... that's how mine shifts without a kit.

 

thats why i was asking, because i was unsure of the shift kit in the first place...

 

Question: Why do you think that most of the respected tranny builders on the board - FLP, Pro-Built, Rock On - (I would say "all," but I don't know about Rossler) include the Transgo kit in all their off-the-shelf transmissions? Is it possible, perhaps, that they know something that some of us laymen don't?

 

I think there are a lot of "known shortcomings" in the
stock trans hydraulics, and the TransGo is the most
complete kit. Whether the builders use it "as-is" or
rework the valve body plate to their own satisfaction
is one question; also, whether they use all the kit parts,
substitute or omit, etc.

The Trans-Go instructions are poor and the installation
seems complex, not to mention you're taking their
circa 1997 word for what sensible drill-out, etc. values
are if you follow the paper / video. I'm suspecting the pros
have developed their own secret recipes and the Trans-Go
kit is just the best "starting base".

 

Previous to installing my converter/enhanced valve body, I had used the Diablo tune. It firmed up the shifts. It made a difference from the stock tune especailly with the 1 to 2 shift.
However, my custom shift kit definately shifts faster than a stock valve body with a tune in my experience with driving with and without a custom shift kit.

 

I had a Superchips Hnadheld that shifted firm and would yank a knot in your neck if you wanted to run the line pressure up that high. The professional tune I have now, with the TC, rolls the tranny right into the gears with breaking the stride or momentum ... and my line pressure is not set very high at all. You can just feel it doing one hard, constant, steady pull from 0-160. 3,500 lbs +/- (without driver) is a lot of weight to be jerking around. Why would you want to chirp your tires and break them loose in second? I can do that with my converter if I want ... depends on how you desire it tuned.

You don't get just one lift when the gears change and it not only distorts the aerodynamic flow of air which keeps the nose to the ground> it also creates drag on the undercarriage when it lifts. It reverberates this effect 3 times ... everytime you shift and jerk the car.

I've read too many instances where people say they have destroyed tranny's with a TransGo Kit ... can't speak to that with experience, so, I won't elaborate. FLTransAm02 is wanting a fast street car and he's very limited on funds. I would rather see him be happy with a good professional tune than a shift kit. It's just my personal opinion that his particular needs don't include a shift kit.

Bottom line IMHO is there are pro's and con's which can be argued all day long in either direction. If you like a shift kit ... well if it makes you happy, then, you should do one. If it doesn't, you should not do one. I believe there is enough information here for the original thread poster to make a decision based on hos own personal needs'goals ... or confuse the **** out of him ... LOL!!!!

Good luck Robbie ... hope you got the info you needed.

 

software/tuning changes to "increase performance" have very little effect on the 4l60e. There is simply not much you can do.Don't get conned into thinking you can do much with the keyboard or your handheld.
Here is what the pcm can control-
The transmission has nothing but 2 shift solenoids which are either ON/OFF.

A 3-2 Shift solenoid which only helps time the 3-2 down shift and the TCC solenoid and TPC solenoid.

The pressure control solenoid is really about the only thing you can mess with to change the feel of the shifts. And really all can do is play with part throttle shifts, as at WOT it should already be set at full pressure.

The transGo kits make some minor changes in the hydraulic circuitry. Tuning with software does not and can not make these sort of changes.

Basically the kits just quicken clutch feeds by enlarging a spacer plate hole here and there and take some function out of the accumulator and alter some shift valve timing.They shim the 1-2 band apply for a little faster action. And maybe a different boost valve for more pressure when activated.
The kits might even come with clutch pack springs. I have installed several of them in the 4l60e but it's been a while.

Problems with shift kits are usually because they were installed on a trans already in poor condition or installed improperly.
The transGo kit IMO is a nice little "hop-up" for the 4l60e. It won't turn it into a race trans though. I think of it as a "tweak".
I have done a lot with my 4l60e including a full manual shift setup with phasing of the solenoids activated by the console shift lever acting on micro switches. Now that was fun! Full manual 4l60e. I could start out 3rd gear if I wanted to.
Steve

 

from my experience this guy is right on.


after some dumbass installed a b&m in my car that shifted so hard it rattled my teeth and broke my rear i had a competent installer put in a trans go.


as described above it shifts responsively at light throttle but still smoothly but harder as i apply more throttle but its not even close to being unbearable.


its alot more fun to drive when i feel like shifting my car also.

 

All this over shift kit? First of all trans go is superior over the mickey mouse B & M kit. I own 2 transmission shops so I have seen both and used both. There is a big differnce in firm shifts and harsh shifts, one is good , harsh is bad. A good trans mechanic will not drill and over do a shift improve, some springs, some shims, bigger servo, new epc noid, boost valve ... and none of this will extend the life of your trans mission, and none of this will help a trans with miles on it. Your transmission has plastic washers and spacers in it so too hard will break things . It is more important that the rest of the trans can take abuse, think outside of the box , in this case outside of the shift kit box.

