shift kit
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Funny, I was just reading on this and high stall converters. Never did understand the auto trans, and I don't think I ever will.
I think I figured out I don't need a high stall coverter. Seems from what I read, it won't help an L98 that much, and would be more of a benefit to racers.
A shift kit, from what little I was able to figure out, firms up the shifts, depending on the kit. Something about enlarging the holes for fluid flow, makes it feel more like a manual.
I'll be watching this thread for when someone who knows what their talking about replies!
I think I figured out I don't need a high stall coverter. Seems from what I read, it won't help an L98 that much, and would be more of a benefit to racers.
A shift kit, from what little I was able to figure out, firms up the shifts, depending on the kit. Something about enlarging the holes for fluid flow, makes it feel more like a manual.
I'll be watching this thread for when someone who knows what their talking about replies!
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,961
Likes: 707
From: WI
I installed one in my '88 and have been very pleased with it. I think I paid around $30 shipped. I hadn't installed one before and was a little unsure how it would go, but it really wasn't hard at all. The worst was jacking the ungodly heavy valve body into the trans while making sure the check ***** didn't fall out or the gasket slip.
It makes the shifts much faster, and can make them much more crisp depending on what you set it for. To hard can be uncomfortable in a low RPM shift, head jerking. The more expensive kits like the Transgo take care of that though from what I've read. I've also read that kit install is more then just changing out a few parts in the valve body.
It makes the shifts much faster, and can make them much more crisp depending on what you set it for. To hard can be uncomfortable in a low RPM shift, head jerking. The more expensive kits like the Transgo take care of that though from what I've read. I've also read that kit install is more then just changing out a few parts in the valve body.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
I have the B&M shift kit. When I put that in with a 2000 stall and orginal gears 3:07 at low rpm, such as leaving a stop light it would really bang into the next gear. If you were to leave full throttle you really didn't notice it.
Now I've got one of Petek's TQ with d44, 3:45's and with just normal driving you don't notice it banging into the next gear as hard.
Now I've got one of Petek's TQ with d44, 3:45's and with just normal driving you don't notice it banging into the next gear as hard.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
I put a B&M in mine along with a B&M Master kit.Master kit simply beefs up the trans. As has been said a shift kit firms shifts. My 1 to 2 is harsh, 2 to3 is crisp 3 to 4 is almost unchanged. Driving in traffic the hard shifting becomes a major pain to my way of thinking. IF you are into hard launches it is the way to go. I don't race any longer and wish Ihad my old shift pattern back.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,448
Likes: 27
From: Valparaiso
i have the B&M 2400 Holeshot converter and B&M Shift kit
Not a dramatical change,but i tried it and i like it,im not sure about the converter
but i guess its better.- My goal i guess is to delete everything that is stock
Not a dramatical change,but i tried it and i like it,im not sure about the converter
but i guess its better.- My goal i guess is to delete everything that is stock
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 5
From: Sandhills of North Carolina
I have a performance tune on my '96 which includes firming up the shifts. I wanted it to be firmer so rather than sending my PCM off again I decided I'd try one of these. It's a nice little toy to play with. There is definitely a change in the firmness of the shifts. The firmer of the two settings is down right hard.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,629
Likes: 28
From: FL
I have a performance tune on my '96 which includes firming up the shifts. I wanted it to be firmer so rather than sending my PCM off again I decided I'd try one of these. It's a nice little toy to play with. There is definitely a change in the firmness of the shifts. The firmer of the two settings is down right hard.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 5
From: Sandhills of North Carolina
Just thought it may be of interest.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 655
Likes: 2
From: Rio Vista ca.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Shift kits alter line pressures, and manipulate the accumulators (shock absorbers) involving each shift.
If you like the results a shift kit provides, they are cheap, somewhat easy to install, and enjoyable.
I would recommend avoiding the transgo kits for a few reasons:
On certain model years (specifically 1993) they flat out dont fit.
They are expensive.
They are very complex to install
They lock the 3rd gear accumulator (band apply pin), and I am starting to see transgo units burning the band. Normally, burnt bands are not common.
B&M kits lock the 1-2 and 3-4 accumulators, and have an (internet) reputation of breaking planetaries. In my experience, I have never seen any transmission that were negatively affected by the B&M.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 5
From: Sandhills of North Carolina
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
I have the B&M shift kit. When I put that in with a 2000 stall and orginal gears 3:07 at low rpm, such as leaving a stop light it would really bang into the next gear. If you were to leave full throttle you really didn't notice it.
Now I've got one of Petek's TQ with d44, 3:45's and with just normal driving you don't notice it banging into the next gear as hard.
Now I've got one of Petek's TQ with d44, 3:45's and with just normal driving you don't notice it banging into the next gear as hard.
On the same token, some nitrous guys intentionally do not install shift kits because they would rather have the "slushyness" of the torque converter save driveline parts.