Any long term pd trans results

[Rob09msport]

I purchased a pd unit from Jason months ago and now have to make some choices. I originally purchased the kit but ended up being told that euro trans has my kit and was notified it is mine , after multiple attempts "phone call a wk for month or two" I contacted Jason and he said i could have the clutches sent to me loose from them and he was contacting them, after that they responded so now im trying to decide if I spend the money to do it the supposedly right way or have a shop local install and just use xhp. I am looking for any first hand experience of either type of install and recommendations. I know alot had good experiences and Jason has been good but matreya had a bad experience with his install I believe the clutches are fine it was the converter and solenoids.

 

[matreyia]

I purchased a pd unit from Jason months ago and now have to make some choices. I originally purchased the kit but ended up being told that euro trans has my kit and was notified it is mine , after multiple attempts "phone call a wk for month or two" I contacted Jason and he said i could have the clutches sent to me loose from them and he was contacting them, after that they responded so now im trying to decide if I spend the money to do it the supposedly right way or have a shop local install and just use xhp. I am looking for any first hand experience of either type of install and recommendations. I know alot had good experiences and Jason has been good but matreya had a bad experience with his install I believe the clutches are fine it was the converter and solenoids.

I had to redo my solenoids, so sonnax kit for valve body and buy a refurbished torque converter from ZF dealer. XHP is pretty much useless at WOT so I reverted back to PD TCU flash. The stock TCU is smooth so far and the transmission itself has zero issues beyond the Eurotransmission bullshit place. I am lucky to have the know how to do all my own work.

I recommend finding a 6HP21 specialist shop to install all bushings and clutch packs. They have no instructions so the shop had better KNOW their shit AND have the exact 6hp21 bushing installation tools with built in depth limits for each and every bushing. Otherwise you risk transmission error and shift anomalies.

Also...you will need to know this:

 

[Bavkingn54]

I had to redo my solenoids, so sonnax kit for valve body and buy a refurbished torque converter from ZF dealer. XHP is pretty much useless at WOT so I reverted back to PD TCU flash. The stock TCU is smooth so far and the transmission itself has zero issues beyond the Eurotransmission bullshit place. I am lucky to have the know how to do all my own work.

I recommend finding a 6HP21 specialist shop to install all bushings and clutch packs. They have no instructions so the shop had better KNOW their shit AND have the exact 6hp21 bushing installation tools with built in depth limits for each and every bushing. Otherwise you risk transmission error and shift anomalies.

Also...you will need to know this:

I literally just tagged you in a post and this explains my question perfectly. Only this is I always drive in manual mode. Is xhp still useless at wot in steptronic. Is the 1-2 shift a lot more immediate?

 

[matreyia]

I literally just tagged you in a post and this explains my question perfectly. Only this is I always drive in manual mode. Is xhp still useless at wot in steptronic. Is the 1-2 shift a lot more immediate?

The problem for my specific situation is that xHP is useless in any mode IF I go WOT. it is fine in normal driving and is faster shifts. When going high power or WOT, I get lurching, hesitation, clunky shifting so much so that the car feels like it goes backwards before going forward. And feel like the transmission is gettig damaged. So I just use the PD settings. My priority is SMOOTH shifting over faster shifts.

It happens in manual mode too if too much power is applied.

 

[Panzerfaust]

The problem for my specific situation is that xHP is useless in any mode IF I go WOT. it is fine in normal driving and is faster shifts. When going high power or WOT, I get lurching, hesitation, clunky shifting so much so that the car feels like it goes backwards before going forward. And feel like the transmission is gettig damaged. So I just use the PD settings. My priority is SMOOTH shifting over faster shifts.

It happens in manual mode too if too much power is applied.

Matreyia, I remember when you posted that video and your thread about XHP not working for you with the PD trans - is that still the case after getting your valve body and TC fixed? I dont quite remember the timeline there.

@Rob09msport while I haven't seen many long term results either (especially so of them being put to good use), I do know one of the FB regulars has had great success with his for the past ~9-10 months and beating on it too. He's posted severap videos both of running it at the 1/4 and runs in 'Mexico', he even uses XHP, 15" tires on drag radials and the WOTBox too I believe.

 

[matreyia]

Matreyia, I remember when you posted that video and your thread about XHP not working for you with the PD trans - is that still the case after getting your valve body and TC fixed? I dont quite remember the timeline there.

@Rob09msport while I haven't seen many long term results either (especially so of them being put to good use), I do know one of the FB regulars has had great success with his for the past ~9-10 months and beating on it too. He's posted severap videos both of running it at the 1/4 and runs in 'Mexico', he even uses XHP, 15" tires on drag radials and the WOTBox too I believe.

