As some of you know I've been having various shifting/TM problems with my setup. My car acts perfectly fine on the dyno (even in full race trim), but as soon as I get to the track it acts up. I wanted to solve these problems and have DFI like adjustability of my shift points.

I found a deal on a used TCI tranny computer which works for the 4L60E and 4L80E transmissions. It allows me to adjust shift points, converter lock up (including WOT), line pressure, downshifts, and pretty much anything else I want using a laptop PC. I was originally planning on using LS1-EDIT to do this, but it's not out for 2001 models yet and as a bonus a 4L80E tranny is now plug and play from a computer point of view.

Install was pretty easy and so far this gizmo is working really well. No more TM problems, I can adjust shift points on the fly (I leave 2-3 low on the street, but high at the track), and the converter lockup features work really well. I'm confident that if I throw in a 4400 or 4600rpm converter I can just use this gizmo to keep it locked most of the time and not lose much streetability. If you're sick of not being able to easily change your shift points and LS1-EDIT isn’t out for you yet, this isn't a bad way to go. <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">

New track times coming soon, hoping for 11.4x <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">

 

Not that I have an A4 but where/how much for this deal?

 

New I think it's $700. I got it used for $575. It's not cheap, but it sure is nice to be able to adjust everything myself on a laptop. The software is really easy too. WOT Shift points are set by RPM in a simple screen. Part throttle shift points are set on a single table by MPH/TPS position.

 

Now THAT sounds like a "kick *** " mod.

Ya got any more info on it?

(specs, vendor, is it just software?, does it come with a cable?, what size computer do you need? will a 486 work?, will windows 3.1 work?, etc.)

 

Here is more info on it:

http://www.tciauto.com/electronics/index.htm

You can download a free trial of the TCOM software it uses, which shows you everything you can do and more or less how it works. It looks like it will run on any PC, I am using a P120 right now.

 

TERRY thinks he a genius comming up with a T-Com,
I had one in my MID 10 Sec LT1 Hawk back in 97

TCI makes it and its $741.99 in Jegs.Mac at
FASTRACK might be able to do alittle better?

It uses rpm to set parimeters.Terry is correct its a great little box.The LU feature works VERY WELL.
And u can data log how fast your trans is shifting threw a graph feature.U can also see slip.U can set different line pressures too.It will actually save your trans.

Terry u got a good price on it.
I'm putting one in my buddy LT1 H/C car in about 3 weeks.Its a good mod guys.

T-Com also has an ability to let u shift via a paddle option too.

I had mine wired into the radio controls on my 10 Sec 97 Hawk.I could shift the car indepentley if I wanted to by hitting the buttons.I could downshift too <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">

JS
Fat Gut Racing

[ February 14, 2002: Message edited by: JS ]

[ February 14, 2002: Message edited by: JS ]</p>

 

[quote]
TERRY thinks he a genius comming up with a T-Com,
I had one in my MID 10 Sec LT1 Hawk back in 97
<hr></blockquote>

lol I didn't say I "came up" with the TCI computer, in fact I said I bought it used which is mutually exclusive. How can one "come up" with someone they buy pre-owned? <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">

The manual shift option looks neat. I am thinking of connecting my steering wheel controls to it also, so I can shift like a Formula racer. <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">

JS you're not the only one on here who had a 10 second LT1 car. My '93 ran 10.81@129, and it was a budget M6 (I had to drive the car).

 

For those that can't get LS1 Edit for a while, I understand. But for those with access to LS1 Edit, seems that for $550, it does all that and a WHOLE lot more.

 

Terry I was just busting ***** <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">
Yea its fun to have it hooked into the steering wheel.People always got a kick out that.

Oh,Did your LT1 weigh 3883lbs?
I drove the car from Philly to Atlanta in 97 for the Gathering.Ohio to Firehawk Day,and the T/A Nationals.

I would say thats pretty impressive.
And it went consistant 10.50's@134 on the JUICE to boot.

Good luck with the T-Com Terry

JS

[ February 14, 2002: Message edited by: JS ]</p>

 

I agree completely, although this will work with a 4L80E if you ever want to go that route (I do).

 

[quote]
Oh,Did your LT1 weigh 3883lbs?
I drove the car to from Phily to Atlanta in 97 for the Gathering and to Ohio to Firehawk Day,and the T/A Nationals.
<hr></blockquote>

Might was lighter. Who wants a heavy car? <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0"> I ran 10s a lonnggggg time ago when there were almost no LT1 cars running that fast. It was my daily driver for most of school.. <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">

 

Terry u and I both know there wasnt many 10 sec LT1's back in 97.I had one and so did u...

Madman,Sled and George did too.
After that I'm not sure?

JS

[ February 14, 2002: Message edited by: JS ]</p>

 

Mine was back in 95/96. <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">

 

shifting via steering wheel controls!! SWEET!

i think a company should make a plug and play device like that- i bet they would sell TONS of them!

 

Terry,

In order for it to function in "for WOT, base shifts on RPM" mode, does the computer have to hooked up and on? Or is it like hypertech where you set and forget?

Botton line: do I have to leave a laptop in my car all the time to see the benefits? <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

Thanks,
-Jim

 

It's a small box you hide under the car. You use the laptop via an rs-232 (serial) port only to change the settings.

 

No once its set properly u can leave it alone.
U can set shifts based on 2 different configurations

The paddle shifter feature is AWESOME...
And like I said it will actually help your internal trans parts running the T-Com.

JS

[ February 15, 2002: Message edited by: JS ]</p>