Improving the engine is not enough to increase a car's power and give it better dynamic performance. It is essential to adapt the gearbox to deliver more power. Mechanical modification and computer programming are the things that ensure reliability and guarantee optimum use of the increased power.
In order to offer our customers the best possible power enhancement package, StartLine Motors first tests everything on its own project cars. This allows them to consistently work on finding the best solutions and to carry out the most varied and complex tests.
Once the best solutions are found, they are then applied to the customer's cars, where there is no need to worry about reliability or efficiency, and all power enhancements and modifications can be carried out faster.
Some loyal and long-standing customers end up becoming friends who trust and believe in the StartLine Motors team and allow their cars to be tested and modified as if they were companys’ own. These reasons allow to offer a wide choice of cars for which a reliable and efficient power boost package can be offered.
In some cases, gearboxes do not need to be modified to increase engine power, as manufacturers leave a sufficiently large mechanical reserve. In most cases, first or second stage power increases do not require mechanical upgrades to the gearboxes. For example, some Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW models have excellent reliability with no modifications when power is increased to 700-800 horsepower and torque is increased to 900-1000 Nm.
However, when the increase in engine power is much higher and the manufacturer's reserve limits are exceeded, mechanical and software modifications are required to achieve a reliable and smoothly operating gearbox.
For example, the standard eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox fitted to the C7 Audi RS6 can handle around 800 horsepower and up to 1,000 Nm of torque, but in order to go beyond these limits, the gearbox will have to be modified with mechanical modifications and reinforcements.
Clutches and friction discs are the most common ways of dealing with the increase in power, but less commonly stronger gears and shafts, increased hydraulic pressure and other modifications are needed. Which parts should be replaced depends on the make and model of the car, the amount of power increase, and after extensive testing was carried out.
Only parts from reputable manufacturers and suppliers are selected for modification work, and all work is carried out in StartLine Motors' workshop. Finally, the upgrades are tested again under real-life conditions until the reliability and efficiency of the new components are confirmed. Only when the results are satisfactory are the services offered to customers.
The efficient operation of modern gearboxes depends not only on the efficiency of the mechanical part, but also on the precision of the gearbox control computer, and as engine power increases, the gearbox control software must be adapted.
Smooth gearbox operation can also improve the dynamic performance of non-modified cars. For example, the standard dual clutch automatic transmission (DSG) programme on the seventh generation Volkswagen Golf GTi or Golf R models is tuned so that the engine revs are slightly delayed when upshifting.
However, StartLine Motors' new gearbox management software solves this problem, allowing cars to use engine power more efficiently, with smoother driving and acceleration. These problems are not only found in Volkswagen AG models, but also in models from other manufacturers. In any case, the solution is usually the same: the introduction of new software.
Changes to the software transmission control system are also required when limiters need to be removed. For example, the AMG Speedshift MTC 7 gearbox fitted to the most powerful Mercedes-Benz models is equipped with a limiter that prevents it from producing more than 750 Nm of torque. For this reason, the electronic limiter must be removed, as this is the only way to utilise and transmit torque higher than, for example, 1000 Nm to the wheels.
Programming of the gearbox control computer is also carried out when the operation of the gearbox has to be adapted to the increased power output and the modifications made to the engine. Only a precisely functioning gearbox ensures that all power is transmitted correctly and used efficiently.
StartLine Motors not only carries out gearbox modifications and programming, but also repairs and maintenance. By upgrading the gearboxes of the most powerful and fastest cars, we have become familiar with the most common faults and operational nuances.
This enables us to offer our customers a full range of gearbox repair services and solutions to prevent recurring failures. We can also carry out specific gearbox services.
We can also carry out preventive work. For example, if a customer purchases a car with a gearbox that has inherent weaknesses, we can fix these problems immediately to prevent breakdowns and inconvenience.
We advise our customers on all issues and help them choose the car that best meets their needs and expectations.
