Recommended Shift Kits
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
Recommended Shift Kits
Got my engines mods all done today and the car is running awesome. What a differance......... feels like a new car.
Now I was told that I should get a shift kit put in. What do you guys recommend? or any other tweaks I can make for improved shifting. Next winter I am doing gears but nothing to radical. I thinking something like 3.54
Now I was told that I should get a shift kit put in. What do you guys recommend? or any other tweaks I can make for improved shifting. Next winter I am doing gears but nothing to radical. I thinking something like 3.54
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,471
Likes: 2
From: 1993 Quasar Blue 'vert Scottsdale AZ
I'm assuming that you have an LT1 A4? Then 3.54 is an excellent choice along with a 2500 stall converter and either a Trans-go or a B&M shift-kit. It will definatly make a big SOTP differance.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Ed, if you are comfortable with going deep into the trans, transgo is the one. B&M is a simpler kit that shifts very firm. Some say too firm. I enjoy mine though. Thanks too, for your help. I am going to let Nico and Marc weigh their options. Your help is appreciated. 
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 28
From: Woodbridge NJ
When I had my transmission rebuilt back in July 2005, I had a shift kit installed. 1st gear shifts very hard, as a matter of fact to hard. 2nd isn't that bad. At first I liked it, tremendous exceleration in 1st gear, tires chirping going into second.
I will probably have the kit removed in favor of a stock transmission. Like you I also have a 84 with the 700r4.
I will probably have the kit removed in favor of a stock transmission. Like you I also have a 84 with the 700r4.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: 1984 crossfire, Alhaurin de la Torre Malaga, Spain
I also have an 84. What mods do you have to make the 84 run that different I am curiuos 
I wil keep you updated about the mods Pete did build in my tranny. I asked him to keep it a litlle low though because I do a lot of urban driving. A high stall converter may be less street confort in this case. I asked for a compromise somthing 1600 - 1700. He did give me the foot on the floor through all (how should it be called Pete?) and strengthened the tranny by better clutches and kevlar bands. So I am REALLY looking forward to try it. Also because of the urban driving I asked for a lock-up both in third and fourth in order to lower dissipation in the third. I will be driving a lot of third gear. So my choices may not be yours due to other driving circumstances.
Keep you posted!!
I wil keep you updated about the mods Pete did build in my tranny. I asked him to keep it a litlle low though because I do a lot of urban driving. A high stall converter may be less street confort in this case. I asked for a compromise somthing 1600 - 1700. He did give me the foot on the floor through all (how should it be called Pete?) and strengthened the tranny by better clutches and kevlar bands. So I am REALLY looking forward to try it. Also because of the urban driving I asked for a lock-up both in third and fourth in order to lower dissipation in the third. I will be driving a lot of third gear. So my choices may not be yours due to other driving circumstances.
Keep you posted!!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
So from what I'm seeing the b&m kit is a easy kit to install with very firm shifts? Can a do it yourselfer install this?
The trans go is a harder kit to install but not as firm when shifting?
If I go with the b&m kit and install it myself is there anything else that should be done while having the transmission pan off the car?
I just don't want to find out after a kit gets installed that there should have been something else done while in there.
thanks
The trans go is a harder kit to install but not as firm when shifting?
If I go with the b&m kit and install it myself is there anything else that should be done while having the transmission pan off the car?
I just don't want to find out after a kit gets installed that there should have been something else done while in there.
thanks
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
Originally Posted by Nico
I also have an 84. What mods do you have to make the 84 run that different I am curiuos
I did end up going with the x-ram. Was I impressed when I recieved it in, NO. overpriced, YES
After the install.... I love it
. I don't care about the price at this point.But don't do this alone... I've added headers and the 1:6 rockers.
When I first drove it yesterday the low end was much different than before and on the highway I was driving about 75 and gave it just a little gas and hit 115 in no time. Big differance all the way around.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
The B&M shift kit is very simple to put in. I did one as a part of putting a B&M Master kit in my 85.
Pete can correct me if I am off base here but the 84 700R4 left a lot to be desired. There were some major improvments made between 84 and say mid 86. If yours is still stock, not updated, a substantial power increase may be more than it can handle.
Let me echo the comments about the B&M kit. 1-2 will snap your neck. It is downright hard. 2-3 is crisp, not hard but you know when it happens. 3-4 is can be felt but is very nice.
Pete can correct me if I am off base here but the 84 700R4 left a lot to be desired. There were some major improvments made between 84 and say mid 86. If yours is still stock, not updated, a substantial power increase may be more than it can handle.
Let me echo the comments about the B&M kit. 1-2 will snap your neck. It is downright hard. 2-3 is crisp, not hard but you know when it happens. 3-4 is can be felt but is very nice.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Originally Posted by Nico
I also have an 84. What mods do you have to make the 84 run that different I am curiuos
I wil keep you updated about the mods Pete did build in my tranny. I asked him to keep it a litlle low though because I do a lot of urban driving. A high stall converter may be less street confort in this case. I asked for a compromise somthing 1600 - 1700. He did give me the foot on the floor through all (how should it be called Pete?) and strengthened the tranny by better clutches and kevlar bands. So I am REALLY looking forward to try it. Also because of the urban driving I asked for a lock-up both in third and fourth in order to lower dissipation in the third. I will be driving a lot of third gear. So my choices may not be yours due to other driving circumstances.
