I am into cars and automotive technology (hobby-wise). I graduated from uni in a totally different field (International Public Adninistration).
I have a E34 BMW 530iA V8. 3000CC V8 with a 5 speed auto which I am restoring.
I started overhauling an identical automatic transmission. I had 0,0 knowledge on autoboxes but do have a knack for electro-mechanical stuff.
This is a partially stripped valve body. The complete valve body engages and disengages certain gears based on throttle position (your foot on the pedal), engine RPMS and engine temperature.
These are the drums that hold clutches that are used to influence how the ravigneaux planetary system is used.
Putting those drums with new clutches in the right order in the transmission case is basically how you rebuild it.
Other projects for my car include a complete engine rebuild on a spare engine, complete strip and repaint and many other car enthousiast stuff.