Transmissions and Drivetrain Need help with your trans? Problems with your axle?

Transmission Upgrades

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Old 09-10-2014, 06:28 PM
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Car: 87' Firebird Formula
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
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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.
Old 09-10-2014, 10:45 PM
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Car: 87' Firebird Formula
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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
Old 09-10-2014, 11:31 PM
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Re: Transmission Upgrades

Just get a Street/Strip shift kit and Edge torque converter from Dana @ Probuilt Automatics.
Old 09-10-2014, 11:42 PM
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Re: Transmission Upgrades

Originally Posted by morgsie
Just get a Street/Strip shift kit and Edge torque converter from Dana @ Probuilt Automatics.
I was asking if the servo and boost valve combined, made similar results to what a shift kit would make in case I wanted to opp out of the shift kit.
Old 09-11-2014, 08:18 AM
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Re: Transmission Upgrades

all hail NEW YORK GIANTS!!

and

Go DUCKS!!

yeah I would probably get rid of the cheating pats if I were you
Old 09-11-2014, 08:28 AM
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Car: 1987 IROC Camaro T-Tops Rule!
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700r4 Pro Built / 2600 vigilante tc
Re: Transmission Upgrades

Originally Posted by jahblah
I was asking if the servo and boost valve combined, made similar results to what a shift kit would make in case I wanted to opp out of the shift kit.
Call Dana at probuilt, he can steer you in the right direction.
Old 09-11-2014, 08:28 AM
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Car: 1989 IROC LSX
Engine: 5.7 TPI - LS1 Forged by LME
Transmission: 700r4 - 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.23 - 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.
Old 09-11-2014, 09:14 AM
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Re: Transmission Upgrades

Originally Posted by modocwex
all hail NEW YORK GIANTS!!

and

Go DUCKS!!

yeah I would probably get rid of the cheating pats if I were you
HA! YEAH RIGHT!!!

Originally Posted by jazzdadss
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.
This engine isn't stock really. Has bolt ons (minus heads). I did not build this engine. Was in the car when I got it. Im building a vortec headed 383 and was just doing some transmission stuff now. I plan to buy another 700r4 to build with the 383. Will swap my current setup in an s10 when i'm done.

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.
Old 09-11-2014, 11:42 AM
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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.
Old 09-11-2014, 04:14 PM
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Re: Transmission Upgrades

Originally Posted by morgsie
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.
So your saying that you cannot add a servo and boost valve without adding a shift kit? I do not plan to go into the transmission twice. I'm not saying I will add a shift kit later. I'm saying that if the servo and boost valve will make a difference, I can do without a shift kit. And piecing together my own kit would actually be less than his kit. I have compared and I already have it in my cart. Am I being misunderstood? And I do not like calling companies. I'd rather ask buyers like myself than sellers. They tend to only tell what will get their product purchased. Not all of them, but lots do.

Last edited by jahblah; 09-11-2014 at 04:17 PM.
Old 09-11-2014, 06:31 PM
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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!
Old 09-12-2014, 08:52 PM
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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
Old 09-14-2014, 04:11 AM
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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.

Last edited by Pro Built Automatics; 09-14-2014 at 04:18 AM.
Old 09-21-2014, 09:46 PM
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Re: Transmission Upgrades

Originally Posted by Pro Built Automatics
At the minimum you need the Corvette servo, and then go from there.
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 ?

Last edited by Ron U.S.M.C.; 09-21-2014 at 10:24 PM.
Old 09-21-2014, 10:47 PM
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Re: Transmission Upgrades

Originally Posted by Ron U.S.M.C.
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 ?
Ha, wish you had posted sooner! I went ahead and ordered the servo along with the shift kit and a converter. No boost valve. Installation comes this week/end.
Old 09-22-2014, 03:29 AM
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Re: Transmission Upgrades

Originally Posted by jahblah
Ha, wish you had posted sooner! I went ahead and ordered the servo along with the shift kit and a converter. No boost valve. Installation comes this week/end.
Installing nice new parts is one of my favorite things to do. I drive a street car so the surprising change with the servo was enough for me. Otherwise I would do the shift kit also and maybe a street friendly converter.

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.
Old 09-22-2014, 05:47 PM
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Re: Transmission Upgrades

did you go with probuilt?
Old 09-22-2014, 07:27 PM
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Re: Transmission Upgrades

Originally Posted by morgsie
did you go with probuilt?
No, Transgo. Transgo has soooo many positive reviews. I'll maybe try probuilt on my other 700r4 that going behind the 383 I'm building. This trans will eventually be planted into an s10 v8 conversion.
Old 09-22-2014, 10:21 PM
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Re: Transmission Upgrades

Dana's (Probuilt) uses parts from Transgo to make up his kits.
Old 09-28-2014, 12:16 AM
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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.
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