B&M shift kit junk? I think not.
B&M shift kit junk? I think not.
What is it with everyone? B&M is junk. Won't touch it with a ten foot pole. Come on have any of you every have one in your trans and if yes was the thing in right. My dad put mine in my trans and that was the first time he taken a pan off one and it works just fine. Yeah you heard me just fine doesn't slip, doesn't shift weak. Actually it shifts harder than hell. My dads GTO has a th400 with a shift kit and it doesn't shift half as hard. He almost had a cow when my little 350 shifted that hard. It broke my mount in 3 days. A couple days ago it squaked the tires going into 4th!!! I was going 85 and it shifted and the tires squaked and you say that is a crappy kit. O yeah i'm so scared of it i made my carb not able to open the 4 barrels. Just imagine what that would do!!!!!! I can tell you for $30 i'm not gonna buy anything less than the B&M. O yeah the 350 probably isn't puttin out 250 horses either. Stock 78 350 4 barrel rated at 165 horse with a cam and headers. you 305 HO guy have more power than me but i doubt would keep up.
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From: So Cal / El Mirage, AZ
Car: 86 Z28
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: B&M shift kit junk? I think not.
Originally posted by ROCKNRODS
A couple days ago it squaked the tires going into 4th!!! I was going 85 and it shifted and the tires squaked and you say that is a crappy kit. O yeah i'm so scared of it i made my carb not able to open the 4 barrels. Just imagine what that would do!!!!!!
A couple days ago it squaked the tires going into 4th!!! I was going 85 and it shifted and the tires squaked and you say that is a crappy kit. O yeah i'm so scared of it i made my carb not able to open the 4 barrels. Just imagine what that would do!!!!!!
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Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Assuming that's not all just wild exaggeration, your transmission shifts that hard and you think that's a GOOD thing?
Have you bothered reading the posts that explain WHY B&M's kits are garbage?
Have you bothered reading the posts that explain WHY B&M's kits are garbage?
Supreme Member

Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,974
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From: Pueblo Co
Car: 1989 C4
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 307
One more time toady at least.
Nothing really wrong with the B&M kit but..
B&M shift improvers do not fix any problems with the transmission, Transgo and Superior not only make firmer more positive shift but they FIX problems that plauge automatic transmissions and cause failures.
B&M kits installed in a 700R4 transmission raises line pressure, and blocks acculumulator travel. The pressure regulator spring wont hurt your transmission neither will hogging out the 3 feed holes or removing the MTV upshift spring-(all kits do this). The problems is with the lines bias blocker rod in the S/S install and the accumulator spacers. The line bias blocker rod jackes the line pressure up full blast doubling the stock pressure rate allowing the same amount of line pressure in every gear, this isnt good and it the cause of failures common with this kit, hard part failure. The accumulator spacers dont allow for any cushion when changing gears, that where you get the quick positive shifts from. When you install the S/S spacers you eliminate all accumulator travel in the 1/2 and only a slight amount is left in the 3/4. This causes wear on the cluch packs, soft part failure.
I admit I have B&M parts in my transmission, upshift valve, drainplug and I do have one B&M blue accumulator spacer in the 1/2 and one in the 3/4. Why because I want firmer shifts at lighter throttle. I also have the tranasgo heavy duty kit installed also.
I have also installed many B&M HD kits in 700r4's and have had no complaints from customers.
Edit: for clarity.
B&M should have used firmer accumulator springs instead of blocker rods. They should get rid of the line bias blocker rod option. This would be the better way to go and there would be less failure due to a B&M install.
TRANSGO Is the ONLY way TO GO
Nothing really wrong with the B&M kit but..
B&M shift improvers do not fix any problems with the transmission, Transgo and Superior not only make firmer more positive shift but they FIX problems that plauge automatic transmissions and cause failures.
