Mixing Transmission Fluid

[SyntheticShield]

I didnt know where else to post this, so I'll start here. If it is wrong, I apologize.

I have a Ford Focus with the 4F27E Automatic transmsission. As anyone knows, that has this vehicle and transmission, the shifting in this vehicle is less than ideal. The shifts are sloppy and slip a little (kinda takes forever it seems to shift, and its that way from the factory)

I currently run Amsoil ATF in the transmission. Ive got Auto RX in there now and its coming up on time to drain it all out and flush the transmission. It holds 7qts total capacity. What I am wanting to do is add 1qt of Amsoil SuperShift Racing Transmission Fluid (ART) with 6qts of Amsoil ATF. My thought, hopes, goal is that the ART will mix in and with its lack of friction modifiers to help clutch pack engagement, that it will help firm up the shifts on the transmission. I cant use the ART exclusively because its not recommended in that application. Amsoil states it could cause erratic shift patterns, which I can understand that with no friction modifiers.

So what do you think, could this be done to help out the transmission. I just want the shifts to grab way better than they do. I could spend $3000 on a Lentech transmission and get that, or I could spend some $500+ on a Ford Racing valve body or maybe even rebuild the thing, neiter of which are entirely appealing to me. The transmission is not in bad shape, its just not designed or set up from the factory to shift with any firmness. The newer 4F27E's from what I understand have addresed this issue, but I got this thing nearly paid for and will be about 18 months ahead of schedule on that and Im not really wanting continue payments on something.

Anyway, thanks in advance for any assistance. Im just exploring relatively inexpensive options here at this point.

 

[The_Jeff]

Is this an electronically controlled transmission? Maybe you can reflash an ECM/TCM with new software that'll firm up the shifts?

 

[TallPaul]

There are shift kits that involve changing components in the transmission valve body, which IIRC can be accessed merely by dropping the pan. If one is available for your car it would be a great way to go. Otherwise, some companies put out electronic shift improver devices which may be a lot easier to install.

I have an electronic kit on my motorhome and a home made kit on wife's Aerostar consisting of a controlled leak in the vacuum modulator line, but I don't think you would have a vacuum modulator if it is an electronic transmission.

 

[SyntheticShield]

eljefino

Yes it is electronically controlled. I bought a chip for it that among other things was supposed to firm up the shifts. I never noticed anything from it, though I suppose I could have that reprogrammed.

Tall Paul

I actually built a shift controller for my car that modifies the fluid pressure solenoid signal so that the ECU increases fluid pressure. It works and it does good, but the 3/4 shift is still a bit soft and under light throttle the shifts are still a bit soft for my taste. Everytime it shifts I just get this picture of fire and heat eating up my transmission.

By the way, what is IIRC?

I know Ford Racing sells a performance Valve Body and it runs between $400 - 500. Its not really a bad deal, but I wanted to avoid it if there were a better alternative, but its looking that may be the way I need to go. I have a spare transmission out in the shed that I have broke down and had intention of rebuilding and beefing it up, but the funds have dried up on that project, so Im looking for some alternatives if they be available.

 

[Ugly3]

By the way, what is IIRC?

If I Recall Correctly

 

[TallPaul]

IIRC, nothing takes the heat like Redline. That's what I am running in the Aerostar transmission (Redline D4 ATF).

 

[SyntheticShield]

Ahh, another abbreviation to add to my list, LOL.