Nope. XHP is still useless for me at high power. the Valvebody sonnax kit was done because I was suspicious that the Eurotrans guy wasn't honest. So I did it for peace of mind...and I did find worn out innards when I did the sonnax kit.

For my specific situation, so long as I use the PD transmission software, there are no issues...it's only when xHP is used that the shit falls apart upon high power application. I hear things about custom TCU tunes but have yet to see one or know anyone who can actually do it. If xHP could not give me a custom tune...it is either not possible, or they don't want to do it.

To compensate and improve shift engagement and shift times, I use Sprint Booster on #7 Sport Mode or #3 Race Mode. At this point, I really don't even want to deal with xHP...their service is flakey so far. First they get you excited about getting a custom tune...then they suddenly turn left and send a terse email saying simply, "Sorry, you have to use stock flash." <---- wtf? OK, whatever guys.

 

[Panzerfaust]

Nope. XHP is still useless for me at high power. the Valvebody sonnax kit was done because I was suspicious that the Eurotrans guy wasn't honest. So I did it for peace of mind...and I did find worn out innards when I did the sonnax kit.

For my specific situation, so long as I use the PD transmission software, there are no issues...it's only when xHP is used that the shit falls apart upon high power application. I hear things about custom TCU tunes but have yet to see one or know anyone who can actually do it. If xHP could not give me a custom tune...it is either not possible, or they don't want to do it.

To compensate and improve shift engagement and shift times, I use Sprint Booster on #7 Sport Mode or #3 Race Mode. At this point, I really don't even want to deal with xHP...their service is flakey so far. First they get you excited about getting a custom tune...then they suddenly turn left and send a terse email saying simply, "Sorry, you have to use stock flash." <---- wtf? OK, whatever guys.

I believe they stopped offering custom tunes for any "standard" engine/trans combos since the customization module came out and offers a lot of versatility. Obviously the PD trans isn't standard in the sense of factory, but I dont believe they do custom N54/6HP21 tunes - only custom tunes for trans swaps etc.

While I would personally try out the customization module if I was in your shoes, I also dont blame you for not particularly wanting to. I think the product they offer is amazing but I agree with you about them lacking in the customer service department. I dont know if the same people doing the tuning and programming are the ones who do the customer communication or not (hopefully not), and maybe I'm extra picky having run my own company and now working in management for a highly rated fortune 500, but I've had a few spotty at best interactions with whoever runs their public accounts. Between super late replys with no pertinent info, no reply, or arguing about what I and other people "really want" after suggesting things (once back on E90P about shift speed increases or customization, and now with trans brake research) I think customer service is definitely an area of improvement for them.

 

[matreyia]

I believe they stopped offering custom tunes for any "standard" engine/trans combos since the customization module came out and offers a lot of versatility. Obviously the PD trans isn't standard in the sense of factory, but I dont believe they do custom N54/6HP21 tunes - only custom tunes for trans swaps etc.

While I would personally try out the customization module if I was in your shoes, I also dont blame you for not particularly wanting to. I think the product they offer is amazing but I agree with you about them lacking in the customer service department. I dont know if the same people doing the tuning and programming are the ones who do the customer communication or not (hopefully not), and maybe I'm extra picky having run my own company and now working in management for a highly rated fortune 500, but I've had a few spotty at best interactions with whoever runs their public accounts. Between super late replys with no pertinent info, no reply, or arguing about what I and other people "really want" after suggesting things (once back on E90P about shift speed increases or customization, and now with trans brake research) I think customer service is definitely an area of improvement for them.

I believe I have that module already...no idea what settings to mess with though. Tried a couple of increased and a couple of decreases rpm, shift speeds etc... didn't seem to do much at all. I keep it for the gear display...that's about it.

 

[Rob09msport]

I believe I have that module already...no idea what settings to mess with though. Tried a couple of increased and a couple of decreases rpm, shift speeds etc... didn't seem to do much at all. I keep it for the gear display...that's about it.

I'm curious what you pressure and clutch times are you can check with xhp without flashing it will show adaptation values this may shed a light on what's happening.

 

[Rob09msport]

My yr battle with euro trans is over Jason got my kit back from them and sent it to me. Now does anyone know of a capable shop in ct ,ny , mass or Jersey preferably CT but at this point I don't care.
Jason was at no fault they kept playing games and kinda had my kit hostage but he was able to get it from them.

 

[matreyia]

My yr battle with euro trans is over Jason got my kit back from them and sent it to me. Now does anyone know of a capable shop in ct ,ny , mass or Jersey preferably CT but at this point I don't care.
Jason was at no fault they kept playing games and kinda had my kit hostage but he was able to get it from them.

I did it myself multiple times in my garage. Harbor freight transmission jack. A set of heavy duty torin red jackstands and priper tool kit. Will need 75 or 100 step wratchet that is angle adjustable at the neck.

