Where is Steve Chryssos?

[Fluid Power]

I haven't seen posts from him in a while...

Darreb

[68protouring454]

he's very busy with twist and life, coming out with some killer new products.....

[Musclerodz]

Probably hiding and enjoying some sucess. He does have some cool stuff up his sleeve.

[jannes_z-28]

He's maybe gone to his dream place:
http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showpost.php4?p=8153&postcount=31


Jan

[Fluid Power]

Just wondering. His wit and insight on the recent GG drama would have been welcomed.

[Steve Chryssos]

I'm still around. Here's an update:
Nurturing my two babies--Twist Machine and Juliette Rose
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/juliettepacecar.jpg

The old Shay Campbell car is almost done and you won't recognize it. It's now called "Hoover" because it sucks up so much cash. A majority of the redo has been performed by a high end shop called AI Design (http://www.aidesign.com). If Ralph Lauren wants some custom work done on one of his his McLaren F1 or Porsche Carrera GT, these guys get the work. The interior would make a Bentley Continental GT or Ferrari 612 jealous. Color is now Viper Dark silver. The red bumble bee stripe is typical of our "sacrilicious" attitude--only more subtle. The car just came off the chassis dyno. The W2W 18 degree 400 makes 460RWHP at 6500rpm. Flywheel horsepower on W2W's dyno was 575HP. Carry the two....that's 20% loss to the rear wheels with a MuscleDrive™ torque converter and 4L80E, so we're pretty excited about the efficiency of our converters.
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/hoover1.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/hoover2.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/hoover3.jpg

Tyler Beauregard is in town for the weekend. You guys have been working him to the bone at ATS, so I insisted that he hop a plane and fly out to the east coast for some perspective. My little brother needed some relaxation and I knew just what to do: Toss him the keys to the snarling 66 Fairlane with it's four 315's, channeled body, dry sump 392 and Hooters Pro Cup exhaust. That's enough to make anyone feel renewed. He also got to drive and experience the 4l65RR manumatic system in my car first hand. I'll let Mr. T56 provide his own opinion. (sorry, for the camera phone pic)
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/tyler.jpg

As for Goodguys, the new format is very exciting. The performance aspect widens the scope of participants who can be eligible for the top five. Were it not for the autocross, the landscape would have been completely different. If your car can't go left, right, gas, brake for 18 freakin' seconds, it's NOT worthy of Street Machine of the Year. If your car was poppin', fartin' and banging around the course, you have more work to do. It's not finished yet.

Next year, builders will need to back their schedules up to make sure that their cars are tweaked--not just pretty. We just spent 37 hours on the chassis dyno with Jobe at Turbo People. The fuel injection map is insane. World class. It's a fundamental part of the process--not an afterthought.

As for the controversy, it reflects poorly on our awesome hobby. It shows a lack of character. They don't call it GOOD guys for nothin'. The Ring Brothers have brought some awesome cars to Columbus over the years and went home without a win on many occasions. "....Always the bridesmaids...", everyone said. What did they do? They went home and built a better car for next year. Did they piss and moan? Never. Their answer to politics? Build a car so darn good that politics can not play a role. I think it's clear that Razor includes that margin of safety--fit, finish, style, originality, performance and all. Not just fit and finish. The Ring Brothers are a class act. Congrats to them on every level.

The new format is enough to inspire me to try and build an SMOY car. Those who have seen my stuff know that its pretty rough. But with performance thrown into the mix, maybe, (just maybe) there's a chance we can place. I don't think we can win, but we can make a positive statement. So a car has been bought, Jake's Rod Shop will be doing the major fab work, body and paint. That's all you get for now.....

[Fluid Power]

Steve,

Thanks for taking time to bring us up to speed. I have always admired your insight and eloquence. Being married and self employed with 2 kids, I probably spend more time here than I should....So I understand your time commitments.

Darren

[Mikael A]

What is your plan for the weekend Steve are you around.:cheers:

[Ricochet]

No doubt both of you and Tyler are busy guys! Nice to see both of getting much needed R&R. Look forward to seeing what new products you have rolling out. Hoover looks awesome!! Can you shed some light on both the console and shifter in it.

