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I have a 2005 Ford Taurus automatic that has a very unimpressive four speed transmission. By the time I'm doing about 60, I'm already at 2000 RPM. This transmission also really affects my high speed driving considerably. If I draft behind a truck when I'm doing about 80, my fuel efficiency isn't as good as it could be because my engine is pushing ~2800 RPM.

So, is it possible to replace my transmission with one that has more gears? Maybe someone who is familiar with Ford drivetrains can let me know what is possible?

2K at 60mph is pretty good. My Elantra turns that at 52mph. :p

If you really want to see better fuel economy you'll need to slow down. Also, drafting trucks (unless you are in a distance draft) isn't a very good idea due to the safety issues.

I'll raise you one. ;) 2k rpm at 43 mph. Slowing down is your best option.

I'll raise you one. ;) 2k rpm at 43 mph. Slowing down is your best option.

In 4th? That's about what mine is... except I don't ever use 4th at that speed! :p

No! That's my 5th gear! :eek:

Yikes!!! And I thought the Fit was a buzz-bomb!!!

Yep. The Fit is just a touch worse, but not much. HS-P&G is the only way for good highway mileage. DWL works below 50mph only.

That is crazy! I thought my Elantra was thirsty -- though it looks like your mileage still wins out even at higher RPMs?

Sorry to derail a bit, Draftman -- your gearing really is quite reasonable, though.

Haha - we really did derail this.

I haven't run steady-state above 2500 rpm / 55 mph in months. The last time I did, I got 43 mpg at 65 mph / 3000 rpm. :(

YES, I must agree with everyone here, driving 60 on the freeway is just insanely fast... you should go 45 mph ... go 20 mph great fuel economy then.

ay ay ay ...

the automatic trans on those ares is inherantly not efficient and very limited on what you can do with them.

Also it looks they never make a 5 speed taurus in the new body style. they are also front wheel drive, so changing it to a mustang trans or something like that will be not easy and more costly than a new car, also changing differentials to get a taller ratio will not be possible either .

try rolling on bigger rims with fatter tires this may change the rpms a bit , but not subtancial, also some Good (forged) rims and tires will be more costly than the gasoline savings.

sorry :(

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Taurus/2005/transmission/transmission_failure.shtml

This is where i was just at, nice areodynamics and 24mpg at best
Now traded it in for 2008 focus and getting 35 mpg
The best part $55 per month lower payment
This is the cheapest way to get the 5 speed
If you need the turaus for its size the new ones have a 6 speed but you will have to put up with 3.5 265 hp monster it is the same engine in the Edge, it is fun though
18cty 28 hyw and thats with the new epa in place on fwd not awd

At more reasonable speeds, that generation of Taurus isn't a buzz bomb at all.

A lot depends on if you have the Vulcan or the Duratec, and there are several differences in the final drive ratio also.

I've had a Taurus for about 1 month/1 tank, and the mileage so far is 23.5 in about 80% city driving mostly with the a/c on. Thats much better than I was expecting.