Re: [DML] AUTO transmission life...LONG

[Senatorpack@xxxx]

You do not have to worry about the Automatic transmission. It is pure 
myth as to their failure rate in the DeLorean. Calculate the replacement 
costs of the automatic governor computer, filter, gasket, fluid, etc., VS the 
replacement cost of the 5 speed's clutch, slave & master cylinder, SS braided 
hose, adjustable link, fluid etc. The maintenance is less expensive on the 
Automatic DeLorean. However, the fuel economy will be marginally better in 
the 5-speed than the Automatics if both cars are driven conservatively.

To give you some historical information, one of the myriad of myth's 
surrounding the DMC is that the number of Automatic DeLoreans was 
significantly less then the number of manual transmission built..."they (DMC) 
built less automatic's than 5-speeds."
To correct this myth, every car company, including DeLorean Motor Company 
must qualify and meet the current 1981 Corporate Average Fuel Economy, 
commonly referred to as CAFE. The CORPORATE AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY was Enacted 
by Congress in 1975, the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program 
mandates all manufacturers selling in the US to meet certain fuel economy 
levels. This also relates to the amount in 5-speeds & automatic transmissions 
the designate of reach model year. (There is a plethora of info about CAFE on 
the web.)
DMC was required to manufacture equal amounts of Automatic and 5-speeds. 
I have a telex from Renault to DMC (JAMES where are they?) Belfast listing 
the number of 1981 engines, 50% were Automatic and 50% were manual.

To correct another myth is Automatic equipped cars are slower or less 
enjoyable than 5-speeds. The enjoyment aspect is subjective, however I'm 
confident that if DMC currently manufactured luxury/sports cars of the 
caliber that was in their objective, they would offer the 
Ferrari/Maserati/Porsche F-1 style automatic transmission, which are much 
easier to drive as well as much more expensive, as well as faster in some 
cases that their 6 speed counterparts.
The R-30 sedan transmission utilized in the DeLorean is a reliable unit. 
However, it is a limited performance transmission. Limited...their are no 
shift kits, high preformat torque converters, etc., available for the Renault 
R-30. There are rebuild kits and service parts, along with regular fluid 
changes and correct maintenance of the CV axle's and boots, you should not 
encounter any difficulty with the automatic DeLorean.

The computer issue arises from time to time here on the list. The issue 
is the poor quality control with regard to the manufacture of the circuit 
boards and solder joints from our brothers in France. A malfunctioning 
computer can and has caused sudden premature downshifting, overrunning the 
car and damaging the unit.
Marc Goldstone of Los Angeles circa 1980s, provided a plug in type 
devise to prevent "Reverse Electromagnetic field or EMF" on the computer. The 
devise plugged in at the diagnostic socket on the COMPUTER, not the engine 
socket, the transmission socket.
I have tracked down one of these devises, however I have not been able to 
test this devise since I sold my Automatic, reliable daily driver DeLorean. 
Another owner, Harold McElcraft in Chatam, New Jersey has such devise on his 
Automatic DeLorean and has reported no problems with the devise as well as 
the Automatic DeLorean. He originally purchased a 5-speed in 1981 and 
switched to an automatic DeLorean.
In addition, the owner of DeLoreanOne in Chatsworth drives an Automatic 
with 500,000+ miles on his DeLorean.

The common problem with the DeLorean is that they were purchased 
primarily as investment pieces. Translated into DeLorean Mailing list 
language, means they have sat for a long time and are now starting to come 
out of the woodwork. The extended period which the car were stored, 
compounded with unfamiliar mechanics that attempted to repair the car, could 
add to your diagnosis of issues and discovery of needed repairs.
The seals and gaskets are 20+ years old, the cooling hoses on the 
automatic, etc., are old and brittle. If you question the integrity of the 
engine of transmission seals, have your car inspected by a DeLorean vendor or 
specialist at your next event.

I hope this gives you a boost in confidence about the Automatic DeLorean. 

Sincerely,
Michael R. Pack