change from 3 to 4 speed automatic transmission, when?

[Chris500]

I want to fill my next availabel garage space with a Turbo R or Brooklands. As a low rev Autobahn cruising is a mandatory requirement I am wondering when Bentley changed from the 3 speed to a 4 speed auto transmission. Did this occur with the change of the shift in '93 or earlier? I have been told that the Eight models had 4 speed in the late eighties already. No one to ask around, even Bentley just left a message that they will find out and come back - thats 5 days ago.

Another issue is the catalytic converter. When did Bentley start to have them installed?

I hope anybody in this Forum is able to help answer my questions. Thanks for that Chris

[Balmoral Green]

4 speed GM 4L80E replaced the GM 400 3 speed winter 91/92. Worth bearing in mind that many prefer the 3 speed to the 4 speed, myself included. There are also reliability issues with the 4 speed, and replacements, unless brand new from Bentley, are not even warranted.

Cats became a legal requirement on all cars registered from 01/01/92, I expect they were phased in during 1991.

If you can find last months (August) edition of Practical Performance Car magazine, they have a pretty good buyers guide.

Edited by Balmoral Green on Friday 22 September 16:48

[Chris500]

Thanks Warren. Very helpful your comments. Will try to get the Practical Performance Car magazine.

Why are you prefering the 3 over the 4 speed trans.? Just for reliablility reasons? Thanks again for your reply. Chris

[Balmoral Green]

I prefer the column change to the centre console change, the four speed didnt really give any performance advantage either, in fact under certain circumstances the three speed can be a bit quicker, especially on a circuit. Dont know why that is. But as you want longer legs, the four speed may be the right option for you.

[Chris500]

Balmoral Green said:

I prefer the column change to the centre console change, the four speed didnt really give any performance advantage either, in fact under certain circumstances the three speed can be a bit quicker, especially on a circuit. Dont know why that is. But as you want longer legs, the four speed may be the right option for you.

Thanks. I will let you know what car I have ended up with.

[jhoneyball]

I like the 4 speed in my RT

The 4th gear gives heroic cruising capability -- 40mph per thou, with lockup. 80mph = 2000rpm

[Chris500]

Balmoral Green said:

4 speed GM 4L80E replaced the GM 400 3 speed winter 91/92. Worth bearing in mind that many prefer the 3 speed to the 4 speed, myself included. There are also reliability issues with the 4 speed, and replacements, unless brand new from Bentley, are not even warranted.

Cats became a legal requirement on all cars registered from 01/01/92, I expect they were phased in during 1991.

If you can find last months (August) edition of Practical Performance Car magazine, they have a pretty good buyers guide.

Edited by Balmoral Green on Friday 22 September 16:48

Just received the envelope from Practical Performance Car Magazine with the Bentley Turbo article from the August edition. Great service - no charge! Another great car magazine from the island. Thanks again for the hint. This article has some very usefull informations. Chris