Transmission Upgrades
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: NC
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87' Firebird Formula
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Transmission Upgrades
Looking to purchase a few things for my transmission. On my list are:
1. TransGo High Performance Servo Kit
2. TransGo Automatic Trans .500 Boost Valve
3. TransGo Performance 700-2-3 Shift Kit (full manual)
4. 2500-2800 Stall Torque Converter
Between the shift kit and the converter, which is more beneficial, cost to result wise?
If the converter is more beneficial, would the servo and boost valve together, do what the shift kit would do?
I already have a B&M ratchet shifter so I guess downshifting and such is kind of already available. Don't know though.
1. TransGo High Performance Servo Kit
2. TransGo Automatic Trans .500 Boost Valve
3. TransGo Performance 700-2-3 Shift Kit (full manual)
4. 2500-2800 Stall Torque Converter
Between the shift kit and the converter, which is more beneficial, cost to result wise?
If the converter is more beneficial, would the servo and boost valve together, do what the shift kit would do?
I already have a B&M ratchet shifter so I guess downshifting and such is kind of already available. Don't know though.
#2
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: NC
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87' Firebird Formula
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Transmission Upgrades
Hundreds and hundreds of knowledgeable users on this forum and I can barely ever get responses when I post something. And I for one, generally do research before posting. Unlike some, who ask 305 to 350 swap questions daily. Is it because I like New England??? Lol smh
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: NC
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87' Firebird Formula
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Transmission Upgrades
Just get a Street/Strip shift kit and Edge torque converter from Dana @ Probuilt Automatics.
#6
Junior Member
#7
Senior Member
Re: Transmission Upgrades
I would do the shift kit 1st and see how you like it. Boost valves and servos have their purpose but I would start with one mod at a time. As far as the converter, I would not put a higher stall in it without mods to the engine that would benefit from it. On a stock engine you have a lot of low end torque. Thus by going with a higher stall you will miss out on that torque.
My 2 cents.
Since you are getting this stuff from Transgo you could always call them.
My 2 cents.
Since you are getting this stuff from Transgo you could always call them.
Trending Topics
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: NC
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87' Firebird Formula
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Transmission Upgrades
I would do the shift kit 1st and see how you like it. Boost valves and servos have their purpose but I would start with one mod at a time. As far as the converter, I would not put a higher stall in it without mods to the engine that would benefit from it. On a stock engine you have a lot of low end torque. Thus by going with a higher stall you will miss out on that torque.
My 2 cents.
Since you are getting this stuff from Transgo you could always call them.
My 2 cents.
Since you are getting this stuff from Transgo you could always call them.
But I understand one mod at a time. I just wasn't sure if doing the boost valve and servo would kind of equal what a shift kit would give me as far as results. Thus, I could skip the kit and head straight for the convertor or other nice and shiny things. Thanks guys.
#9
Re: Transmission Upgrades
Why go into the transmission 2 or 3 times? You need to add both servo/boost valve AND modify valve body components. It's not one or the other it's BOTH. Adding a performance torque converter will also need to modify separator plate, etc. * to Dana at Probuilt you will be happy with his shift kit which contains everything you have listed with instructions. No brainer.
#10
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: NC
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87' Firebird Formula
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Transmission Upgrades
Why go into the transmission 2 or 3 times? You need to add both servo/boost valve AND modify valve body components. It's not one or the other it's BOTH. Adding a performance torque converter will also need to modify separator plate, etc. * to Dana at Probuilt you will be happy with his shift kit which contains everything you have listed with instructions. No brainer.
Last edited by jahblah; 09-11-2014 at 04:17 PM.
#11
Junior Member
Re: Transmission Upgrades
Dana knows the ins and outs of the tranny, I talked to him at length for what my setup is and what I wanted. I didnt feel like he was pushing. I also called him when I was rebuilding and he answered all of my questions. I'm very pleased with my rebuild it shifts great!
#12
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 91 RS
Engine: 4 bolt 350, .060 over
Transmission: 700R-4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Transmission Upgrades
I put a B&M trans pack in my '84 700r4 over 10 years ago, very happy with it & now I have the B&M shifter and love it. The trans has @225k and is slipping just alittle as of late but I built a 350 4 bolt .060 over with 380/420 HP/TQ with a B&M 2500 stall two years ago. The trans doesn't owe me anything. I can't remember but I think the TransPack from B&M has everything in their kit you discussed.
Good luck
Roy
Good luck
Roy
#13
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Calimesa, California, U.S.
