I don't know much about them, but everyone seems to have one. What exactly do they do? :confused:

 

There are many available. Some will chirp your tires on each shift which is not for me. The pic below is what I have. It is a shift improver kit and cuts down on clutch pack slippage between gears: reduces wear. The shifts on my TH350 are definitely crisper with this kit. If you wish to chirp your tires, others can advise.

 

install one....you'll like it!

 

Are they expensive? Hard to install? Guys tell me about your shift kits. :steering:

 

The kit that Paul shows can be obtained at Napa for roughly $14. Other kits by B&M for example can be purchased between $40 and $100 depending on what you want it to do. The kit that Paul shows is an excellent kit, it was created by a company by the name of TransGo. They used to make the best kits available. As Paul mentions that kit will firm up the shifts and fix inherent problems with the TH350's. Other kits will allow you adjust how hard they shift all the way to creating a fully manual automatic.

As far as installation. You'll find out that lying underneath the car doing transmission work is the dirtyest job you will do on the vette (or any car). After draining the tranny fluid and pulling the pan, you'll have to drop the valve body. Beware when doing this, there are components above the valve body that will fall out and ping you on the fore head (ask me how I know this). Luckily they only weigh a pound - the hard part is figuring out how they go back in. I fortunately made a few good guesses. The valve body probably weighs 30+ pounds and is awkard. The work you'll do is simple, just messy. Take your time and pay attention. When you have the vavle body out there are two internal filter screens in the transmission that you'll have access to. Word of advise, clean them or replace them when your in there.

Good luck -David


[Modified by DavidOrr, 9:47 PM 5/18/2003]


[Modified by DavidOrr, 9:49 PM 5/18/2003]

 

:withstupid: I have the same improver kit (Trans-Go Shift Improver kit on my th-400.Cost about 60 bucks or so..It will get sideways on the 1-2 shift and chirp a nice third. I have it set as aggresive as possible. You can adjust it to what you want. Don't forget the tranny cooler :yesnod:


[Modified by Alwyn678, 10:10 PM 5/18/2003]

 

My kit was part of a total rebuld kit on a TH400. I set mine to the 'mid' level
shift. This setting gives solid chirping shifts under heavy throttle behind a
stock L48 motor. The first day I drove it - was to work. On the highway, I
was slowly passing an 18 wheeler. As I approached, he signaled to switch
into my lane. Uhuh - I punched it - the kickdown switch dropped me to 2nd
gear and chirped te tires at 55MPH. Sweet - I thought. But with a mild motor,
it will only be chirping under heavy throttle. You need to decide which setting
is best for your driving and tastes.
:steering:
:seeya

 

Mine was about $40.00US. As to installation, I took pics of the instructions and they are posted as below. That is page 1; there is a second page.
http://www.bokonon.net/corvettefaq/c3/transgo1.jpg

 

Here's my info on the B&M Shift Improver Kit... http://users.erols.com/jerryp58/corvette/bnmkit.htm

Hopefully, it'll be helpful.

 

Thanks guys, you've opened up my eyes!! :eek:

 

I have had one for years without any problems. :cheers:

 

Will a shift kit help a Vette with a relitivly stock engine shift better, or to see the improvemnts mentioned in this post only be gained with modifing the engine as well

 

Get one. Mine's a little stiffer than Pauls, but either way, you'll be glad you did. Makes 'em quit shifting like a honda. :D

 

It is not a performance issue per se. The kits improve on the original GM design of smooth/sliding shifts and thus reduce slippage/improving reliability.

 

So what kit would you guys recommend for me? My car is mostly stock, and slow. I want something that isn't too expensive, but is sporty, cause I like to go fast.

 

I went with the B&M trans Pak. I think you should go with the basic B&M shift kit :yesnod: The trans pak is a bit more involved

 

:iagree:

The B&M Shift Improver Kit is inexpensive (<$30), will make your car "feel" more sporty even though, as stated earlier, it's not really a performance improvement, and, as long as your transmission is in good working order, eliminating the "built-in" slippage is actually good for your trans and should extend the life (by reducing heat).

 

Thanks guys, I think I"ll go with the B&M. But where can I get it? Will I need to order it? Or would a local parts store have it?

 

Heres a link to B&M shift improver kit thru Jegs.com the kit will come with instructions for more than one setting. like towing/rv or agressive street/strip. I recomend going with the most agressive setting. It shouldnt be too harsh and you'll be satisfied with it. http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...82&prmenbr=361

 

I buy almost everything from Jegs :yesnod: And you will "feel" the difference when you put the kit in and that is the coolest part :yesnod: