Cost: A good four-speed runs from $1,000 to $1,200 and
that does not include the maintenance of the clutch The TCI® usually
runs $300 to $500 less for our basic setup.
Weight: Most of our racers have found that the automatic is 50 to
60 pounds lighter than a standard four-speed. The weight alone saves
wear and tear on the valve train and the drive train.
Performance: The TCI® Automatic transmission's performance is
outstanding. Several of our racers who have switched from the
four-speed have experienced improved performance. In fact, they have
been surprised because the Automatic has been more responsive off the
turns than the standard shift transmission, plus the engine picks up
much quicker. With the TCI® Automatic they have had excellent throttle
response in the corners and on restarts. In addition, the TCI® Automatic is consistent for every race, so you don't have to adjust
the clutch before each event.
Q:
How does the TCI® Circlematic transmission work?
A:
Actually, we offer two types of Circlematics. The clutch pedal style and the
latest 'clutch less' style. The clutch pedal style works similar to a
standard shift transmission. Using a clutch pedal arrangement, the
driver's hands are free to work the shifter and steering wheel. To
take off, you simply depress the clutch pedal, select the desired
gear and slowly release the clutch pedal while feathering the throttle.
Unlike driving a manual shift transmission, once the
vehicle is underway you may shift from low to high or from high to
low without depressing the clutch pedal.
The 'clutchless' style works similar to a
Powerglide with a working torque converter. It is
very simple to install because the shifter is the only external
control required. To take off, you simply put the transmission in low
gear and slowly depress the throttle. Once you're moving, you can
shift to high gear; even at wide-open throttle! Reverse works the
same way as low gear. And, because it's a reverse shift pattern,
there's no chance of bumping the shifter into neutral or reverse
during upshifts.
Q:
How do you set up the clutch on a pedal style Circlematic?
A:
We recommend using a hydraulic clutch pedal with a push-type
cylinder to activate the detent lever. Mount the slave cylinder to
the transmission bellhousing. Just drill your bolt holes into the
bellhousing and mount a bracket.. that will hold the slave cylinder
securely in place. The detent lever must move 1/2" to the rear
of the transmission to allow the body to fully release or
"dump" the pressure. The TCI® return spring must be mounted
to the detent to provide sufficient force to return the detent lever
against the stop.
Q:
What is the shift pattern of the TCI® unit?
A:
The
pedal style uses a standard shift pattern of a Powerglide
transmission; Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low, and the
'clutch less' style uses a reverse shift pattern; Park, Reverse, Neutral,
Low, Drive.