B&M kits installed in a 700R4 transmission raises line pressure, and blocks acculumulator travel. The pressure regulator spring wont hurt your transmission neither will hogging out the 3 feed holes or removing the MTV upshift spring-(all kits do this). The problems is with the lines bias blocker rod in the S/S install and the accumulator spacers. The line bias blocker rod jackes the line pressure up full blast doubling the stock pressure rate allowing the same amount of line pressure in every gear, this isnt good and it the cause of failures common with this kit, hard part failure. The accumulator spacers dont allow for any cushion when changing gears, that where you get the quick positive shifts from. When you install the S/S spacers you eliminate all accumulator travel in the 1/2 and only a slight amount is left in the 3/4. This causes wear on the cluch packs, soft part failure.
I admit I have B&M parts in my transmission, upshift valve, drainplug and I do have one B&M blue accumulator spacer in the 1/2 and one in the 3/4. Why because I want firmer shifts at lighter throttle. I also have the tranasgo heavy duty kit installed also.
I have also installed many B&M HD kits in 700r4's and have had no complaints from customers.
Edit: for clarity.
B&M should have used firmer accumulator springs instead of blocker rods. They should get rid of the line bias blocker rod option. This would be the better way to go and there would be less failure due to a B&M install.
TRANSGO Is the ONLY way TO GO
Last edited by SSC; Nov 12, 2002 at 11:35 PM.
Supreme Member

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 7,164
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From: Someone owes me 10,000 posts
Car: 99 Formula
Engine: LS1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 342
Like these guys have said, maybe research why they're not liked.
Like said they don't fix the problems with the 700R4, oh and chirping in 4th,
do you have bald tires, and like 500hp or what.
Either way, chirping tires isnt'a good thing, that's loss of traction and that's slows you down, you want a nice firm shift.
Have you adj your TV cable lately?
Edit: just read all of your statement, you have that lousy 350 and you're chirpin tires in 4th. OMFG,
Don't you think something is obviously wrong here.
You do realize a 700R4 won't shift into 4th at WOT right?
Like said they don't fix the problems with the 700R4, oh and chirping in 4th,
do you have bald tires, and like 500hp or what.
Either way, chirping tires isnt'a good thing, that's loss of traction and that's slows you down, you want a nice firm shift.
Have you adj your TV cable lately?
Edit: just read all of your statement, you have that lousy 350 and you're chirpin tires in 4th. OMFG,
Don't you think something is obviously wrong here.

You do realize a 700R4 won't shift into 4th at WOT right?
Last edited by Mark A Shields; Nov 12, 2002 at 11:52 PM.
You do know its impossible to chirp a 700r4 in 4th unless youve changed more than just a shift kit. First off a 700r4 will not shift into 4th gear (OD) at WOT so no way did you chrip 4th gear....
For a 700r4 the Trans-go kit is the only way to go from what Ive read and researched. The Trans-go actually fixed problems instead of making more.
I have a trans-go sitting in my room...just waiting till I rebuild the tranny.
OoOoO you post ***** I beat you to that and you know it....don't take credit for something I told you!
For a 700r4 the Trans-go kit is the only way to go from what Ive read and researched. The Trans-go actually fixed problems instead of making more.
I have a trans-go sitting in my room...just waiting till I rebuild the tranny.
OoOoO you post ***** I beat you to that and you know it....don't take credit for something I told you!
Last edited by TBI305Camaro; Nov 12, 2002 at 11:55 PM.
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Re: B&M shift kit junk? I think not.
Originally posted by ROCKNRODS
Actually it shifts harder than hell. It broke my mount in 3 days.
Actually it shifts harder than hell. It broke my mount in 3 days.
Post back in 6 months and tell us how "great" your tranny is doing. I bet it won't be the same story.
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 4
From: Maryland
Car: 2005 Subaru STI
Engine: 153ci of Turbo Power!
Transmission: 6-Speed
I'm definitely a fan of the TransGo stuff ... but, here's some information -->
Some 700s came stock with WOT 3-4 upshifts. My 90 IROC was one of them. I think from 90-92 the WOT 3-4 upshift sleeve is present in all the highend performance F-Bodies.
