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This flexible steering coupler matches the fit and function of a cracked, worn or deteriorated original equipment coupler. Made of tough materials for durable, reliable performance, this part has undergone extensive testing to ensure a proper fit.

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DRIVETRAIN SPECIALISTS THE GEARBOX FACTORY RECENTLY COMPLETED A STAGE 3 UPGRADE ON A CORVETTE. WE EXPLORE WHAT MADE THIS PROJECT SPECIAL

The Gearbox Factory in East Tamaki, Auckland, is a drivetrain specialist company that covers automatics, manuals, DSGs, DCTs, transfer cases, differentials, and wheel bearings. For the past 48 years, along with servicing all passenger vehicles and light commercial trucks, they have rebuilt hundreds of TH700R4/4L60s and 4L60E/4L65Es. For this particular Stage 3 upgrade they called on six staff members’ 100-plus years of combined experience to subframe and detached the trans from all components. The trans was then completely stripped apart, cleaned up, and assessed. All the upgrades were then carefully applied to the rebuild. The torque convertor was cut open in their dedicated machine shop and rebuilt with new bearings, seals, and upgraded lockup. Once the overhaul was complete, the fitting team pieced it back together, ready for road testing. After testing was complete and the clutch packs were bedded in, the vehicle was spanner and leak checked, and wiped down ready for the customer to collect.

Now for an explanation of what the different stages entail. (Warranty: Stage 1 & 2, 12 months, 20,000 kms workmanship and part warranty applies. Stage 3, 12 months, 20,000 kms limited workmanship & warranty applies but no warranty if used in competition.)

STAGE 1 coordinate a successful, tailor-made package. This is how the technical feat was achieved:

This Corvette had a Stage 3 package fitted, capable of handling its 700-plus HP. Everything was done in house. They removed the rear

Rated up to 350Kw. Master rebuild kit with 3/4 Z-Pack High Performance clutches, HD band, upgraded torque converter lock-up lining.

STAGE 2

Rated up to 450Kw. Master rebuild kit with 3/4 Z-Pack High Performance clutches, HD band, HD2 reprogramming kit with combined servo package, upgraded torque converter lock-up lining.

STAGE 3

Rated up to 550Kw — Master rebuild kit with competition clutch packs, HD band, highstrength input shaft, smart-tech housing kit, HD2 reprogramming kit with combined servo package, upgraded torque converter lock-up lining.

The TH700R4/4L60 are hydraulically controlled four-speed automatic transmissions. They were introduced in 1982 as a response to fuel economy pressures, to be phased in as the replacement for the TH350 (three speed). The transmission’s principal new feature was its 30 per cent overdrive. The 4L60E /4L65E were later phased in, which introduced an updated electronically controlled version. Both hydraulic and electronic transmissions were fitted to a wide range of GM models like Corvette, Camaro, Silverado, and Commodore. Holden were using these transmissions in the mid 90s, right through to the 00s. Strapped behind the LS1 motors (which cranked out 250Kw), the factorybuilt transmissions were simply not up to the task. Once the R8 ClubSport was released, pushing 300plus Kw, The Gearbox Factory were overhauling one to two per week. Keeping their technicians up to date with the latest information has given them the experience and knowledge to piece together

3 Stage upgrades that prevent common failures and increase overall strength.

Visit: gearboxfactory.co.nz, or telephone 0800 443 272, or 09 274 8340 for more information.