instead? That seems like it would be a much better use of your time and effort.
 
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#91 ·
i was considering this option also. i would convert my st automatic and hand it over to my wife and get the rs for myself. my st is almost paid off so it doesn't make sense for me to trade it in and loose all that money. as far as the parts i needed, i think the best route is a wrecked fusion with the ecoboost and swap parts....
 
#92 ·
Drive a N/A Focus with the DCT and I think you will change you mind regarding a potential swap. If the ST was available with a DCT on par with the Audi/VW DSG, then I would have considered forgoing the manual (due to my bad, old guy knees), but having driven a 2012 Ti on a regular basis, it's far from comparable to the VAG unit in terms of shift quality. I still commend Ford for developing their DCT and putting it in a mainstream vehicle line, but it's certainly not for a performance-oriented car like the ST.
 
#93 ·
EVH said:
Drive a N/A Focus with the DCT and I think you will change you mind regarding a potential swap. If the ST was available with a DCT on par with the Audi/VW DSG, then I would have considered forgoing the manual (due to my bad, old guy knees), but having driven a 2012 Ti on a regular basis, it's far from comparable to the VAG unit in terms of shift quality. I still commend Ford for developing their DCT and putting it in a mainstream vehicle line, but it's certainly not for a performance-oriented car like the ST.
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I drove a Fiesta for work with the DCT and that was a maddening ordeal for 600 miles. Couldn't figure out the right gear to be in and made going up some of the I5 mountain passes almost dangerous because of how it'd take them. That transmission instantly made my no fly list.
 
Discussion starter · #96 · (Edited)
909cobra said:
you could remove turbo and go na to lessen torque steer.
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I had the same problem in the AWD Escalade I had before this car.

Wide low profile tires + rutted/ grooved roads doesn't make driving fun. The ruts are just never the exact width of the car. You need 2 hands on the wheel. Also causes hydroplaning in the rain.
 
Discussion starter · #97 · (Edited)
Like I said I didn't get the parts vehicle a 2013 Escape FWD with fire damage interior and parts only title. I am not about to piece different parts together from Ebay to do a project like this. If I do this I want a complete donor car to swap everything over.

Anyways, haters need to realize that not everyone does most of their driving on a concrete interstate going 75MPH or touring around these romantic back roads and windy mountain passes. It's called stop and go traffic in a city with deteriorating roads.

There is way more to like about the ST than just the transmission. Styling, handling, interior etc

I had a Ti before this miss the backup camera and front and rear parking sensors.
 
#98 ·
OP, stop and go driving with a DCT can be hell.

Also, most autos that could possibly fit on to the engine would likely have a hard time keeping alive with all the torque this engine produces.

IMO, you want an auto, sell the ST and buy something with an auto. The money difference spent will absolutely be less than this project, not to mention the extreme value depreciation the car will suffer. An auto isn't an upgrade, it is a downgrade at least in the eyes of anybody you would later sell your car to or trade in.

Mach1 said:
Like I said I didn't get the parts vehicle a 2013 Escape FWD with fire damage interior and parts only title. I am not about to piece different parts together from Ebay to do a project like this. If I do this I want a complete donor car to swap everything over.

Anyways, haters need to realize that not everyone does most of their driving on a concrete interstate going 75MPH or touring around these romantic back roads and windy mountain passes. It's called stop and go traffic in a city with deteriorating roads.

There is way more to like about the ST than just the transmission. Styling, handling, interior etc

I had a Ti before this miss the backup camera and front and rear parking sensors.
Click to expand...
 
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#99 ·
i had a 2015 escape 1.6 turbo with the DCT...for a loaner from when my ST had the wiring recall done. i wanted to return it a mile after i left the dealer. it was kinda quick when flooring it (after the two second delay from foot-to-floor and the transmission downshifting), but the shifting was CRAP when in D and just driving normally. seriously the worst transmission ive ever experienced.
 
#100 ·
Having owned 3 high HP/TQ front drivers (97' GTP, 2005 GTP, 2008 LS4 GXP), the transverse mounted FWD autos don't live long when you get the TQ numbers up there. If the FoST had an inline vs transverse mounted engine, I would take one if I wanted to do nothing but 1/4 mile race. Manufacturers have been making inline slush boxes that can handle insane amounts of torque for a long time. Transverse mounted trannies + high torque = death. Can you say 4T65E? LOL
 
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