I have a B&M shift kit in my car. I put this in my car before 'TransGo' was known to be the best. The shift kit is still in my car and the transmission has still never been rebuilt. Looking for 11's next month at the track. I know that this tranny is a timebomb waiting to happen but I just wanted to throw out this data because for some reason my transmission has survived. I also have a corvette servo, bigger boost valves, auxiliary cooler, and auxiliary filter. Moreover, I am running a high-stall PI Vigilante which softens up the super hard B&M shifts. One thing is definitely for sure - keep your tranny fluid as cool as possible. The result will be a tranny that will live longer.
Tim
Some 700s came stock with WOT 3-4 upshifts. My 90 IROC was one of them. I think from 90-92 the WOT 3-4 upshift sleeve is present in all the highend performance F-Bodies.
I have a B&M shift kit in my car. I put this in my car before 'TransGo' was known to be the best. The shift kit is still in my car and the transmission has still never been rebuilt. Looking for 11's next month at the track. I know that this tranny is a timebomb waiting to happen but I just wanted to throw out this data because for some reason my transmission has survived. I also have a corvette servo, bigger boost valves, auxiliary cooler, and auxiliary filter. Moreover, I am running a high-stall PI Vigilante which softens up the super hard B&M shifts. One thing is definitely for sure - keep your tranny fluid as cool as possible. The result will be a tranny that will live longer.
Tim
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Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,507
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From: Elizabeth, Colorado
Car: '94 Corvette
Engine: LT1
Transmission: 4L60E
No, I believe he chirped them in 4th...even at part throttle!
This is the reason I used to let off the throttle to change gears when I had a B&M manualpak in my th350. I needed to save my rear end, & u-joints. Those POS destroyed one of my th350, and almost pole vaulted me into space when a u-joint let go. (That was with 300+hp though)
Trust me; the neck snapping is for all the wrong reasons. When you’re walking home with a torn up drive shaft, don't say we didn't tell you so.
Very happy with my Trans-go, & I can shift at full throttle without breaking something
I like the way the Trans-go launches you into gear, instead of banging your fillings out like the B&M.
I guess all we can tell you is; feel the difference with someone that has one. I have!!!
Ron
This is the reason I used to let off the throttle to change gears when I had a B&M manualpak in my th350. I needed to save my rear end, & u-joints. Those POS destroyed one of my th350, and almost pole vaulted me into space when a u-joint let go. (That was with 300+hp though)
Trust me; the neck snapping is for all the wrong reasons. When you’re walking home with a torn up drive shaft, don't say we didn't tell you so.
Very happy with my Trans-go, & I can shift at full throttle without breaking something

I like the way the Trans-go launches you into gear, instead of banging your fillings out like the B&M.
I guess all we can tell you is; feel the difference with someone that has one. I have!!!
Ron
Last edited by ronterry; Nov 13, 2002 at 06:50 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 7,164
Likes: 1
From: Someone owes me 10,000 posts
Car: 99 Formula
Engine: LS1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 342
Originally posted by TRAXION
I'm definitely a fan of the TransGo stuff ... but, here's some information -->
Some 700s came stock with WOT 3-4 upshifts. My 90 IROC was one of them. I think from 90-92 the WOT 3-4 upshift sleeve is present in all the highend performance F-Bodies.
I have a B&M shift kit in my car. I put this in my car
Tim
I'm definitely a fan of the TransGo stuff ... but, here's some information -->
Some 700s came stock with WOT 3-4 upshifts. My 90 IROC was one of them. I think from 90-92 the WOT 3-4 upshift sleeve is present in all the highend performance F-Bodies.
I have a B&M shift kit in my car. I put this in my car
Tim
Depending on where the part throttle 4-3 hole is positioned on the TV plunger bushing sleeve will determine if you have a WOT 3-4 shift in many cases. If the 4-3 shift is hard to get (at apx. 80 mph & up) then the possibility of a WOT shift is possible. Some of the 1991 & up Corvettes did not have this hole and they could hold 4th gear at WOT at about 80-90 mph or more. In the case of the 700R4 there is only one valve body kit that works for the benefit of the tranmission TRANS-GO.
