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Idiots guide to shiftkits, please read inside...

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Old May 8, 2003 | 11:18 AM
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Default Idiots guide to shiftkits, please read inside...

What is a shift kit exactly?
What does it do?
Will it hurt your transmission?
with the predator, is it worth even getting?
Please explain. I don't know much of ANYTHING about a shift kit.
Can the average person do it themselves?

Thanks guys.
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Old May 8, 2003 | 03:58 PM
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Default Re: Idiots guide to shiftkits, please read inside...

ttt?
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Old May 8, 2003 | 10:17 PM
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Default Re: Idiots guide to shiftkits, please read inside...

A shift kit (electronic or otherwise) is used to shorten the time between shifts in an automatic transmission. The "slipping" between gears adds extra heat to an automatic as a trade off for "good street manners" that won't upset some drivers (not everyone likes an auto that "slams" second every time...so they make them shift easy). That is the premise behind a shift kit. In most (very likely all) cases, a mild shift kit won't hurt a transmission. I once had one that shifted too hard and I was breaking planetary gears on the shift....(it's a really long story...involving a bunch of broken stuff). I've not tried the predator yet....but i"m considering one....just to remove my top speed limiter and such. Hope this helps out....
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Old May 9, 2003 | 09:13 AM
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Default Re: Idiots guide to shiftkits, please read inside...

So your saying shift kits aren't worth it? I firmed up the shifting with my predator, etc. and it works great. Didn't THINK I would need a shift kit, but wasn't sure. Thanks.
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Old May 9, 2003 | 12:20 PM
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Default Re: Idiots guide to shiftkits, please read inside...

I've heard nothing but good things about shift kits...a world of difference between a shift kit and just firming up the line pressure. You should try searching on it...i'm no expert.
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Old May 9, 2003 | 02:37 PM
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Default Re: Idiots guide to shiftkits, please read inside...

I was not saying that they were bad....They work very well and do a good job. I was trying to advise not to over do it....electronic...or a shift kit....not both.
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Old May 11, 2003 | 04:17 PM
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Default Re: Idiots guide to shiftkits, please read inside...

A shift kit basically reduces the time it takes to switch gears. The time reduced reduces heat; thus prolonging life.

A GOOD shift kit like the TransGo is great. Comes with and fixes: .500 boost valve, HO Pump Spring, 1-2 accum spring, fixes problems like...3-4 burnup, 2-3 overlap, delay bangs, poor 3-2 kickdown, etc. It is great kit. I use a TransGo in my rides.

Also I have:
Superior Intermediate Super Servo - greater 2-4 band holding power, much better 2-3 shifts, excellent 1-2 shifts, 35% more apply than 'Vette servo
Superior Overdrive Super Servo - greater holding power in 4th, much better 3-4 shifts, 10% more apply than OE part, comes with billet cover too

That will tighten up the trans a bunch and make it work far better.

DO NOT use the kit with a line pressure booster like: HPP3, Predator, B&M, etc. It will cause problems long term.

Also, a properly installed good kit will prolong the life of the trans. Ideally you want very fast and tight shifts, not bone jarring. The really hard shifts are bad on the internals.

Hope that helps...
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Old May 11, 2003 | 11:31 PM
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Default Re: Idiots guide to shiftkits, please read inside...

So you think just chaning the shifting with the predator is ok?
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Old May 12, 2003 | 10:25 AM
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Default Re: Idiots guide to shiftkits, please read inside...

I currently have a deep transmission pan, and I am buying a 24,000 gvw cooler.
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Old May 12, 2003 | 10:59 AM
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Default Re: Idiots guide to shiftkits, please read inside...

I remember hearing bad things about using programming to firm up shifts. The increased pressure blows seals and the pump. The TransGo shift kit increases fluid volume instead of using just pressure to firm up shifts.

My suggestion, skip the tuning to firm up shifts and spend the money to have a TransGo shift kit installed.
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Old May 12, 2003 | 01:19 PM
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Default Re: Idiots guide to shiftkits, please read inside...

I have a TCI Shift kit and it is instant and tire barking from 1-2 and very firm going into 3. I dont know if this is bad on my otherwise stock trans, but it is anoying going into second.

Bob
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