1996 Saturn SL1 4cyl race

SUPERYUPER3

MEMBER
1996 SATURN SL1

Transmission problem
1996 Saturn SL1 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

i'm racing my saturn in the 4cyl 1/4 mile track. Need to find out how to keep it in 1st gear, it wants to shift in the courners. I have tried 2nd and 3rd but not as many rpms as drive. Hopefuuly there is a easy answer for this.

4 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

That's why you don't build autos for racing, 5 speed is the way to go. Is this circle track? You need to run in 2nd gear not 1st, the motor will never last if you run it 1st all the way. There is no way to keep an automatic in 1st unless it's just built with the low gear selection. What size tires you running? Try smaller tires that will help it run better in 2nd gear where it needs. Best 4 banger for these small tracks are dodge neons and ford escorts BTW unless your allowed RWD than mustangs the way to go.

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Sunday, August 29th, 2010 AT 6:00 PM

SUPERYUPER3

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3 POSTS

I have tried 2nd, not enough rpms. there is no 1st,just 2nd 3rd and drive and the car runs best in drive but wants to shift in the corners. this car was free and i don't care if it blows up or not! i just want it to stay in 1st gear there must be a way to keep it in 1st.

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Sunday, August 29th, 2010 AT 7:28 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

There really is no way without practically rebuilding the tranny so that it only runs in first gear, then you wouldn't have reverse and you would still have to be a genious with the internals of auto trannys. would be much, much easier just to build a different car or do a auto to manual conversion. i can promise you , put smaller wheels/tires on it and run it in 2nd gear, will do better. higher rpms is not always better.