Thanks-
Brent

[PFC]

That is one of best looking interiors I have seen in a PT car!
Looks great, anxious to get our Paddle shifter for the "Dark Runner"!

[Al Moreno]

Steve,

That interior looks sick, can you please more pics.

Actually, the whole car look incredible!

[trapin]

Thanks for the update Steve. Glad to hear you're busy and enjoying life with the little lady. They're only young once. :thumbsup:

[Spiffav8]

Steve...that is hands down the best interior I have ever seen! :hail:

[awr68]

Love the car! Good to hear from ya!! :cheers:

[Steve Chryssos]

What is your plan for the weekend Steve are you around.:cheers:

Mikael,
I was jammed up all weekend. Call me this week and we'll put something together.

[Steve Chryssos]

That console is a work of art. It is completely hand made, asymmetrical in shape and built in many sections to break up the flow for an OE, purposeful look. Like the rest of the interior, it's wrapped in Connolly Autolox leather. Look closely and you can see provisions for an Ipod, data ports for EFI and TCU tuning, Vintage Air controls, amp controls, and power window switchgear. The manumatic floor shifter is out of a late model Jeep. Unfortunately it is very tall, so the trans tunnel required a pocket to drop it down as far as possible. Ben Grasso from Plum Floored Creations sent us a shifter from a Chrysler 300 or Dodge Magnum to tinker with for their Dark Runner project. It's a far better choice.

Thanks everyone
/Steevo

[HRBS]

Steve... good to see you're doing well.
You are becoming quite the key player in this hobby of ours.
Sorry to stop the game of phone tag. I havent forgotten our conversation... I am also pretty busy but will touch base as soon as "that" project picks back up. :_paranoid
Keep up the good work.
BTW... what are you feeding that kid ?

[Steve Chryssos]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51C11WGiQpL._SL500_AA280_PIbundle-6,TopRight,0,0_AA280_SH20_.jpg

Similac Go and Grow. Works awesome! She's only 20 months old.

[Al Moreno]

Hi Steve,

I found a neat video of of AI Design that feature this killer camaro in progress.

Let me know if its o.k. to post or if you rather hold off.

Al

[lil427z]

steve good to see your are still alive . the 69 is comming along .
rick k:thumbsup:

[Teetoe_Jones]

Alright boys and girls, I'm here to say something I never thought possible;

The Twist Machine RR4L65 is like having a manual when you want one, and an auto when you don't.

I went up to NY last week for some R&R and got to drive first hand the 68 Camaro that is the R&D car for Twist.
The trans is epic. It shifts very crisp (not firm or harsh) and engine brakes like a manual does. I love everything about it and I'm a die hard T-56 six speed guy by nature. I know I will be wishing I had one of these the first time I get stuck in traffic again with my six speed. Can't say enough positive things about the way this thing feels. It is so hard to describe, you just need to go for a spin in one.

Great work by Twist Machine. They are WAY ahead of the game in the automatic world. I just wish the rest of us would catch up to your advancements.

Had a great time in Long Island. i got to drive Libby's 66 Fairlane for a little while on friday. OH. MY. GOD. It was sensory overload. I wish I had my camera with me when I first took it out. I was laughing like a maniac the first 5 minutes on the road, I must have looked crazy. Such a sweet car, but it really takes all you have to drive it. It isn't unsafe, but is a full blown race car and requires a lot of effort to get down the road.
I didn't want to leave. Thanks for showing a left coaster a great time. Can't wait to get back there.

Tyler

[68protouring454]

exactly tyler, that 4l65rr is crazy, whether riding in it or following behind it sounds like a manual, especially on double down shifts, really is way ahead of the game and i know it will pay off soon for him.
glad you had a good time, i love going for visits
jake

[Steve Chryssos]

Hi Steve,

I found a neat video of of AI Design that feature this killer camaro in progress.

Let me know if its o.k. to post or if you rather hold off.

