The technology that is utilized in the RFE transmission is leading edge, however; this advanced technology has forced the aftermarket to completely rethink how to modify and control the transmission so that it can still perform and remain reliable while modifying the engine to have higher power levels over stock. ATS has developed a combined technology utilizing recalibration of the hydraulic circuits inside the transmission, including revamped accumulator rates, reprogramed clutch to clutch apply-release timing, and line pressure rise rate to perfectly match the torque output of the engine. These enhancements, along with other key hydraulic modifications which ATS has developed, must be done to ensure the clutch packs have the correct apply and release rates when commanded on or off. As well, the transmission hard parts have many weaknesses which do not allow for increased power levels over stock. Specifically, the light duty shafts and hubs, and weak one-way sprag; these hard part weaknesses must be addressed. We also address the low line pressure and problematic factory electronics by adding the ATS Co-Pilot to control the transmission. Detailed information of exactly what modifications are done to our performance transmission upgrade package is listed below, starting at the front of the transmission working towards the back.
Pump Assembly The torque converter regulator valve has been redesigned to prevent over pressure and ballooning of the converter, along with regulating minimum converter charge for proper cooling and lubrication of the transmission gear set. This redesign also eliminates the common problematic valve and bore ware that is usually the first cause of high mileage transmission failure. The main pressure regulator circuit is modified to enable a broader range of pressure that can be commanded from the TCM. This allows the pump to lower line pressure when the engine is at low loads and more responsively raise pressure above stock to react with increased engine torque and horsepower levels. In higher power level stages, the main pump assembly is replaced with our exclusive billet pump assembly.
Rotating Clutch Drum Assembly and Clutch Packs Clutch modifications are generally one of the most impactive and important items that can be upgraded in any transmission. In the case of the RFE transmission, there is little room for additional clutches so modifications must be done to pressure plates providing increased clutch surfaces. The clutch packs that are increased surface area listed below. The Under Drive (Forward) clutch pack surface area is increased by 21%, using performance clutch plates. The Over Drive clutch pack surface area is increased by 17%, also using performance clutch plates, this allows for better clutch control when overdrive is used at higher power levels. The 2C clutch pack surface area is increased by 34%, using double sided frictions. The 4C clutch pack surface area is increased by 34%, using double sided frictions.
Valve Body The valve body is considered the nervous system of the transmission, the valve body is responsible for converting the electrical signals from the TCM into hydraulic actions. The 68-RFE uses a non-synchronous, clutch-to-clutch design. This means that the shifts from gear to gear must be timed perfectly thereby releasing and applying a friction clutch to achieve a flawless shift. Because of the sensitivity of the hydraulic circuits, we heavily modified many areas of the valve body. Hydraulic oil flow is ported to certain clutch packs where additional pressure is needed. The accumulator pistons are all upgraded to our billet aluminum high pressure pistons and the seals have been redesigned to ensure hydraulic pressure integrity. The accumulator plate is made of high-grade material to compensate for the additional pressure that the accumulator pistons and springs exert during heavy power situations. The weak factory channel plate is replaced with our billet channel plate and 2x thick steel separator plate. All critical valves bores are CNC machined oversized to ensure perfect alignment and the factory aluminum valves are replaced with our upgraded steel valves. All ATS valve bodies are then dyno tested on our Hydro-Test hydraulic valve body machine to guarantee there are no internal hydraulic leaks, this ensures the valve body is in calibration and hydraulic integrity is perfect before it’s installed into the transmission. ATS RFE valve bodies can be purchased separately and installed in a stock transmission for increased transmission capacity.
Shafts The forward hub/shaft is reinforced to eliminate breakage. The Intermediate hub/shaft is reinforced to eliminate breakage. The input shaft is an optional upgrade in the higher stages and is made from 300M billet material.
Case and Pan The main transmission case needs external support, the RFE case is known to crack in half at its mid-section causing total transmission failure. This is a simple fix that is taken care of with our heavy-duty transmission pan, which was designed in part to act as a girdle, thus eliminating the flex in the case and the addition of our exclusive case brace that is bolted to the top of the transmission case. The large, oversized pan also provides for an additional 5 quarts of ATF allowing the transmission to run cooler.