Keep you posted!!
I wil keep you updated about the mods Pete did build in my tranny. I asked him to keep it a litlle low though because I do a lot of urban driving. A high stall converter may be less street confort in this case. I asked for a compromise somthing 1600 - 1700. He did give me the foot on the floor through all (how should it be called Pete?) and strengthened the tranny by better clutches and kevlar bands. So I am REALLY looking forward to try it. Also because of the urban driving I asked for a lock-up both in third and fourth in order to lower dissipation in the third. I will be driving a lot of third gear. So my choices may not be yours due to other driving circumstances.
Keep you posted!!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Originally Posted by Muffin
The B&M shift kit is very simple to put in. I did one as a part of putting a B&M Master kit in my 85.
Pete can correct me if I am off base here but the 84 700R4 left a lot to be desired. There were some major improvments made between 84 and say mid 86. If yours is still stock, not updated, a substantial power increase may be more than it can handle.
Let me echo the comments about the B&M kit. 1-2 will snap your neck. It is downright hard. 2-3 is crisp, not hard but you know when it happens. 3-4 is can be felt but is very nice.
Pete can correct me if I am off base here but the 84 700R4 left a lot to be desired. There were some major improvments made between 84 and say mid 86. If yours is still stock, not updated, a substantial power increase may be more than it can handle.
Let me echo the comments about the B&M kit. 1-2 will snap your neck. It is downright hard. 2-3 is crisp, not hard but you know when it happens. 3-4 is can be felt but is very nice.
84's were terrible by comparison. That is why we started with an 88 core for nico. The 2 main torque holding parts are the foward sprag and lo roller clutch (rear sprag). 87 and ups use a 28 element unit. The replacements use 29 elements (late style only). 84-86 used a 26 element that is not upgradeable. Guys love or hate the b&m kit. I am a fan.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
What are the part numbers for the B&M shift kit and the Transgo Kit?
Using the stock transmission and since I've added close to another 75-100 hp to the engine (give or take) and if I use a shift kit, is it apt to tear the existing tranmission apart? The firm shifts don't bother me at all.
Using the stock transmission and since I've added close to another 75-100 hp to the engine (give or take) and if I use a shift kit, is it apt to tear the existing tranmission apart? The firm shifts don't bother me at all.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Originally Posted by qws
What are the part numbers for the B&M shift kit and the Transgo Kit?
Using the stock transmission and since I've added close to another 75-100 hp to the engine (give or take) and if I use a shift kit, is it apt to tear the existing tranmission apart? The firm shifts don't bother me at all.
Using the stock transmission and since I've added close to another 75-100 hp to the engine (give or take) and if I use a shift kit, is it apt to tear the existing tranmission apart? The firm shifts don't bother me at all.
Transgo is 700-2&3 it does not contain a filter and gasket.
B&M retails for about $65
Transgo about $100
In my opinion, they only help them live longer.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
I forgot that transgo may require the purchase of a .500 boost valve and a new pair of white accumulator springs, if you choose the firmness setting that requires them. If you decided to go transgo, you may want to order these with the kit. They cost approx $25
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: 1984 crossfire, Alhaurin de la Torre Malaga, Spain
Originally Posted by Pete K
Nico, wide open 3 to 4 upshift valve will allow high speed cruising. Later vettes had them but 84's did not. I have stingraymarc's very close to complete and should be sending them to washington dc in the near future. Marc wanted a higher stall, so we have him in the 2800 area. I will shoot you a pm whent they are ready to go with specific details.
I guess Mark will be here in the south of Spain the last week of april. So we can meet, very nice. Its a pitty that you are that far, I should have bought you a fine dinner and a nice evening at the coast.
I can immagine that Marc has a higher stall converter. You can drive fast in Germany. And he is the guy to enjoy that as well when I see his foto in his profile.
Many highways without limit there. Here its a lot more urban driving.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: 1984 crossfire, Alhaurin de la Torre Malaga, Spain
Originally Posted by qws
I did end up going with the x-ram. Was I impressed when I recieved it in, NO. overpriced, YES
After the install.... I love it . I don't care about the price at this point.
But don't do this alone... I've added headers and the 1:6 rockers.
When I first drove it yesterday the low end was much different than before and on the highway I was driving about 75 and gave it just a little gas and hit 115 in no time. Big differance all the way around.
After the install.... I love it
. I don't care about the price at this point.But don't do this alone... I've added headers and the 1:6 rockers.
When I first drove it yesterday the low end was much different than before and on the highway I was driving about 75 and gave it just a little gas and hit 115 in no time. Big differance all the way around.
After that I will follow what you did by taking 1.6 RR rockers and an other headers. When done correctly, should come close to your performance I suppose.
I am very interested how your new gear does perform with the engine mods.
Please keep us posted about the results.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
To be honest, I don't know. The number i listed is the only one I have used.
Nico, Marc's is nearly complete and I have no choice but to figure out how to get them to washington dc.
Marc has a special gm crate which will make it easy to fed ex, truck ship or ups. Yours I must send truck. Either way though, good things are coming shortly. Thanks for the kind words. I do appreciate it
Nico, Marc's is nearly complete and I have no choice but to figure out how to get them to washington dc.
Marc has a special gm crate which will make it easy to fed ex, truck ship or ups. Yours I must send truck. Either way though, good things are coming shortly. Thanks for the kind words. I do appreciate it