Al

Hi Al,
Feel free to post up the link. Garage 419, I think. And yes, the car was painted AFTER the interior. The inside of the car came out SO nice that the exterior, though in good condition, did not live up to the standard. AIDesign is trying desperately to have the car buttoned up in tome for the G-Force Design open house in two weeks. We shall see. I will make my car available for test rides (no you can't drive it) at that event.

Tyler,
Thanks for the positive feedback. An endorsement from the king of T56's means a lot.

Here's more Hoover console/interior pix.
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/IMG_0060.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/IMG_0061.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/IMG_0062.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/IMG_0063.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/IMG_0064.jpg

[jimhamptons]

Tyler, It was nice to finally meet you and I am glad you had a good time while visiting.

Hoover has been a long process from a finished car, to a cut up car, to a finished car and then a cut up car again and now the light is finally at the end of the tunnel and it looks like a finished car once again.

Thanks to everyone here as it is, in my opinion, a great community of car guys who appreciate the time and effort it takes to get these machines to where we would want them to be.

:lateral:

[Teetoe_Jones]

Jim-

Thanks for your wisdom and hospitality. I had an outstanding time meeting up, and thanks again for the opportunity to drive that yellow beast!

Tyler

[ScotI]

....The Twist Machine RR4L65 is like having a manual when you want one, and an auto when you don't. The trans is epic. It shifts very crisp (not firm or harsh) and engine brakes like a manual does. It is so hard to describe, you just need to go for a spin in one.

Streetfytr68,
Please forgive my ignorance of this latest product launch. This sounds much like the 6spd trans in the 335i we have. I was having a hard time describing the 'feel' of the trans when shifting but the details posted by Tyler B. sound like the exact same experience. You can feel the engine brake between the gear shifts vs. the auto trans style hydraulic shift.

I just know I would get one in a heartbeat if they were available for performance applications (sbc/LS1). I love that just a blip of the beemers shift level (or paddles) rows through the gears w/o the dreaded missed shift worries.

Tell me more . . ..... tell me more!

[Steve Chryssos]

The RR manumatic is a collaboration of components by Bowler Transmission, HGM Compushift, Pro Torque and Twist Machine. It's a huge leap forward in hot rod manumatic technology. The following objectives have been met:

-Minimized Shift Times: As Tyler can attest, shifts are super quick without being harsh. The word I like to use to describe the shifts is "Oomph!" We can honestly claim the fastest shifts of any automtic or manual for your hot rod.

-Enhanced Engine Braking: Bowler Transmissions modifies the transmission to engage the overrun and coast clutches at the same time when the shifter is in the "3" position. This is combined with the lock up clutch for just the right amount of engine braking. With the shifter in the OD position, the transmission freewheels for best fuel economy. In this mode, some engine braking is provided by the oversized lock up clutch. My car is set to lock up at 44 miles per hour and stay locked up down to 34 mph. 100% coupling efficiency (no slippage) is the result--just like a true clutch based system.

There are other benefits, such as the gear display built into the Compushift controller. It shows what gear the trans is in as well as if you are in auto or paddle shift mode: 1, 2, 3, 4 OR S1, S2, S3, S4. The Compushift system even has a built in rear wheel dyno simulator and longitudinal accelerometer. The RR system ships with a special advanced calibration that is only available as part of the package.

At present, the system is rated to 550 Ft-Lbs. I expect that rating to increase as more testing is performed.

[Steve1968LS2]

550 rwtq or 550 crank tq?

I need to drive your car next time to check out the system.

[Steve Chryssos]

550 rwtq or 550 crank tq?

I need to drive your car next time to check out the system.

Flywheel rated. Drive it at Pigeon Forge.

[ScotI]

The RR4L65? Is this a specific trans?

I know GM has the 4L65e & assume it's based on this core. Will this technology be adaptable to the new GM 6spd auto trans (6L80's)?

