Transmission Speculation.
 

Some of you out there may have seen already that the transmission to be used is a bit of a concern of mine. This comes from my Supra background and knowing that it's nice to never have to worry about your transmission regardless of the power you throw at it (with the exception of the R154's minor thrust washer issue).

What I've seen thrown around here is that the FR-S will be using the same 6 speed that is used in the Altezza, RX-8, S2000 and MX5. This is the Aisin AZ6. None of those 4 cars are known for massive amounts of torque, which is a bit of a worry to me. However these cars are also ones that I have limited personal experience with and would welcome input from those that have to tells us what you know about their power-handling ability.

But on the other hand there is this:

http://www.aisin-ai.co.jp/english/products/fr.html

I don't know if this list is complete, but no AZ6 on it.

There is however the AY6 which is used in such vehicles as the new IS, Tacoma and FJ Cruiser. All with significantly more torque than the above four. And if Toyota continues its habit of over-building their truck transmissions, I will be happy.

Thoughts?

If you are expecting massive amounts of torque you are going to be disappointed. This car isnt a Supra. The cars you mentioned were designed for agility and not power. Like the ft86 will be. (I refuse to call it FR-S until official announcement)

My .02

Gotta agree with Dixie on this one. Boxer engine have/can get goo tq out of it, but my guess is, it won't have high tq like Supra or Skyline which mean it doesn't need to have Supra or Skyline tranny.

I, myself don't have much knowledge on this part, but I don't hear much problem with Altezza, Rx-8, S2k or Mx-5 having tranny problems, but more of rear axle & diff problem more.

It's not the amount of torque that it starts with, it's what it's going to end up with. :)

If it can handle 400 lb-ft to the wheels without looking for a new drivetrain I will be happy. (don't care if it comes from the factory with a turbo or not, mine's going to get boosted)

Then, I'm pretty sure some after market company will make a parts to stiffen up the drivetrain (just like S2k).

What are the weak points on the S2000? You said axles and diff, but do you know at what power levels? And under what conditions (drag launch with slicks, road racing, etc...)?

My friend said, Diff is the first one that breaks when you boost the S2k... and next is axle, but he said that he takes a lot more. In the full launch condition in any (drag or road). I'm guessing, more on drag w slick cuz it'll put more work

But transmission it solid? Good. Diff and axles are cheaper to upgrade than transmission. (How much power when it started breaking stuff?)

He claim that 600hp will break the tranny & diff & axle 400hp.

Local shop found the limit of the Civic Si's 6 speed was about 535 whp with drag launch on slicks. Kept shearing off the teeth on second gear. I was at the track when they tore up their first transmission.

http://www.racinggreed.com/index.php...ect&sub=detail

I would anticipate that 400 bhp would make the FR-S a good, street-able rocket, depending on final weight.

Hm... If it tune this car into turbo, I think 300~350bhp would be street hp for this car (for me anyways). If it goes more than that, I think it's gonna be pain-in-the-ass to maintain it.

I was thinking of a tuned target for myself. May need an engine swap, and definately won't happen right away, but 400 hp (I think 350 to the wheels) with good boost response/driveability will be my goal.

^ should be plenty of power if it stays low weight.

Double post fail