Did you have a CAT on that Stude and run ethanol tainted gas?

"Grumpy AuContraire" <Grumpy@ExtraGrumpyville.com> wrote in message
news:3h5Xj.210482$D_3.80592@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
>
>
> Elle wrote:
>> "Crabman" <C@dud.net> wrote
>>
>>>Elle wrote:
>>>
>>>>"Newbie" <newbie@no.spam> wrote
>>>>
>>>>>TWO, I am not sure if "apples to apples" is as fair a comparison as you
>>>>>make it sound. Corolla is available in cheaper versions, Prius is not.
>>>>>A manual CE would not only cost less but also have better mpg.
>>>>
>>>>Most of the reason a manual Toyota Corolla still gets better mpg than an
>>>>automatic Toyota Corolla is that the manual has a 5-speed tranny while
>>>>the auto has a 4-speed one.
>>>>
>>>>For other makes and models, and in the last five years or so, changes in
>>>>auto tranny design have resulted in it often surpassing manual trannies
>>>>when it comes to mpg, when comparing the same models whose only
>>>>difference is the tranny.
>>>
>>>Actually, this mileage is related to less transmission slippage, not gear
>>>selection.
>>
>>
>> Not to sound condescending or anything, but I am glad you chimed in,
>> because on further reading, I thought it should be pointed out that a
>> major factor in automatics traditionally getting worse MPG is the torque
>> converter. The TC represents a "fluid coupling," whereas the manual
>> tranny's clutch etc. are a mechanical linkage. Energy transmission losses
>> are greater with the liquid linkage. As many of the pros here know. (I am
>> just an amateur who works on her own car and reads like crazy to
>> understand it.)
>>
>> But this has changed somewhat with the advent of the "lock up torque
>> converter."
>
>
> Just a short anecdote here...
>
> I'm not sure what manufacturer introduced "lock up converters," but
> Studebaker began using its self designed automatic featuring a lock up
> converter for the 1950 model year.
>
> My 1955 President, a hefty 4,200 lb sedan with 259 V8/DG-250 tranny
> achieved 21/28 mpg in real time road tests in that era. Not bad for a 4
> bbl carb, auto and pretty good performance. My uncle used to really rub it
> in to Chevy/Ford owners...
>
> In a lot of ways, we really haven't advanced much farther.
>
> JT