Method and systems for improving the operation of a Ford AODE transmission

A method of modifying hydraulic circuitry of a FORD AODE automotive transmission having at least first, second and overdrive (OD) gear selector positions;

• said AODE transmission having a manual valve coupled to and movable with a gear selector;
• the steps of said method including:
• providing an opening in said manual valve for exhausting fluid through said opening to decrease the rate of apply of an OD band of said AODE transmission during an upshift from the first to the second gear selector positions.

A method for modifying hydraulic circuitry of an automotive transmission including at least first, second and overdrive (OD) gear selector positions;

• said automotive transmission further including an EPC (Electronic Pressure Control) hydraulic line coupled in fluid flow relationship to an EPC (Electronic Pressure Control) solenoid, the steps of said method comprising:
• coupling a pressure relief valve in fluid flow relationship to said EPC hydraulic line.

A method of modifying hydraulic circuitry of an automotive transmission having a gear selector movable between at least first, second and third gear selection positions, a "3-4" shift valve, an OD servo regulator valve, and a line connecting said 3-4 shift valve and said OD servo regulator valve in fluid flow relationship, the steps of said method including:

• modifying said 3-4 shift valve to prevent fluid flow from said 3-4 shift valve to said OD servo regulator when said gear selector is in said first, second or third gear selection position.

A method for modifying hydraulic circuitry of an automotive transmission having at least first, second and overdrive (OD) gear selector positions;

• said automotive transmission having a 2-3 accumulator, a direct clutch, and a line coupling said 2-3 accumulator to said direct clutch in fluid flow relationship, the steps of said method including:
• decreasing the cross-sectional area of at least a portion of said line connecting said 2-3 accumulator to said direct clutch to decrease the rate of fluid flow from said 2-3 accumulator.

A method for modifying hydraulic circuitry of an automotive transmission having at least first, second and overdrive (OD) gear selector positions;

• said automotive transmission including a 1-2 accumulator, an intermediate clutch, and a line coupling said 1-2 accumulator to said intermediate clutch in fluid flow relationship, the steps of said method including:
• decreasing the cross-sectional area of at least a portion of said line connecting said 1-2 accumulator to said intermediate clutch for decreasing the fluid flow rate from said 1-2 accumulator.

A method for modifying hydraulic circuitry of a FORD AODE automotive transmission including at least one shift valve biased in a downshifted position by a resilient force applied to one end of said shift valve, a line supplying fluid to said shift valve for applying a fluid pressure to a second end of said shift valve opposed to said one end of said shift valve, said fluid pressure being applied to oppose and overcome said resilient force applied, the steps of said method including:

• increasing the cross-sectional area of at least a portion of said line supplying fluid to said second end of said shift valve to increase the fluid flow rate to said second end of said shift valve.