[Steve Chryssos]

These are 4l60E transmissions that are significantly upgraded. The "RR" tag is a term we apply to distinguish the system from ordinary 4L60's. It stands for Road Race. That may seem arrogant, but we want to show that automatics can exist in a road race environment. We ran the entire Road Atlanta course with the 4L65RR using only second and third gear.
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/IMG_1193.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/IMG_1194.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/IMG_1195.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/IMG_1196.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/IMG_1199.jpg

[ironworks]

Can this technology be adapted to any 4L80 trans or does the trans require specific hard parts to run like this?

Rodger

[Steve Chryssos]

Perhaps a descriptive real world scenario of the system's function will help clarify:

I picked up Tyler at J.F. Kennedy International Airport. It's about 80 miles from my town. Anyone who knows NY City can attest to the fact that I had the only 68 Camaro at the airport on a Thursday night or any night for that matter. The area is plagued with gridlock and other forms of vehicular stupidity. There are lots of foreigners who are used to driving in countries without roads or rules.

On our way out of the airport, the transmission was kept in full automatic mode. This allowed me to turn my brain off as we endured congestion. The floor shifter was placed in "D" (3rd gear). This engages the overrun and coast clutches. The lock up clutch will automatically engage at 44mph and not disengage until speeds drop below 34mph. I only use OD for highway speeds. So just picture that with the floor shifter in "D" (3rd gear), the tach stays at speed when you lift off the throttle--maintaining the load from the driven wheels and dropping only as vehicle speed decreases. Below 34mph, there is no chugging. Coupling is entirely fluid--as smooth as a Cadillac.

As we travelled away from the city, traffic steadily lightened up. When speeds exceeded 60mph, I slipped the floor shifter into OD to maximize fuel economy. Note, that I have not yet touched the paddle shifter (other than showing off to Tyler).

We're on the Southern State Parkway now. A beautiful, winding roadway with some fairly aggressive turns and some hills. Being from Vegas, Tyler was impressed by the presence of trees. The lock up clutch engages at 44mph, providing some engine braking. The chugging sensation is just like a mechanical clutch--Direct drive coupling between the engine and trans. With light traffic comes the urge to pass the 40mph turds clogging up the roadway. Check your mirror and tap the left paddle to downshift. This automatically switches the system from automatic mode to paddle shift mode. The on-board display shows gear selection. It changes from "4" to "S3". The "S: signifies paddle shift mode. Squeeze the throttle, pass the turd and tap the right paddle to upshift. The display now shows "S4" (instead of "4"). Repeat the process: Tap down, squeeze the throttle, pass, tap up, repeat. Bye, bye turd. You find yourself carving up traffic like a guided missile. Shifts are quick and tight--way quicker than the time required to push in a clutch pedal, row a gear, and let out a clutch pedal.

Finally, as I approach our exit ramp, I reach down to move the floor shifter into "D" (3rd gear). With the overrun/coast clutches engaged, I now have engine braking to help steady the chassis through the tight exit ramp. On local roads, I keep the floor shifter in "D" (3rd gear). I can put it in "OD", I simply choose not to. This prompted Tyler to make a joke about gas mileage. My response? It's a hot rod.

As we pulled into my neighborhood, I put the system back into auto mode. Brain off.

I hope that helps. The 6L's can do the same thing--only better. We just can't adapt them to our cars yet for various reasons.

[Steve Chryssos]

Can this technology be adapted to any 4L80 trans or does the trans require specific hard parts to run like this?

Rodger

We can adapt everything but the full-on engine braking. There, engine braking is limited to the lock up/overrun clutches. Some engine braking is present, just not as much as the 60's. Hoover and Vinnie's cars are fully operational as just described. Hoover will get an experimental 4L80RR in the fall. Mark is mildly concerned about sprag failure on the 80's. Getting the 80's to shift as quickly as the 60's is another concern (mine). Words cannot describe just how tight Bowler's 60's shift. It's awesome. Likewise the Compushift controller has super quick processesing (like comparing an Intel 286 to an Intel Core Duo) But, for now, Jimmy just wants to drive his car for a while, so we won't make the swap until fall.