Posts: 3,458
Likes: 0
Received 39 Likes
on
27 Posts
Re: Transmission Upgrades
At the minimum you need the Corvette servo, and then go from there. Boost valves would be next, then Shift kit, etc. Or you could get my modified TransGo Shift kit that comes with everything that is needed here to do this right the first time. Corvette servo, large boost valves, the necessary modifications to the valve body and separator plate, new forward accumulator piston, modified 4L60E 2nd accumulator housing with "hardened thin pin" and modified piston, with matching accumulator springs, Torlon checkballs and hardened corner plate (no more separator plate damage), new 1993 pressure regulator valve, will make a WOT 3-4 shift, instructions, gaskets, etc. I match this kit to what you have. It offers smooth part throttle shifts and the shifts getting firmer with more throttle. Going with the right stall 9.5" lockup torque converter (15 - 17 pounds lighter and much easier on the gear train) can improve ET's easily with the right tires and they are much more fun to drive than the stock torque converter. Depending on what is done to the motor, cam duration at .050" lift, lobe separation, rear end gear ratio, vehicle weight, etc. and how you drive. Conservative? Moderate? Moderately aggressive? Or aggressive? will determine what stall is needed here. I carry the needed torque converters too. You can buy the kit or just what you want or need. Go to: https://www.700r4l60e.com/store/prod...&cat=65&page=1
This kit will hold any gear to any rpm and it is full automatic when driven normally. This kit will work with the late 1987 & up (second design valve body) 700R4 transmissions. I help people whether they buy from me or not.
This kit will hold any gear to any rpm and it is full automatic when driven normally. This kit will work with the late 1987 & up (second design valve body) 700R4 transmissions. I help people whether they buy from me or not.
Last edited by Pro Built Automatics; 09-14-2014 at 04:18 AM.
#14
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northern, CA
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
Engine: TBI,5.0
Transmission: Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton Posi,3.42,LPW Ultimate Cover
Re: Transmission Upgrades
The shifts are nice and solid. I can feel them when they shift even at low rpms.
I have a Eaton Posy with 3.42 gears 255/60r15 rear tires and about 60 lbs of tools in the back.
The shifts are so crisp that off the line the tires BARK loud from 1st to 2nd shift and again with the 2nd to 3rd.
I can also do it at a 25mph roll just buy slamming the petal to the floor.
That adds to the fun factor for me.
The engine and trans. poly. mounts might be a factor with the feel ?
Last edited by Ron U.S.M.C.; 09-21-2014 at 10:24 PM.
#15
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: NC
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87' Firebird Formula
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Transmission Upgrades
I decided to install a Corvette servo first and am glad I did.
The shifts are nice and solid. I can feel them when they shift even at low rpms.
I have a Eaton Posy with 3.42 gears 255/60r15 rear tires and about 60 lbs of tools in the back.
The shifts are so crisp that off the line the tires BARK loud from 1st to 2nd shift and again with the 2nd to 3rd.
I can also do it at a 25mph roll just buy slamming the petal to the floor.
That adds to the fun factor for me.
The engine and trans. poly. mounts might be a factor with the feel ?
The shifts are nice and solid. I can feel them when they shift even at low rpms.
I have a Eaton Posy with 3.42 gears 255/60r15 rear tires and about 60 lbs of tools in the back.
The shifts are so crisp that off the line the tires BARK loud from 1st to 2nd shift and again with the 2nd to 3rd.
I can also do it at a 25mph roll just buy slamming the petal to the floor.
That adds to the fun factor for me.
The engine and trans. poly. mounts might be a factor with the feel ?
#16
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northern, CA
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
Engine: TBI,5.0
Transmission: Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton Posi,3.42,LPW Ultimate Cover
Re: Transmission Upgrades
One thing I could suggest is installing the servo first and test it out. That way when you install the shift kit you will know how much of a difference it makes.
Of course the comparison with a new torque converter is really going to make a difference mainly off the line with a launch.
I like to take my time when working on the car because its fun for me, even
if 90% of the time my car tested my resolve.
Last edited by Ron U.S.M.C.; 09-23-2014 at 02:10 AM.
#18
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: NC
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87' Firebird Formula
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
#20
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Calimesa, California, U.S.
Posts: 3,458
Likes: 0
Received 39 Likes
on
27 Posts
Re: Transmission Upgrades
I combine two of the TransGo Shift kits (700-2-3 & 700R4 Junior) when I make up a Street/Strip Shift kit for the late 1987 through 1993 transmissions. I add the Corvette servo, .500" main boost valve, .296" intermediate/reverse boost valve, Torlon checkballs, necessary drills bits, Gaskets, modified instructions, new forward accumulator piston, new forward accumulator pin, hardened thin accumulator pin for 2nd accumulator with matching accumulator housing and modified accumulator piston, etc. I modify the kits to get fairly smooth part throttle shifts and quick WOT shifts. Any questions call me.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Hotrodboba400
Firebirds for Sale
3
12-10-2019 07:07 PM
tonys91rs
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
3
10-10-2015 03:31 PM
84 TA NV
Firebirds for Sale
1
09-06-2015 08:02 PM