I am getting alot of requests for custom tailored shift points on a 700r4/4l60. I have never devoted the time and effort required to set these shift points. It involves swapping weights and springs in the governor. If someone buys and sends me a weight and spring kit, I would take a stab at it. I need someone who is willing to swap it in and run it, record the info and return the data. I have a governor here and will pay the shipping back to the user. You would only buy the kit and pay return shipping. Because of the shipping, someone in the lower 48 states would be perfect.
I even bought a new gram scale so we can tweak it as best possible. Thanks

I am assuming that it will take multiple attempts to find the rpm required. If anyone has any hands on info regarding the the combo of springs and weights used for a given shift point, please share them.

Pete,

I have the kit and am willing to send it to you. I have heard that the weights and springs do not change the shift points as they go up or down (if that makes sense). Shoot me a PM and I will mail it out to you tomorrow.

Dave

Thanks Dave. I usually do my own r&d. I just don't have the time to .

Pete,

PM-ed you back. The kit does not have instructions but I just found these online. http://www.tciauto.com/instructions/326500_inst.htm

Let me know if you still want it,

Dave

I went through 13 or so iterations with the B&M shift point kit (p/n 20236) back in 1994 on my 83 Z28 with 700R4 trans. This car was a cammed LG4 with 3.23 gears.

Here's what I ended up with for final calibration.

12) 5600rpm
#1 weight from kit (heaviest) with stock light spring (grey)
#2 weight from kit (2nd heaviest) with stock heavy spring (purple)

5600 rpm, 8/07/1994 ok.

Some more useful shift points from my notes:

3) 5200 rpm
#2 weight stock light spring (grey)
#1 weight stock heavy spring (purple)

4) 6200 rpm
#2 weight stock heavy spring (purple)
#3 weight stock light spring (grey)

From what I remember the heavy/light spring combination gave the best compromise between wot and part throttle shifts.

When I have some more time, I'll post the rest of my notes with varying shift points between 4000 to 6200 rpm.

Note: The stock governor had 2 heavy "C" weights along with the grey and purple springs and shifted around 4000 rpm.

Also be careful when removing the governor cover as its easy to punch a hole right through if using a screw driver to drive/pry out. Tap lighly only enough to create a gap,then pry the cover out. It will drip some hot tranny fluid down your sleeve. With some practice I could make changes pretty quickly and re-test.

Thanks for the tips. I do appreciate them

Here is some good info on the workings of the governor:

http://yarchive.net/car/transmission.html

I just stumbled across it. For me, reusing the stock springs was the key for good all around performance and achieving similar 1-2 and 2-3 shift points. It seems simple enough, but it took me awhile to figure this out.

Pete,

One more suggestion. The factory governor uses two of the same weights. These kits only contain 1 each of 6 different weights. This always bothered me.

Having 6 different weights prevents you from using two equal weights which further adds to the confusion to determine which weight should be used with which spring.

If I were to do this again, I'd get two kits, so I would have 2 of each weight. This would permit using equal weights to maintain the symmetry and balance of the governor design and also simplify spring selection.

Excellent point. Until I have a small box filled with left over weights, I hope to dremel down some factory stuff . I figure the new gram scale should get me close. If I can manage this way, I will (hopefully) not need to buy a B&M kit each time I want to do custom shift points. I am not going to throw any leftover stuff away though.

Pete,

The kit went out yesterday. You should have it tomorrow or Thursday the latest.

Thanks again,

Dave

Pete will you be selling home made kits for us who want them? or is this for us to do at home, a shift fix on our Vette with full instructions on a desired shift point? (I don't want to mess nothin' up you know, but I sure wouldn't mind having a better shift point a partial throttle as well as wide open)
Let me know! I'm first in line for the set-up!

Thanks,Matt

Matt, The goal is to establish a proven formula for a given desired shift point. Hopefully, I can figure out every possibility from 4,000 rpm thru 6700 rpm. I have found that most guys do not want to get involved with transmissions, in any way, shape or form. This would allow me to make a couple of bucks . However, I always share everything I know to those that ask. There would be no secrets. Anyone who asks, will get a quick, honest answer, if they want to take a shot at their own

I don't have an automatic but I think that is a very cool attitude--another example of why this forum is so great.

Not only is it put in words in this thread, but if you look at PeteK's large variety of responses/posts, you'll see his "word" is good. He follows through. I, too, think it's a very cool attitude.

It's one of the few times that I've ever thought, maybe having an automatic wouldn't be such a bad thing after all.....

Dave,
I just finished your governor. for the first attempt, I installed 2 identical weights. They each weigh 11.0 grams. Total of 22 grams. A 5200-5400 sonnax governor has 2 weights. Each are 12.5 grams, for a total of 25 grams. 3 Grams lighter "should" get us near, or just slightly over 6000 rpm, if my guess is correct. I know you are going on vacation, but give it a shot when you return.

Pete,

That's great to hear. I will report back as soon as I get back.

Dave

Naughty to resurrect dead threads, I know-- but BOY do I wish this had gone further...

Ronn