[camcojb]

Steve,

what power range has Bowler reached on the 4L65's? I had one built for the twin turbo GTO and the builder was comfortable with 1000 hp. It has billet shafts and all the bells and whistles. I was running 15 psi at that point, so not sure it was making 1000 hp, but a friends combo made over 800 rwhp with the same kit, same boost, and a nearly stock LS2.

The trans was flawless, never put up a whimper, and I did run drag radials 100% of the time. Then again, it never dead hooked either. I just wonder if they have a 4L60/65 that could hang in my car. Currently have a 4L80E but have been considering the RR trans and converter, and with your comments on the 4L80's not at the same level has me thinking of moving to the 4L60 series.

Jody

[Steve Chryssos]

I don't care to guess. Bowler and I are on the same page: When taking people's money, conservative estimates are the rule. Torque capacity is entirely application specific. A weekend warrior on slicks will see more abuse than a traction limited P-T car on short sidewall street tires. Longevity must also be considered. Will a thoroughly built 4L60E handle more torque? Sure, but racers view parts failure as part of the game. And warranties are unheard of in the racing world. And don't forget that WOT presents a different set of challenges than the on/off throttle and upshift/downshift world of pro-touring. WOT function is easy by comparison.

I wonder if the 60's case can handle that many beans? It just seems more logical to proceed with development on the 80. Bowler assures me he can make it shift way quicker than the current Hughes configuration, and he's optimistic about the sprag issue. I like his cautious, conservative approach.

I'd like to see you try, though.:yes:

[Steve Chryssos]

Specs for the Bowler 550 Ft-Lb trans are as follows:
HARD PARTS
-Performance Wide 2-4 Band/New OEM Drum: Used in conjunction, these parts yield maximum surface contact.
-Hardened and Reinforced Input Shaft: Steel sleeve pressed over input shaft for reinforcement.
-Cryogenic Treated Drum
-Machine Coast Clutch Piston for Clearance and Add O-Ring Seal
-Heavy Duty 5 Pinion Front & Rear Planet: with new Sun Gear and new Ring Gear. No junkyard parts.
-SPX "The Beast" Hardened Sun Shell: blueprinted in conjunction with new reverse input drum for matched set. Very important.
-Sonnax Billet 2nd Gear Servo with D-cut O-ring for leak free seal
-Super Hold billet 4th Gear Servo with 30% more apply force. D-cut O-ring for leak free seal.
-Raybestos ZPak 14 element 3-4 Clutch Upgrade for ultimate heat dissipation.
-Borg Warner Low/Rev Sprag 29 element for maximum load capacity
-Torrington Bearing Kit
-Master Kit (gaskets, seals bushings, filter etc.)
-New Inspection Cover
BLUEPRINTED AND CALIBRATED PUMP
-Hand Blueprinted Pump
-Unbreakable High Rev Hardened Pump Rings
-New HP Boost Valve
-New Pump Vanes
BLUEPRINTED AND CALIBRATED VALVEBODY
-Hand Blueprinted Valve Body
-Shift Kit: Custom calibrated to your application.
-New Shift Solenoid
-New EPC Solenoid
-New PWM Solenoid
-New Manifold Pressure Switch
-New Internal Wiring Harness w/New TCC Solenoid
-New Extra Capacity Pan
-New! New! New! Bowler supplies an un-equalled number of new parts such as wiring harnesses, connectors, sensors, etc.

[ironworks]

I'm kinda letting the cat out of the bag here, but we are building a 63 nova with all the left over parts we have laying around, I know these are awesome parts, but seriously they are just waiting for another project and collecting dust. We decided to build the 475 Lsx engine with either the F3 procharger or the Kinsler magnesium cross ram that I have both of. We will use all the extra corvette suspension that we have to build a full width 63 that has some fender flares on it like a datsun 510 or libbys mustang. I wanted to run an auto due to the large amount of horse power and a clutch just seems like it would be easier through an auto. I have known about your product but was unaware that it would run 1000 hp. I have a 4L80 already built for corvette drivetrain but I want the compression braking. We are looking for 2400 lbs and 800hp minimum if we go naturally aspirated, the F3 will be insane.


