what are yalls thoughts on getting a shift kit (i.e. what type, which one should i get one, or should i even get one) i have a 454 with a stock 350 automatic transmission. what exactly are the advantages/disadvantages of shift kits. thanks for any help


[Modified by ykp53, 12:56 PM 8/17/2001]

 

I don't know very much on this subject but if you get one it will defanitly bark the tires in every gear(if it doesn't already)...You'll have to wait for some more knowladgable people answer, because I don't know that much 'bout them

Daniel

 

ykp;

I had a shift kit installed in my TH400 in the last 60 days. Mine is a kit from Trans Go, cost of the kit was about $130. I had it installed at the same time I had my transmission rebuilt. If your transmission is in good condition, you may not have to rebuild before your installation. The kit does two things: 1. Helps eliminate the inherent weaknesses of the transmission which can cause wear and failure; 2. Improves the shift feel, i.e. the transmission shifts much firmer and faster. My TH 400 is behind a fairly mild 406 and I couldn't be happier. If you do have a kit installed, I encourage you to do a couple of things in addition. Unless they're already new, replace all your u-joints, both in the driveline and half shafts. If your half shafts are attached to the side yokes with U-bolts, upgrade to the heavy duty caps and capscrews. The first time you experience the 1-2 shift at WOT you'll know why. You'll want to nail the throttle hard every time no one is looking, and, especially with that fat rat, your drive train has to be ready for the shock. Find a transmission man you trust and have him evaluate your transmission before you spend the money for the kit. He will road test the car and pull the transmission pan and see how much mud you've got in there. My experience has been that the shift kit was one of the best improvements I've made in the car.

 

There are no disadvantages to a shift kit as far as the transmission is concerned. From everything I've read, a shift kit will bring your transmission much closer to the way it is "supposed to work" and a kit is also supposed to extend it's life (because of less built-in clutch slippage & heat build-up).

From a driving standpoint, the only negative I've heard is breaking the tires loose under hard acceleration around curves (including on-ramps). Because of that fear, I chose the HD/Towing option with my B&M shift kit in my TH350 versus the Street/Strip. I noticed a definite & enjoyable improvement, but the next transmission I have will definitely have the more aggressive option and I will just learn how to deal with the change.

If you have a "transmission guy" in mind, definitely talk to him. My B&M kit was a relatively easy install (http://users.erols.com/jerryp58/corvette/bnmkit.htm) and the kit was cheap at $25, but with a big block, you may want to consider the more comprehensive Trans-Go type kits.

Bottom Line: I would whole-heartedly encourage anyone who enjoys performance cars to add a shift kit to their auto trans.

Hope this helps. Let us know what you do.

 

I have a shift kit in my 72 and it was one of the best things I ever did! That and an adjustible modulator made mine fun to drive. It was a real dog before. I had mine set on the milder setting as opposed to the more radical and its just fine.

 

I can bark the tires in every gear if I want, but I have to try. Mine is a street and strip shift kit and it will only bark the tires if I want it to.

 

i have a fairbanks kit in my trans.under real hard acceleration it will chirp 3rd and spin second, normal driving real nice firm second gear and slight chirp if i lightly get on it...