Shift Kit
Shift kits are mostly a modification to the valve body of the transmission. There are different levels of changes depending on kit chosen. Most of the time shifts are firmer than stock. There's no simple way to verify other than to compare to a know stock car.
Depending on which HT chip you have it may bring on the cooling fan(s) at 160deg F, or may just change timing.
TIA
Shift kits don't change transmission gear sets, so no original gear ratios are still present. Shift kits can change shift timing to a certain point by allowing quicker clutch and band apply, governor modifications can allow higher WOT rpm automatic shifting.Transmission shifting is cable controlled.
The kit won't help with takeoff but say a 2,000rpm TC will really light her up on launch. I had that done along with the shift kit and could launch at 1,900rpm instead of the stock 1,400-1,500rpm...big difference
The kit won't help with takeoff but say a 2,000rpm TC will really light her up on launch. I had that done along with the shift kit and could launch at 1,900rpm instead of the stock 1,400-1,500rpm...big difference
Also what is the downside? Does it wear out other parts/transmission?
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
The shift kit only does what the name implies...it makes automatic shifting firmer/crisper/quicker. Shifting quicker is actually better for the trans...in general...less slipping of the clutches/friction discs in there.
Some kits are just about the shifting and they can be installed from under the car with transmission installed.
Example: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bmm-70239
Other kits include upgraded/stronger parts that will be needed to handle higher powered engines and firm shifts.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-705036
vette196
Depending on the power of the engine and how often you drive it hard, this could lead to other parts in the trans or drivetrain to fail sooner than normal and u-joints usually become the weakest link. In other words, if the trans is otherwise stock and your engine is stock...probably no big danger with shifting firmer.
If it's your wife's car long-term...you better ensure that SHE is into firmer shifting...every...single...time...the car shifts. It can be a bit annoying when wanting to drive calmly or when it's raining and the 1-2 shift occurs in the middle of a 90-degree turn in an intersection...you can have the rear end sliding around.
Hypertech Chips
This holds part of the instructions for how the engine is to operate. Hypertech offered a few different models that would get a little more performance from the engine. Back in the day, folks were really into them, but now most folks will advise you that it isn't worth the money. You might as well identify which one you have, as some required a lower temperature thermostat, expect a certain octane of fuel, etc. It's probably one of these: https://www.summitracing.com/search/...rder=Ascending
And you know what else? Welcome to the C4 Universe! :-)
Depending on the power of the engine and how often you drive it hard, this could lead to other parts in the trans or drivetrain to fail sooner than normal and u-joints usually become the weakest link. In other words, if the trans is otherwise stock and your engine is stock...probably no big danger with shifting firmer.
If it's your wife's car long-term...you better ensure that SHE is into firmer shifting...every...single...time...the car shifts. It can be a bit annoying when wanting to drive calmly or when it's raining and the 1-2 shift occurs in the middle of a 90-degree turn in an intersection...you can have the rear end sliding around. :-)

I was worried that I should have added that to the transmission rebuild, but after reading what you said, I'm SO glad I didn't do it....I could imagine a shift kit with 360+ HP would not make for a happy wife.
she catches me saying "my car" all the time, I tell her its mine until its finished....then its yours