 

... to TransGo or not to TransGo ... that is the question!?

 

Yea...when you have everyone do the work for you it tends to be confusing.
Get in there and do it yourself a few times and find out what does what and you pretty much get an idea of what to do and what the end result will be.

I had my trans apart three times (in the car) making changes to the transgo shift kit to get the shifts where I wanted them. (adjustability).
The proper way to build a transmission in my opinion is from the inside out, start with the clutches and durability modifications, then do a shift kit to increase fluid flow, delivery, and to install improved design valves such as the pulse valve and 1-2 valve. GRIND the land off the pressure reg valve same as ATSG recommends in their books. I guess for a few bucks more transgo could provide a valve for those who can't handle that.
Can you do any of that with tuning? NO.
Then tune the shift points, pressure vs tps, etc.
If you have a person who seems to screw up everything they touch then I'd be a little nervous about a shift kit I guess. I never really had that problem though so I don't know the feeling.

You can install a transgo kit and have it feel 100% stock if you set it up properly. Then you'd get the benefits of the kit without the harsh shifts.

I see a trend in this thread, people who don't like shift kits think 'shift kit=harsh shifts'.
People who like shift kits have installed them themselves and learned to customize it to their specific vehicle and shift feel preference.

 

Your every observation seems right to me, but let me underscore your point: we can debate all day long about the the merits or demerits of the Transgo, but why not listen to the guys who build these trannies every day and take advantage of their wisdom? Listen to their logic and see if it makes sense to you. It's great if you're adept enough to tear into your tranny on a regular basis and see what works for you. Others of us will try to learn from those who have proven they know their stuff. I am spending the money to get one installed on mine by a guy who knows what he's doing, because I've been convinced this is the best way to avoid many of the common complaints with aftermarket stalls.

 

This thread is getting rediculous. There are mixed and contradictory opinions from novices, builders, AND shop owners alike who have responded to this thread. No-one seems to agree one way or the other. If you have the extra money to spend, get a shift kit if you want to get one. If you don't have the extra money lying around, or if you don't care to get one, then don't get one.

FLTransAm02, I think you have enough info here to make up your mind. This has been a great thread and I'm outta' here ....

 

Amen to that

 

what, did no one see my post?

when i swapped for a midwest 3400/2.0,
the shifts became sloppy
the transgo fixed it!
the transgo also fixed the delay/bang
when going from park or reverse to drive

jimmyblue- about grinding that "plunger"
the only thing i remember grinding
is this thing that looks like a cam without eccentrics,
(i know, then its not a cam)
and my trans guy told me that its to release reverse quickly

if you have a delay
and maybe even a bang
when going from reverse to drive,
then grind it like it says,
otherwise,
grind it anyway
OR dont grind it and you can always do it later if the problem develops

i like that the transgo makes the shifts firm,
and i appreciate the jump i get during shifts
(provided i have good tires)
but i really like that it fixed all the 4L60e problems.

READ THE SECOND POST, DAMN IT

 

just sell the car and buy a ******* honda. if you can't understand what a shift-kit does and how it affects the transmission than how are you gonna decide to put it in or not. it was stated before that you CANNOT increase the full throttle line pressure electronically, only mechanically and not much at that.

go and hand some experienced person $ to build your car for you. then you have a 50/50% chance of getting fucked- looking better than you are now...

end of thread. ******* rediculous. oh- keep listening to your friend, he seems to know his **** . me- these people- what do they know

 

But we've got to tell the others, Shift kits are bad/good.

Grind the land off the spool valve, it reduces pressure flutter during high volume fluid flow.
No wait don't do it.
Get a shift kit and install only the parts of it you feel comfortable with, same with the instructions, only do what you feel needs to be done. This will ensure you that your trans will **** up because of the shift kit and you can come back and bitch about it here.
Go pay someone else to do it so you have no idea what they actually did.

Go buy a B&M **** kit

 

not much sarcasm in that post.

 

IMHO, Mike gave you good advice. He's built and tuned over 1,200 LS1's and is one of the top 3 Performance shops in Central Florida, if not THE very best.

Drive on Brother. Make your decision on what you've researched here and on what you have been advised on by the shop who's doing your work.

You didn't come on here and create this thread to get bashed ... but, to seek advice. Sort through the information and realize who's trying to help you.

In the Automatic Transmisison thread, just do a search on the main two ******** in this thread. You'll see pretty quickly the ones who are simply here for arguement's sake.

They've tried in others' threads to stick with each other and made the same comments. They get pissed off because a lot of people don't agree with their point of view. Then, just like they have here, they bash the **** out of everyone else who doesn't agree with them. They're not trying to help you ... just trying to impose their point of view and could care less if you make the right decision or spend your hard-earned money.

I don't think shift kits are necessarily a bad thing. I just don't think one is necessary for your situation ... on your limited budget.

 

The two people I was referring to will know who they are when they reply and realize they're on my ignore list ... to them, here's to you Brother