HHHHHMMMMMMMM??????:unibrow: :unibrow: :unibrow:

[Steve Chryssos]

Rodger,
....Project FloorSweep. I like it.
Remember that I'm in the shifter business--just as Pro 5.0 is in the shifter business. So my system can handle anything. The same holds true for the Compushift computer that my product plugs into. A TCU can handle anything. Think of my product as the mouse or keyboard that plugs into the CPU on your desk. I'm like Logitech and Compushift equates to Dell. :rolleyes: I guess that makes Bowler and Pro Torque the equivalent of a high speed plotter or CNC machine. Input, processor, output. :captain:
The only limitations are in the transmission--same as with a manual trans. Only with a manual, the clutch usually frags before the trans. With a 4L80E, torque capacity is not an issue. In the case of the 4L65RR, Bowler has taken it a step further. He simply asked "Just how fast and how good can we get these things to shift". The magic is in the blueprinting phase of the transmission building process. The 4L60 series has been addressed and the answers are truly remarkable. Super quick shifting road race 4L80's are just a matter of time. If someone wants to be the guinea pig before me, I'll be glad to help in any way possible.

[dave96dcm]

Steve not to take anything off topic, but did you happen to see my PM on Musclerides?

[ironworks]

I do not doubt your system one bit, But I also do not want the limitation in compression braking with 4l80. I could have any parts in this trans swapped if needed, it seriously has been sitting in my office for a year. The 63 project is all about speed and handling, if it doesn not make it stop fast or go fast it will not be in there. I'm only putting a nova body on it so I can drive it on the street. Otherwise it would be a corvette dune buggie. We really want to try somethings on this car that we have not been able to do on other performance wise. I have always liked the paddle shiffter idea for a high horsepower street car that will see miles and traffic. You can have a race car one day and hit the switch and put your arm around your girl in the other day. You cannot do both with just either one, the best of both worlds.

Rodger

[Steve Chryssos]

Steve not to take anything off topic, but did you happen to see my PM on Musclerides?

No I didn't, sorry. I'll go look.

[Steve Chryssos]

I do not doubt your system one bit, But I also do not want the limitation in compression braking with 4l80. I could have any parts in this trans swapped if needed, it seriously has been sitting in my office for a year. The 63 project is all about speed and handling, if it doesn not make it stop fast or go fast it will not be in there. I'm only putting a nova body on it so I can drive it on the street. Otherwise it would be a corvette dune buggie. We really want to try somethings on this car that we have not been able to do on other performance wise. I have always liked the paddle shiffter idea for a high horsepower street car that will see miles and traffic. You can have a race car one day and hit the switch and put your arm around your girl in the other day. You cannot do both with just either one, the best of both worlds.

Rodger

Sorry,
Didn't think it was a question of doubt. I just wanted to clarify for everyone else. 99% of my tech support time comes from people with transmission or computer issues. But they always call up and start off with..."Hey, your paddle shifter doesn't work". So I'm pre-programmed to distinguish the components whenever I hear the word "system" It's like Pavlov only w/o the saliva.
Hopefully, the 80RR will be tested before your car is together.

[Teetoe_Jones]

Steve's story about picking me up left out the best part:

My never ending smile. It was a blast to get a first hand demo of the entire ensemble. I would recommend this to anyone that has an auto or wants to get rid of their manual. You will not be disappointed with the feel, performance and tune ability of Twist's package.

Tyler

[CAMAROBOY69]

I fully still plan 100% to get a Shrifter for Heathers 67 Mustang Fastback project. Its on the huge list of all the goodies I need for her car.

[Steve Chryssos]

Thanks Adam. Nice to hear from you again. Been a while....

[Spiffav8]

Steve's story about picking me up left out the best part:

My never ending smile. It was a blast to get a first hand demo of the entire ensemble. I would recommend this to anyone that has an auto or wants to get rid of their manual. You will not be disappointed with the feel, performance and tune ability of Twist's package.

Tyler

Tyler...last thing I want to read here is a post about your never ending smile, hand demo, or the feel you got of Twists package. DUDE....TMI!

:eek: