In the Perfomance Segment of JDM Cars, stick shift transmissions have always reigned supreme.
Pictures of JDM fans usually have a caption which describes the mastery around shifting through slots, and one of the hands is on the gear stick.
Table of Contents
Defending a different type of JDM hero is not an easy task, but it’s time to bring forth the JDM automatic.
Even though purists might turn a blind eye, it is a simple fact that JDM automatic cars one of a kind, as they offer the perfect balance between comfort, performance and tech.
Unlike the slow, clunky gear boxes of the older days, these transmissions are adaptive, responsive and capable of improving the performance of the drive in ways one wouldn’t expect.
Let’s shift focus and look at the ten benefits of JDM automatic cars, which may very well convince you.
1.Shift Automatically And Quicker Than Light.
One major drawback is that almost everyone assumes automatic transmission does not respond in real time, which, in modern technology, this is far from the truth when it comes to JDM tech.
There was the 90s and 2000s which had performance-oriented models that came with automatic fancy technology with advanced ECT.
These intricate, yet still primitive, transmission setups had very advanced ECT setups in the 90s and 2000s and still rely upon and utilize primitive ECT setups.
These systems and models use, and used, primitive ECT setups to monitor and gauge the engine’s velocity, the position of the throttle, and the velocity of the car itself.
These primitive ECT setups come up with advanced pixelated technology and, therefore, shifting, which is utilized and advanced in modern times.
For example, There is and was the JZA80 which is defined by the 1995 Toyota Supra. In this the modern JDM comes equipped with Transmission “A340E”.
This transmission has the potential to and is able to take up a tremendous amount of force and with gentle and subtle tweaks has the potential to increase the force. This tremendous amount of force is known to be “with ease” and shifts rather rapidly.
These JDM upgraded automatic transmissions has the “tiptronic” feature which lays the foundations of the intermediate and simplified features of the modern dual clutch and manual cars.
This JDM automatic transmission is equipped and situated in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII GT-A.
2. This Platform is Perfect for Building Massive Power
The weak spot of every upgraded car is the transmission, and for a fast car, upgraded transmission systems cost a fortune.
Yes, the JDM automatic transmission is a savior, and the credit truly goes to tuners.
The automatic systems get a ton of over-engineered automatic gears, and that’s a win, because they need to be built to accommodate a lifetime of smooth operation.
This comes in handy during massive hp and torque builds, unlike the manual transmission systems that need a ton of mods.
Consider the reasons below:
- Torque Handling: Automatics are a little easier to drive than manual and this is because they have a torque converter. This is the reason why they are able to sustain loads at a time. This is the reason they have a drag racing and a high horsepower street application.
- Affordability: The JDM automatic systems are upgraded by installing a high stall torque converter, and a valve body kit. These operate at high horsepower. The manual systems are much harder and cost a ton to get a racing clutch and a reinforced gear set.
- Consistency: During a drag race, an automatic gearbox shifts perfectly every time, thereby removing the possibility of driver error. This element of removing a human factor adds to the ability to achieve attainable and faster quarter-mile times.
The Nissan Skyline GT-R, and especially, the R32 and R33 generations, had an automatic option that builders and tuners have pushed beyond factory limits.
In fact, that option was and still is, reputed as one of the strongest automatic gearboxes in the industry.
3.Unbeatable Daily Driving Comfort
Manual cars with a performance clutch in heavy stop-and-go traffic is, to put it politely, sheer hell.
Your left leg spends most of the time popping and, contrary to common beliefs, the clutch is not the most user-friendly way to manage a vehicle.
In fact, a car with an automatic transmission does a much better job of easing the operator’s workload, making the vehicle much more user-friendly.
You can now relish the much-loved appearance of the Nissan Silvia S15 and the Honda Prelude’s joyful bells and whistles without a clutch pedal on a morning commute.
Enjoy effortless character and appreciate the head-turning looks on modernized versions of these cars.
Feel free to focus on the road while you relish the ride, regardless of whether you’re traveling through a densely populated metropolitan area or speeding down a freeway.
