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vacuum modulator vs no vacuum modulator

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Old May 13, 2005 | 08:17 PM
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Default vacuum modulator vs no vacuum modulator

Why is a vacuum modulator better then leaving the computer controlled setup and having the computer control the shift points and line pressure???
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Old May 14, 2005 | 01:48 AM
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i will say this, after seeing all the f'd up computer controlled line pressure tables, I would not want pcm controlled line pressure if the builder offered to drop 300 bux off the price of the tranny. Vaccum is simple and consistent
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Old May 14, 2005 | 05:24 PM
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anybody else know much about this topic??
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Old May 14, 2005 | 05:33 PM
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What I know is that you want vacuum modulation. Cablebandit hit it right on the nose. I Just dropped my car off at speed, and the tranny I'm getting will be vacuum modulated.
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Old May 14, 2005 | 05:35 PM
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yeah i just bought a stage 4 trans without one, do you know how hard it is to install them or just take it to a tranny shop and hope not to get overcharged for it, bc my trans is being installed on the 8th at speed so i only have a short period of time to get that on there.
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Old May 14, 2005 | 05:39 PM
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I am not sure how hard it is, but I believe TCI (and others) make a kit that will allow you to upgrade to vacuum modulation.
What tranny did you buy? I'm in ~$2,130 for the max evil. Almost went with the FLP level IV.........
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Old May 14, 2005 | 05:43 PM
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How much is speed inc charging you to install the trans?
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Old May 14, 2005 | 05:46 PM
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Originally Posted by SSlowLS1
How much is speed inc charging you to install the trans?
Honestly, I don't even know....I'm getting the transmission with installation, converter shipped to TCI for restall, LS6 intake, ASP pulley and dyno/retune all at once. Things I could do myself if I had the time/place but I don't. I'm looking at ~$3,500 all told.
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Old May 14, 2005 | 06:04 PM
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speed inc charges 250 for tranny and convertor swap plus fluids, at least thats what i was quoted at, but i need to get a vacuum modulator for the trans before i take it there for the install, anyone know of a high quality one?
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Old May 14, 2005 | 11:33 PM
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A lot of guys use the TCI unit. My tranny guy freaked out when I mentioned vacuum modulation and started in on the horror stories. I haven't heard anything bad on this forum, though. Some people swear by them. I didn't put one in cause I wasn't convinced of the need for it and it was another $100 or so.
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Old May 14, 2005 | 11:38 PM
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well yeah thats what i dont get, why everyone says there is a huge need for them when the computer regulates the shifts in the first place, how do you like your trans with out one??
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Old May 14, 2005 | 11:40 PM
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The computer doens't do the greatest job regulating the line pressure. Go back to what cablebandit said in post #2.

Originally Posted by cablebandit
i will say this, after seeing all the f'd up computer controlled line pressure tables, I would not want pcm controlled line pressure if the builder offered to drop 300 bux off the price of the tranny. Vaccum is simple and consistent
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Old May 15, 2005 | 08:26 AM
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look in a stock f-body table where some drop most all the line pressure at WOT....setup like that from GM. You change your maf...like port it, lower load is reported hence less line pressure even though you are prolly making MORE power. Vacuum modulation lets your line pressure rise/fall with REAL load readings....not pcm calculated load. You want pressure to go up and down in sync with your right foot on the gas.
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Old May 17, 2005 | 05:46 PM
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My FLP trans was vacum modulated, i loved it.
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Old May 17, 2005 | 06:12 PM
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I installed mine and love it. Did a little tweeks in the tuning and my tranny is like a new monster. No more 2-3 shift problems.
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Old May 17, 2005 | 06:49 PM
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Originally Posted by blindskater02
Why is a vacuum modulator better then leaving the computer controlled setup and having the computer control the shift points and line pressure???
Alot depends on which tranny guy you go with. When I talked to Carl Rossler of Rossler transmissions and Mike Kurtz at Century, they both told me to stick with the computer. But, as you can tell by the above posts, there are lots of tranny guys who highly recommend vacuum modulation as well.

IMO, as long as you go with a tranny builder who has had proven success in his method, it won't matter which route you go.

Gary
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Old May 17, 2005 | 11:51 PM
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So then ounce you have trans with a vacuum modulator does the PCM still control the shifts of the trans? or is that eliminated?
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Old May 18, 2005 | 12:02 AM
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PCM still does the shifts. Vacuum modulator controls line pressure.

I wouldn't build/rebuild a 4L60E without it.
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Old May 18, 2005 | 12:13 AM
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whats wrong with the PCM controling line pressure? why instead have it vacuum modulated?
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Old May 18, 2005 | 12:13 AM
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Vacuum modulation is an inexpensive, reliable, and easy way out of the work it takes to program the PCM or the TCU to control line pressure properly. Aftermarket controllers like the TCI unit I am running determine line pressure from throttle position, gear, and vehicle speed. With a naturally-aspirated or roots or screw boosted engine this set of variables all stay pretty related to each other. Consistency makes it possible to program it to do exactly what you want. With turbos, nitrous oxide, and even some centrifugal supercharger systems, power output can be different when those factor remain the same. Programming has to have enough overhead factored in to provide enough line pressure for every scenario. The factory computer has an advantage over aftermarket in these applications because it uses MAP as a basis for line pressure. Essentially the same input data the mechanical valve is using manifold pressure, except the PCM factors in other data too. Every built transmission and engine combination will have different optimal programming for line pressure. If you think about it there is some liability in tuning when it comes to this subject. Any PCM can be programmed to catastrophically ruin a $4K transmission attached to it in less than a mile. It's all in how it's programmed. I can't see how forfeiting that tune-ability is an advantage in terms of either longevity or drivability. It's kind of a one-setting-fits-all scenario with the mechanical valve, but if enough people say it's great then it must actually be better, right? That will always depend on who you ask. That's my opinion.
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