Shift kits
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,060
Likes: 19
From: Ocean Springs, MS
St. Jude Donor '07
Put one in a 1970 Pontiac LeMans back in the '80s, made it more fun to drive but I'm not sure if it has a negative impact on the trans itself. Pretty simple job, but messy if you don't have a big drain pan, and maybe a lift.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 557
Likes: 3
From: El Sobrante CA
I became curious when I was talking to a local auto parts guy with a '76 L48 like mine. He said the kit did, in fact, make driving more fun. So, when I think of fun I think of 'Vettes. 
Don't want to break the olde', trusty TH350 though; it's been great for almost a year (knock on plastic). Still.............................
Don't want to break the olde', trusty TH350 though; it's been great for almost a year (knock on plastic). Still.............................
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
Actually, smooth shifting is accomplished by letting the transmission slip into gear, thus wearing the trans out quicker.
A shift kit will make your transmission last longer as long as you don't slam it all the time.
U joints may not last as long though.
A shift kit will make your transmission last longer as long as you don't slam it all the time.
U joints may not last as long though.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 557
Likes: 3
From: El Sobrante CA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,276
Likes: 337
From: "ɹǝpunuʍop", Adelaide, South Australia
i've got a transgo 1-2 kit for my th400 to put in sometime..
the instructions give you many choices on how firm you want the shifts.
drill a hole or 2, remove some checkballs, change couple springs,
you know all the things that could go wrong and probably will....
just trying to plan how/when to attempt it.
the instructions give you many choices on how firm you want the shifts.
drill a hole or 2, remove some checkballs, change couple springs,
you know all the things that could go wrong and probably will....
just trying to plan how/when to attempt it.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
Nice firm positive shifts and chips the wheels shifting into second when I'm getting on it.
A lot more fun!
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 45
From: nassau co. new york
i agree with the forum members on the more fun aspect. po installed one in my '76 in 2001 and no issues at all.i doubt i could shift a manual any more efficiently than the shift kit provides.good luck.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 289
From: Chardon Ohio
I installed a Trans Go shift kit into my TH350C over the winter and absolutely love it. It shifts firmer and holds 1st and 2nd a little longer. The instructions were pretty good. I was scared, I had never done anything like it before. Just took my time. You have to replace most of the springs in the valve body and drill a hole. They give you the bit but it broke on me, had to use my own bit. Mine is an 81 so it has the THM350C, the C is for the auto lockup feature. Initially I bought the wrong kit so I had to return it. Very good mod for me.
Jim
Jim
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,662
Likes: 695
From: Danville Illinois
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I put a B&M kit and deep pan in my th400 35 years ago. Easy to do and worth the time to mod it.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 557
Likes: 3
From: El Sobrante CA