Supreme Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 4
From: Maryland
Car: 2005 Subaru STI
Engine: 153ci of Turbo Power!
Transmission: 6-Speed
Originally posted by Mark A Shields
Are you sure, I don't think any of them came with it, cept maybe for the B4C cars.
Are you sure, I don't think any of them came with it, cept maybe for the B4C cars.
Tim
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 7,164
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From: Someone owes me 10,000 posts
Car: 99 Formula
Engine: LS1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 342
Originally posted by TRAXION
Yes Mark - I am sure. I distinctly remember running 145mph up route 15 with my foot to the floor and in 4th gear. I've also had conversations with several trans gurus about this very subject. Think about it this way - many B4C's / 1LE's had them. Do you really think GM used a different valve body for those cars? Nope. In fact, all late year high-end thirdgen F bodies with the z-rated tires got the same valve bodies. This also was the same valve body used in the vette. I don't remember when the cutoff year was. Mine is a '90 so you can start somewhere around there.
Tim
Yes Mark - I am sure. I distinctly remember running 145mph up route 15 with my foot to the floor and in 4th gear. I've also had conversations with several trans gurus about this very subject. Think about it this way - many B4C's / 1LE's had them. Do you really think GM used a different valve body for those cars? Nope. In fact, all late year high-end thirdgen F bodies with the z-rated tires got the same valve bodies. This also was the same valve body used in the vette. I don't remember when the cutoff year was. Mine is a '90 so you can start somewhere around there.
Tim
ok id have to say ill never touch another B&M item again , two years back i had my 700r4 built (stock with some good clutches ) and never had a problem at all with it then about a year later i wanted more kick when it shifted so i got the b&M kit and installed it , now id have to say i know what i am doing i have done a few kits before never a 700r but a 350,400, and a glide now they all worked fine in case of my 700r that nice working trans lasted a week after i installed the b&M kit ( THAT GOOD FOR NOTHING PEICE OF S#!T) AND NOW 2500.00 later i have a new trans ,converter ,and a trans go kit ....just my .02
Well I guess Im the outcast, cause I love B&M products!!
Ive been using B&M for years..
My trans was built Sept. 2001 and its stills shifts has good as the 1st day we put it in. I did alot more than just the shift-kit.
Everybody has their own opinion on what kind of parts to put on/in their cars. Ive been in the auto parts business for 14 years and I have a good idea on what is good and what is junk!
And a little advise from me to you, Listen to the people the run the parts on their cars, not the people that heard from a friend of a freind of a freind ect ect.
Peace
Ive been using B&M for years..
My trans was built Sept. 2001 and its stills shifts has good as the 1st day we put it in. I did alot more than just the shift-kit.
Everybody has their own opinion on what kind of parts to put on/in their cars. Ive been in the auto parts business for 14 years and I have a good idea on what is good and what is junk!
And a little advise from me to you, Listen to the people the run the parts on their cars, not the people that heard from a friend of a freind of a freind ect ect.
Peace
I have a 91 Z28 and am able to cruise at WOT in 4th gear. I also believe that this is incorporated into the 90's models also. Its you early model 700 guys that need the upshift valve or sleeve.
Why so many
s? OK so what if it may be unbelievable but it happened. By the way I wasn't at wot and i was manually shifting the car. Also i forgot to say i had my brother and my best friend with me in the car adding about 500 extra pounds over stock with them and there book and my speakers. I have also done it alone once. Since none of you believe any of this i doubt would believe my engine has hit 7000 rpm's in second either. (main reason the four barrel isn't allowed to open.) And you probably won't believe that my friends 66 Grand Prix with a 400 400 combo that is purely stock shifts into third at 85 mph. Also that my dad has squaked the tires in his GTO going into third. Well all of it is true and if any of you would like to ride in any of our cars to find out your selves come on over we'll take you for a ride.
Now for my first question I asked how many of you have actually install a B&M kit in your trans correctly?
If you haven't you can't tell me that it is no good.
