Well I finished.

For those of you that are interested, I wanted to install a Transgo shift kit myself on my '02 coupe. I didn't have any prior transmission experience
but after looking at the Transgo tape, I convinced myself that it shouldn't be to hard. Wrong. I must say that most of the work is pretty straight forward but putting the accumulator housing back together byself was a challenge.
Well long story short, spend the $200 and have someone with Corvette experience install it. It took me the good part of 2 days due to the fact that 1. I did not want to have to do this twice so I verified everything prior to installing each component and 2. there are some clever ways to do some of the reassembly that requires time to figure out the first time. Now I think I could do it in one day.

OK. Now the part everyone is waiting for... Yes it shifts GREAT! Don't expect a racing trans but it chirps the tires in second and the 3rd is also
strong but not abrupt. I used 2 spacers not 3. It will chirp the tires into 2nd with about half throttle.
If enough people are interested in doing there own installation, I will
do a step by step and include the special tools they don't tell you about for
installation on a Corvette.

If you have questions post them here or send me an e-mail.. ;) MikeV



[Modified by MikeV, 11:21 AM 6/27/2002]

 

Gotta love that Transgo! But experience counts when installing this mod... :yesnod:

 

:smash: :yesnod:

 

Will the Transgo install void the warranty??

 

Naked, I would say that it will make it void. But if you had trouble, you could reinstall the stock parts than go to the dealer. MikeV

 

Would a dealer install this???? How much could I expect to be charged for such an operation!???? :chevy

 

A cooperative dealer would..but most would not. Better of finding an experienced transmission shop. Shouldn't cost more than $160-$200:D

 

I too am a "at home mechanic" and would LOVE some details involved with your install. By the way, did you change the t/c? What rear gearing does your car have?

Can't wait to hear more! How is the car driving, does it ALWAYS chirp the tires or only when you're really diggin' in? Really don't want a race car on my hands, but would love a tighter tranny.

Oh, one last Q.... Did you have to do any computer programming?

Thx!

 

The torque management has to be disabled. Those cars that are Powerloaded do not need any more computer programming. With the shift kit and the powerloader I do chirp at more than 40% throttle.

 

MikeV... I was wondering that as well?

 

Years ago when was younger and "stupider." I did a similar kit
to my '76 Vette.

...There's a crapper full of parts in there. I remember
that one of the little ball bearings and a spring shot out while I was
taking it apart. I was dumb and happy and just shoved it back in
where I "thought" it came from.

There were a lot of extra parts in the kit that weren't needed either.

I put it all back together in an afternoon and drove away. It chirped
nicely when pushed and I loved the feel.

I put about 90,000 miles on that car and never had a tranny problem,
even downshfting and driving it like a manual.

It sure would be nice if you could flip the car on its back for work like
this though... :cheers: ...GeorgeC

 

What are the SPECIAL tools?

 

Dads01: No I didn't change my t/c and I have 3.15 gears. Drives normal with light throtle, chirps the tires with anything over 1/2. I have a powerloader to remove the torque management.

Jawski: a small set of C-clip plyers, a 7mm nut driver, and a homemade tool to overcome the spring pressure on the accumulator on the side of the case, by the way there is only about 1-1/2" of space to install all the parts
between the case and frame.

 

Please OOOHHHH PLEASE tell me there's another computer program tool out there that also disables the torque management? From all the terrible things I've read about Steve Cole, I REALLY don't want to go that route!!

:cheers:

 

Cole was good to me. :cheers:

 

If you ever write a step-by-step, I'd love a copy via e-mail.

Thanks!
Sam

 

I am going to write a step by step and put it in the how to section. Steve
Cole was great to me, no complaints. MikeV

 

I am going to write a step by step and post it in the tech tip section. Steve
Cole was great to me, no complaints. MikeV

 

Why do you have to turn off torque management?
How do you turn it of?

 

If you don't turn off the torque managment, the car reduces power thru spark advance and it will make the car shutter badly and undrivable. You have to get a powerloader period. Its the best bang for your buck. The guys that have had a long wait is usually for a reprogram, not the first program. MikeV