# What kind of machine/engine part is this? (In the 1988 Chrysler Turboencabulator gag video) **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 14, 2017, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-machine-engine-part-is-this-in-the-1988-chrysler-turboencabulator-gag-video/786582 "2017-05-14T07:12:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ranchoth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranchoth/32/1066_2.png) [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2017, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-machine-engine-part-is-this-in-the-1988-chrysler-turboencabulator-gag-video/786582/1 "2017-05-14T07:12:06Z")
The video being [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXW0bx_Ooq4)—for those not in the know, the “[Turboencabulator](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turboencabulator)” is a hoax/running gag dating back to the 1940s, featuring a breathtakingly detailed description of a mechanical marvel of completely indecipherable purpose or function. It’s been depicted visually, in print and on film, in a variety of forms over the years. But I’m interested in this one, as seen on a workbench in the beginning of the video, in particular—I _presume_ it’s some car engine component (if for no other reason than it would have been easy to quickly obtain one for filming), but I can’t readily identify which one, or what specific model. Anyone got any idea? It’d come in handy, especially if barescent skor motion is ever required. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2017, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-machine-engine-part-is-this-in-the-1988-chrysler-turboencabulator-gag-video/786582/2 "2017-05-14T07:34:10Z")
According to some comments I found online, it’s a four wheel drive transaxle produced by Chrysler and some diagnostic test equipment that Chrysler had on hand. I couldn’t find the specific model transaxle used. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2017, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-machine-engine-part-is-this-in-the-1988-chrysler-turboencabulator-gag-video/786582/3 "2017-05-14T12:43:58Z")
It’s an A413 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transaxle. Used in millions of K-cars and derivatives from 1980 to 2002. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2017, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-machine-engine-part-is-this-in-the-1988-chrysler-turboencabulator-gag-video/786582/4 "2017-05-14T13:26:40Z")
missed the edit window- I think I was mistaken, by the differential housing I think that’s actually an A604/41TE 4-speed auto. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2017, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-machine-engine-part-is-this-in-the-1988-chrysler-turboencabulator-gag-video/786582/5 "2017-05-14T14:56:09Z")
Hey **Ranchoth**! Whatever you do, don’t show that vid to this OP: [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=823779](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=823779) That much high-powered pure BS turbo-squeezed into such a small housing might trigger a black hole right here and now. 😃