The JDM automatic captivates the imagination, offering weekend adrenaline and weekday practicality in a single package.
4.Process tractors and advanced features.
Most people think opting for an automatic transmission implies total disregard for manual shifting and control of the car.
However, countless JDM automatic versions produced from the 90s to the present day integrated features that put the control back with the driver.
These cars were equipped with tiptronic-style shifters, buttons on the steering wheels, and dedicated manual modes, which became increasingly prominent.”
These systems let you hold gears through corners, engine brake downshifts, and dial in the optimum gear to pounce out of a corner.
For example, the Subaru Legacy GT-B automatic’s engine had a rally-inspired sequential shifting feature on the steering wheel.
This lets you experience a fraction of the dance of a manual without any of the leather strap, brain-bending, and the shoe-shoving hassles of a three-pedal system.
A JDM automatic with manual shift capability provides a multi-faceted and flexible driving experience that can change with your mood or the the road ahead.
5.Improved Fuel Economy in Many Instances
It may seem like it’s counterintuitive to performance cars, but a JDM automatic has the potential to offer better fuel economy than the manual counterpart in many driving conditions.
Automatic gear boxes have the potential to provide better fuel economy than their manual counterparts.
Vehicles perform shifting during cruising speed to go to the highest possible gear to minimize the engine RPMs and save on the gas.
An overdrive gear, available on many JDM automatic, is meant for precisely this. A manual enthusiast will tell you, though, that it’s more fun to skip down the gears, the way the automatic’s “brain” thinks differently.
Any manual JDM rides become more economical on gas over the lifetime of the car. This is an added bonus.
6.Increased Accessibility for All Drivers.
Everyone should be able to get into the car community, and the JDM automatic is invaluable in bringing more people into it.
The reason is, not everyone is able, or wants, to drive a manual. There are medical issues, personal preference, and just not enough manual transmission experience to no manual car barriers.
Adopting JDM automatics makes it possible for even more car lovers to appreciate these incredible rides.
With automatics, people dreaming of owning an RX-7 FD no longer need to fear a clutch! Partners, family, and friends don’t need to bother with learning a manual drive to enjoy a JDM masterpiece.
This easy access helps expand the community and ensures that the love for these cars can be passed on to all, irrespective of the type of transmission they favor.
7.A Unique and Growing Niche in the JDM Community
The ever-growing demand for JDM automatic cars has, for the longest time, gone unnoticed or even manually converted, leading to a decline in probability for original and well-kept ones.
Shift in circumstances has begun. With manual versions booming in price and diminishing in numbers, collectors and enthusiasts can now appreciate the automatic versions of the JDM cars.
Owning a JDM automatic car in pristine condition is starting to become a form of expression.
It is one thing to appreciate the car in its original form, but also very futuristic the appreciation due to the focus on comfort along with technology and performance aspects of the car.
As the JDM niche continues to grow you will find other enthusiasts who do appreciate JDM autos and who do not shun it, rather proudly looking for community visits.
Joining this community and embracing this growing appreciation of JDM autos is very rewarding as it allows you to connect with other owners who understand the unique characteristics these cars have.
8.Smoother Power Delivery
An automatic transmission with its torque converter does not just take care of big power with ease, but the fluid coupling also offers power to the wheels in a much smoother and refined manner.
In a manual car, ever shift, no matter how skilled the driver, creates a slight interruption in power delivery.
The ease with which gears can be changed while using a JDM automatic streamlines the acceleration process.
This makes it easier to keep the acceleration within limits. This becomes very relevant with high horsepower, rear-wheel-drive cars, as they will benefit the most from the smooth acceleration.
There will be less chance of the tires losing grip unexpectedly. One gains more confidence with stepping more to the throttle, as the car feels more planted and stable. This is the smoother power delivery you get with a JDM automatic.
The folks at Road & Track have some more informative articles on the effects of transmission on performance.
9.Durability and Lower Maintenance
The automatic transmissions that come with most cars have been proven to be quite durable, particularly JDMs.
This is mainly because they are fitted to a wider range of vehicles within the same manufacturer, thus proven to be reliable under almost all driving conditions.
With an automatic, the worry about a worn-out clutch and in replacement is more of a time-consuming expensive process that a manual is.
Preventive maintenance of a JDM automatic car can be performed without complications by scheduled changes of both filers and fluids.
It is common for these gearboxes to go for hundreds of thousands of miles as long as these simple measures are performed.
It is often said that these gearboxes are the best for JDMs as one doesn’t have to worry constantly about expensive driveline repairs.
For someone looking for JDM cars to buy to simply drive around, this is a positive aspect. For more on these topics, extensive guides and reviews can be found on MotorTrend.
10.Easing the Cruising Strain
No drive has to be a full throttle, balls out race for every mile like some nasty slog through mountain passes.
At times, the best aspect of having a JDM car is the experience of simply cruising, taking in the sights and sounds and feeling of being behind the wheel.
During these moments, these driving companions do the honors of a JDM automatic.
With one of these, it is possible to slip into a more relaxed mode where one can easily take off the rush of the day, with no need to shift and clutch.
It is also possible to be more immersed in the beauty of the surroundings, capturing the unique details of the interior and the exhaust growl.
Such JDMs are perfect examples of counterbalance driving. One is able to go from a spirited drive to a calm, relaxed cruise effortlessly.
Shifting the Narrative on JDM Automatics
No automatic car should ever face such levels of scrutiny – especially JDM ones. The perception that they are boring should be thrown out of the window, as they are accompanied with impressive performance, comfort, and with outstanding modern toughness.
They are smart, practical, and certainly gaining the respect they deserve in the JDM community.
If you’re building a monstrous, high-horsepower brute, consider a JDM automatic a massive aesthetic gain for your collection; as a comfy and stylish daily driver or, if you’re a entry-level car enthusiast, as a gateway to the JDM classic world.
Next time you see a JDM automatic for sale, you should definitely consider purchasing it. Who knows, it could be your new favorite car.
FAQS About JDM Automatics Answered
Q1: Do JDM Automatics Perform Well?
A: Yes. Allocate some time and explore the features and specifications of JDM automobiles and you will find that the JDM automatic transmissions, especially the higher range ones, perform incredibly well. JDM automatics provide even acceleration and manage to maintain, on a consistent basis, the necessary horsepower. No wonder, JDM automatics are a go-to alternative for performance builds, and daily drives.
Q2: Do JDM Automatics Withstand More Power Than Manuals?
A: More often than not, the answer is yes. It is often the case that, JDM automatic cars are equipped with transmissions that are over-engineered and durable. The design of these automatic JDM cars, with a torque converter, has the capacity to manage high torque loads, and with much more grace, than a manual clutch, thus making these cars a cheaper, and more reliable choice for higher horsepower engine builds.
Q3: Do JDM Automatics Cars Have No Driving Joy?
A: Not on the slightest. Many of the JDM automatics have ‘manual mode’ or ‘paddle shifts’ of sorts, which, among other advantages, has the benefit of letting you take over gear shifts on your own. This feature enhances the overall driving experience as you do not have to step on a clutch pedal, which is especially helpful in heavy traffic.
Q4: Are JDM cars better for daily driving when it’s automatic?
A: For sure. In JDM cars, automatics offer unparalleled luxury in bumper-to-bumper traffic and eliminate the need for constantly changing cpe. In the case of JDM cars, daily driving meant ease and practicality, so that’s what they deliver.
Q5: Is a JDM automatic any cheaper in maintenance?
A: In most cases, yes. The automatic does not have a clutch and automatic JDM’s with regular fluid changes, have longer life and less maintenance, known for these attributes, the automatic’s clutch replacement is often costly and common on manual cars.
Q6: Are JDM automatics rare, or more on the valuable side?
A: In the JDM community they are becoming a rare and appreciated niche. Collectors and enthusiasts, as more prudent manual versions increase in price, these well-kept original JDM automatics are appreciating for their rarity and performance-comfort blend.