By the way the trans is going on 4 months of daily torture and holding up just fine.
s? OK so what if it may be unbelievable but it happened. By the way I wasn't at wot and i was manually shifting the car. Also i forgot to say i had my brother and my best friend with me in the car adding about 500 extra pounds over stock with them and there book and my speakers. I have also done it alone once. Since none of you believe any of this i doubt would believe my engine has hit 7000 rpm's in second either. (main reason the four barrel isn't allowed to open.) And you probably won't believe that my friends 66 Grand Prix with a 400 400 combo that is purely stock shifts into third at 85 mph. Also that my dad has squaked the tires in his GTO going into third. Well all of it is true and if any of you would like to ride in any of our cars to find out your selves come on over we'll take you for a ride.Now for my first question I asked how many of you have actually install a B&M kit in your trans correctly?
If you haven't you can't tell me that it is no good.
By the way the trans is going on 4 months of daily torture and holding up just fine.
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Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 11
From: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Originally posted by ROCKNRODS
And you probably won't believe that my friends 66 Grand Prix with a 400 400 combo that is purely stock shifts into third at 85 mph.
And you probably won't believe that my friends 66 Grand Prix with a 400 400 combo that is purely stock shifts into third at 85 mph.
Now for my first question I asked how many of you have actually install a B&M kit in your trans correctly?
I bet I could break traction going into fourth at part throttle too if I kept the TV cable fully extended all the time, but why would anyone want to?
Last edited by Apeiron; Nov 14, 2002 at 11:36 PM.
If you were to take and install a B&M valve body kit ummm....let's say in ten stock 1988 & up 700R4's, you would probably at best (following their instructions) get two to work ok. I have been in the auto trade since 1966, and started building Performance automatic transmissions in 1977. On a rare occasion have I seen a B&M transmission or Art Carr unit come in that did not have broken parts. Their approach is to block or hinder accumulation so that you get a firm 1-2 shift at light to medium throttle openings, and not necessarily firm shifts at WOT, especially 3rd gear on the 700R4. Once you understand why working with accumulation (which is harder to do than just blocking accumulators) can benefit the life of the trans, improve the shift quality, and the performance of the unit, you will realize that Trans-Go is not just improving on what the factory does, it offers solutions on how to get performance along with longevity, which "no one else" does.
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,838
Likes: 4
From: Another world, some other time
Car: 86 LG4 & 92 TBI Firebird
Engine: The Mighty 305!
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
I've had my B&M shift improver kit set on street/strip for about 5 years now and have no probs. Tranny has over 170,000 miles on it too.
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 4,969
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From: USA
Car: yy wife, crazy.
Engine: 350, Vortecs, 650DP
Transmission: TH-350
Axle/Gears: 8.5", 3.42
Originally posted by ROCKNRODS
Since none of you believe any of this.......
Since none of you believe any of this.......

I can believe
Also that my dad has squaked the tires in his GTO going into third.
It was only once, but it was 'the perfect moment'. I was street racing an '88 LX 5.0 liter with an 8 lb. Paxton on it.
AJ
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,974
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From: Pueblo Co
Car: 1989 C4
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 307
Originally posted by ROCKNRODS
Now for my first question I asked how many of you have actually install a B&M kit in your trans correctly?
If you haven't you can't tell me that it is no good.
By the way the trans is going on 4 months of daily torture and holding up just fine.
Now for my first question I asked how many of you have actually install a B&M kit in your trans correctly?
If you haven't you can't tell me that it is no good.
By the way the trans is going on 4 months of daily torture and holding up just fine.
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas, NV
Car: 1985 Camaro, 2015 Audi A4
Engine: V8
Transmission: 700R4
i personally think your exagerating about almost everything, i had a b&m s/s kit in my 700r4, drove it a week, liked it, put my 355 in, dropped it two weeks later, still has that bad *** 1-2 shift...just doesn't shift at all after that. and i completely believe that your uninformed enough that your reving your stock engine to 7000 in 2nd...but why? they stop making power around 5500. I also believe you chirped your tires in 4th, a friend of mine had a shift kit in his rusted out camaro, it shifted in 3rd, bent some suspension parts, and chirped the tire against the wheel well
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