ATS Diesel Performance® - Co-Pilot RACE Version™ Look-Up Transmission Controller Kit

The Co-Pilot controls line pressure, clutch timing, by-passes the low sprag under high torque situations and locks the converter as early as 2ndgear providing there is sufficient engine torque. Line pressure is limited in a stock 68RFE to 170 PSI. Unfortunately, this is not high enough to reliably prevent clutch slippage above 400hp. The Co-Pilot reads boost pressure and throttle position to quickly take control of line pressure when it is needed. However, when the vehicle is driven lightly, line pressure is near stock for comfortable shifts. This is all done automatically in the controller.

How much line pressure can be generated varies on whether it is a stock or ATS transmission. On a stock transmission, the Co-Pilot can reach max line pressure quicker than the factory TCM commands. This helps in avoiding clutch slip during the change from constant speed to quick acceleration. On an ATS-built 68RFE, line pressure can be nearly doubled to increase holding capacity and prevent clutch slip.

Clutch timing is programmed into the Co-Pilot and crucial to clutch pack life. On a stock or ATS transmission, clutch timing is optimized to reduce wear on clutch packs, efficiently transfer power and increase reliability.

The 68RFE low sprag assists in transferring power between 1st and 2nd gear. With high mileage, or more power than stock, hard acceleration in 1st gear can cause the sprag to fail. Catastrophic transmission failure will result. The ATS Co-Pilot routes power around the low sprag to eliminate this potential failure.

The torque converter lock-up strategy on a stock 68RFE leaves a lot to be desired. The factory TCM will command lock-up at a very low speed when at light throttle, this causes a sluggish condition, low boost and poor drivability. At higher power levels the factory TCM will not command the torque converter clutch until the throttle is reduced or a speed of over 90 MPH is achieved. By locking so late in the power band, a considerably amount of usable torque is left on the table. The ATS 68RFE Co-Pilot will lock the torque converter in 2nd gear, as low as 20 mph, under part or full throttle - along as the Co-Pilot senses there is clean usable power. This allows the inherent torque of the Cummins engine to be used for better efficiency and performance.

Lock-up occurs automatically based on several conditions being met. The controller will display up and down arrows ? allowing the user to choose from various modes.