What happened that you had to send it back to eurotrans? Are you saying they also cut corners on your unit? Was there noise and simple fixable stuff that was not done by them?

 

[Rob09msport]

No I couldn't get them to give me my kit after trying to arrange multiple times Jason got them to answer then they ignored both of us and he finally got my kit from them cause they were apparently holding the last of his stock from when I ordered.
Question I just ordered these
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/auto-trans-oil-pump-pressure-regulator-valve-106829804601
And

BMW GA6HP19Z Mechatronic Service Kit - 241523
Only other thing should be sonnax zip kit and that with my pd kit should be everything correct.

 

[matreyia]

No I couldn't get them to give me my kit after trying to arrange multiple times Jason got them to answer then they ignored both of us and he finally got my kit from them cause they were apparently holding the last of his stock from when I ordered.
Question I just ordered these
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/auto-trans-oil-pump-pressure-regulator-valve-106829804601
And
View attachment 24243
BMW GA6HP19Z Mechatronic Service Kit - 241523
Only other thing should be sonnax zip kit and that with my pd kit should be everything correct.

The fluid is incorrect. Jason recommends Pentosin ATF1, not ZF for his units.

 

[Rob09msport]

The fluid is incorrect. Jason recommends Pentosin ATF1, not ZF for his units.

Thankyou Jason PM ed me same thing lol. That was almost a big mistake. What's cool is fcp swapped them in the kit and it made the order hundred cheaper

 

[nyt]

Thankyou Jason PM ed me same thing lol. That was almost a big mistake. What's cool is fcp swapped them in the kit and it made the order hundred cheaper

ever find a competent shop in the area?

 

[Rob09msport]

Yes I had "the shop CT" do the install

 

[matreyia]

Transmission seems to be setting in. All I am doing now is tweaking the shift smoothness...trying to mess more with "torque reduction request" settings.

It appears that sliders to the left (negative values) yields smoother shifts like stock behavior while positive values (slider to the right) yields harsher, and sometimes hestitating unpredictable shifts.

My worry is that using too negative a value like -25 units will wear out the clutches prematurely as stated in the manual. Unfortunately, the unit appears to only operate smoothly with those kind of drastic values. Any less drastic and the trans still feels off.

 

[Rob09msport]

Transmission seems to be setting in. All I am doing now is tweaking the shift smoothness...trying to mess more with "torque reduction request" settings.

It appears that sliders to the left (negative values) yields smoother shifts like stock behavior while positive values (slider to the right) yields harsher, and sometimes hestitating unpredictable shifts.

My worry is that using too negative a value like -25 units will wear out the clutches prematurely as stated in the manual. Unfortunately, the unit appears to only operate smoothly with those kind of drastic values. Any less drastic and the trans still feels off.

I found same thing but way I look at it is these are 33 percent more friction so 30 percent less reduction is perfect. You are like me and completely picky pain in ass for vendors. I think we are very sensitive to the pause in acceleration so need that blended shift

 

[matreyia]

I found same thing but way I look at it is these are 33 percent more friction so 30 percent less reduction is perfect. You are like me and completely picky pain in ass for vendors. I think we are very sensitive to the pause in acceleration so need that blended shift

I just reflashed this morning and did a test drive just now. VERY SMOOTH even under aggressive pedal input. No lag no jerking, no hesitation. Pure s2 HiFlo Turbos @ 600whp. Torque limits were at max values: 737 lbs. ft. Using Stock shift map option. Kickdown off. Max rpm settings see below after first table.

Settings were:
TORQUE REDUCTION UPSHIFTS: all negative values.
DRIVE MODE
1>2 -19
2>3 -19
3>4 -19
4>5. -17
5>6. - 0

SPORT MODE
1>2 -20
2>3 -20
3>4 -20
4>5 -19
5>6 - 0

MANUAL MODE
1>2 -21
2>3 -21
3>4 -19
4>5 -15
5>6 - 0

MAX RPM SETTINGS:
DRIVE MODE
1>2 6400
2>3 6600
3>4 6700
4>5. 6900
5>6. 7100

SPORT MODE
1>2 6500
2>3 6700
3>4 7000
4>5 7000
5>6 7100

MANUAL MODE
1>2 6900
2>3 6900
3>4 7000
4>5 7000
5>6 7100

 

[Rob09msport]

Key is to crank the shift speed if not reducing torque as much it all has to do with that jerk when your body moves forward then it hits again like someone who can't shift. You have to remember they are related so the faster you have shifts set the more torque reduction so then you have to reduce that . I bet if you slow shifts down all the way and then leave torque reduction at 0 it will feel fine. I dont keep like that cause I didnt spend fortune on a pd trans to not feel that kick lol