Co-Pilot The Co-Pilot controls line pressure, clutch timing and more aggressively applies the converter clutch under high torque situations. Line pressure is limited in a stock RFE to about 100 PSI. Unfortunately, this is not high enough to reliably prevent clutch slippage above 300hp. The Co-Pilot reads throttle position to quickly take control of line pressure when it is needed. However, when the vehicle is driven lightly, line pressure is near stock for comfortable shifts. This is all done automatically in the Co-Pilot controller.
ATS LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY
ATS Transmission packages carry a ONE to FIVE YEAR Warranty. There are several exceptions, so refer to the Warranty’s specific terms and conditions . All labor, shipping, or any other charges associated with the product and the product’s failure are not covered under Warranty. Labor and/or shipping charges will not be refunded under any circumstance. After the one-year anniversary date of the original purchase, there is a limited parts replacement Warranty only. Transmissions that are purchased separately outside of a transmission package / stage and are installed without an ATS torque converter carry a 1 year parts only warranty and there is no labor or shipping allowance for transmission only purchases.
In the event of a product failure, the consumer must return the defective product to ATS for inspection before a replacement is sent to the consumer. After ATS inspects the product and completes the failure analysis, the inspection officer at ATS will provide written documentation stating the condition of the product and determine, to the best of his or her ability, what caused the malfunction or complaint. Based on the findings of the inspection report, ATS will determine whether there is a valid Warranty claim. Should a consumer require immediate service, and chooses not to wait for their product to be returned to ATS for inspection, service, and potential repair or replacement, the consumer can purchase a replacement product from ATS. The consumer must pay the full current MSRP, the applicable core charge, and shipping to and from ATS’ shop. When the defective product arrives, ATS will refund the core charge and inspect the product. During inspection, ATS will assess the product for warrantable damage. If the original product has indeed failed under the terms of the original Warranty, ATS will refund the full purchase price for the replacement product only. If the product has failed due to any issue not covered under the original Warranty, ATS will assess charges to the consumer based on any parts necessary to return the product to nominal ATS standards. ATS will deduct the total cost of required parts from the replacement product’s purchase price, and the consumer will be refunded the difference (if any) between the purchase price paid for the replacement product and the cost of parts.
If the consumer can wait for their product to be returned to ATS for inspection, service, and potential repair or replacement, the consumer pays shipping to and from ATS’ shop. When the defective product arrives in Colorado, ATS will inspect the product. ATS will then assess the product for warrantable damage. If the product has failed under the terms of the original Warranty contract, ATS will repair or replace the product – at ATS’s discretion. If the product has failed due to any issue not covered under the original Warranty, ATS will assess charges to the consumer based on any parts necessary to return the product to nominal ATS standards. ATS will bill the consumer for the total cost of parts required for repair of the product, and shipping to and from Colorado, prior to the repaired/replaced product being sent to the consumer.
ATS Manual Transmissions Warranty
This section incorporates Section 2, entitled “In the Event of a Failure.” ATS manual transmissions carry a 1-year/12,000 mile Warranty. ATS will not pay for any fluids replaced in the event of a transmission failure. There is no labor or freight warranty coverage on standard transmissions. Manual transmission shafts and gears are not covered by this Warranty on any transmission due to the capability of certain situations to cause stress-loads beyond the structural ability of the shaft or gear.
SFI approved billet flexplates from ATS will hold up under the most extreme conditions. ATS billet flexplates are SFI approved, meaning that they stand up to the toughest race application...
68RFE Case Brace, external 2-piece girdle used to eliminate 68RFE cracked case failures. The 68RFE is prone to cracking and leaking due to the thin material used to make the...
The factory Ford 4R100 suffers from weak points in the converter, clutch pack assemblies, valve body and line pressure limitations. These weaknesses arise when the motor's power is increased or...
SFI approved billet flexplates from ATS will hold up under the most extreme conditions. ATS billet flexplates are SFI approved, meaning that they stand up to the toughest race application...
