When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I was at a pull your own parts junkyard the other day and stumbled upon an lt1 formula fire bird, the engine was gone, but I saw something that wasn't present on mine trans (96 lt1) so I climbed in and found, to my suprise, a performance shift button. I took it with me, and when I got home discovered the nessecary wiring was sitting right where it needed to be. Can I add this button onto my trans am? Will it need to be tuned in, or is the software for this button still intact abored the computer?
IIRC, all the old LT1 cars have a second set of shift tables in the PCM. I put one in my old 95 Z28, but I took it out as soon as I got a new torque converter. My performance shift mode table didn't have any instructions in it on when to lock up the converter, so it was annoying to drive on the highway.
Sounds like plug and play. I'm also dropping in a new torque converter, so we'll see how it reacts to the performance table.
I'll make sure to posts picture on the custom placement of the switch, im hiding it beneath my cigarete ash cover.
Only came on the 3.23 geared cars with the 155 mph speedo and only the Formulas/Trans Ams. If you have the 2.73 gears and 115 mph speedo, I doubt your PCM has the performance shift tables.
My 97 pcm has a performance table and a normal table.
Curious. It wasn't an option on the Firebird after 95, was it? (at least that is what I remember reading some time ago). I added a button on my 95 Camaro, since the tables were already there.
Curious. It wasn't an option on the Firebird after 95, was it? (at least that is what I remember reading some time ago). I added a button on my 95 Camaro, since the tables were already there.
Heck id never seen a performance shift button and have always wondered what the extra "Performance" table was for. I had always figured it might have been a table that the computer switched to for some reason but have never gotten the table values to make it shift any different. lol I didn't know I needed a button.
So if you have a tune do you still need this button?
A tune really has nothing to do with it (unless you custom tune the performance button tables, too). So, it is not a "need" thing. The tables only affect transmission parameters like part throttle up/downshift MPH, firmness, pressure, shift speed, downshift sensitivity to TPS %, etc. At WOT, the parameters are the same as the normal table. With the button, you can change back and forth between the tables on the fly.
I'm not tuned yet, im debating whether to buy one myself or pay to get it tuned at a shop. The reason for the tune+switch is too be able to swap between an economy setting and an agressive setting. I had a gtp with the same style switch and had that done. It works out very nice, being smooth and relaxed for cruising, then stiff and grunty on demand
Yep, it's like having two different tunes; you can have the "performance" table as the only modified tune and leave it stock otherwise for mushy/smooth shifting. My Regal GS has it with the supercharged 3800, zzperformance will tune it either way you like....harder shifting and modified converter lockup tables all the time or just when you select "performance"mode. I'm sure a decent LT1 tuner could do the same.
I also had it on my old 95 TA; I couldn't tell any seat of the pants difference though with the stock tunes however.
Here it is finished and installed into the car. Came a litle close to rubbing against the moving shifter assembly beneath the switch, but everything proved to have sufficient clearance and works just fine.
Only came on the 3.23 geared cars with the 155 mph speedo and only the Formulas/Trans Ams. If you have the 2.73 gears and 115 mph speedo, I doubt your PCM has the performance shift tables.
I have a 94 A4 Formula with the button, a GU2 and 115MPH speedo. Had it mail order tuned by PCMforLess (nothing but intake and dumped duals). I mentioned the button and asked if they would do both tables. I don't recall if they found one table or two. I'll have a look at it when I get a chance and see.
The clip your looking for is rectangular and white. It should be coming out of your wiring harness around the same spot as the single wire going into a small bulb that illuminates your shifter cover. I will let you guys know if it works and if their is a discernible difference, as soon as i get it running. My transmission went out about a month ago and i foolishly jumped head first into my very first tranny rebuild. Lol, its been quite an experience. But as soon as shes running ill be sure to announce the results
I have a 94 A4 Formula with the button, a GU2 and 115MPH speedo. Had it mail order tuned by PCMforLess (nothing but intake and dumped duals). I mentioned the button and asked if they would do both tables. I don't recall if they found one table or two. I'll have a look at it when I get a chance and see.
No kidding.I had a 94 T/A that didn't get the button with the 115 mph speedo. In fact, the 16 year old I sold to about a decade ago still has, I see it at the track because he works there. Totally unbelievable...he left it stock.
09-12-2014, 11:01 AM
perforamce shidt button 
