B&M Shift Improver Kit question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 211
Likes: 1
From: Calgary Alberta
B&M Shift Improver Kit question
Installed the stage 1 B&M Shift Improver Kit in my latest vette. ('87 auto 700R4) My review so far - meh...
There was basically no change. I was told that I should have gone to stage 2 right away but wasn't sure. I've heard negative comments about it regarding line pressure. The tranny has never had a problem and is well maintained. Should I go to stage 2 or will that be another 4 hours work with little results??
There was basically no change. I was told that I should have gone to stage 2 right away but wasn't sure. I've heard negative comments about it regarding line pressure. The tranny has never had a problem and is well maintained. Should I go to stage 2 or will that be another 4 hours work with little results??
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 188
From: Wabasha Mn
I have installed at least 3 of the stage one BM tranny shift kits, but on T-350's. These were the RV type kits and did provide a bit firmer shift but nothing teeth rattling. If nothing else at least you got a new filter and ATF and a slight improvement even though you do not feel it. Drive it some and you may notice some difference after all, especially the 1-2 shift.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 211
Likes: 1
From: Calgary Alberta
I drove it some more and to be fair there is a slight difference. The tranny holds the gears a little longer than usual. The 1-2 snap is about the same at Stage 1. Considering the work involved I wouldn't recommend this to anyone with a C4. I can still taste ATF...
I suppose I've installed worse "upgrades" (anyone remember the throttle body airfoil? 12 hp my ****)
I suppose I've installed worse "upgrades" (anyone remember the throttle body airfoil? 12 hp my ****)
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,170
Likes: 672
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
The B&M kit in my 86 loved to bark the tires in 2nd.
Can't say it was responsible for worn drive line parts or not.
But that 1-2 shift was always a crowd pleaser...
Can't say it was responsible for worn drive line parts or not.
But that 1-2 shift was always a crowd pleaser...
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
the B&m kit mostly affects 1-2 on a high hp engine hard shifts can damage internal parts of a transmission i like to drill the plate and leave the the stock 1-2 accumlator spring and use the spacer in the 3-4 while changing the pr spring replace the to valves with ones from sonnax there .500 boost valve will wake up a 700 r4 at wide open throttle
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
2-4 band is known to break with a hard 1-2 shift thats usually the the most common planatary gears will break in a high hp application .
i like the regular Transgo Kit designed for stock rebuilds they make two diffrent kits the hp kit has a lot of mods that are unnessary the stock corvette calibration in a freash 700r4 is hard to beat
i like the regular Transgo Kit designed for stock rebuilds they make two diffrent kits the hp kit has a lot of mods that are unnessary the stock corvette calibration in a freash 700r4 is hard to beat