Hey everybody, I've been looking into getting a ratchet shifter for a little while now but there is one main thing about them I would like to know. When I hold my car in 1st then shift to 2nd its instant, but 2nd-3rd is still the pre-determined shift point. I am wondering if it is an instant 2nd-3rd with a ratchet shifter? Or is still the pre-determined point? Thanks. James

 

A ratchet shifter doesn't change any of the transmission's behavior.

 

Thanks, then I see no point in buying one until I get a full manual valve body.

 

Why do you want a manual valve body?

 

A good shift kit will do the same thing as a full manual and still give you full automatic when left in D.

 

Which shift kit? I've looked at Pro Built's but they dont specify, I spose I could send him a pm.

 

You definitely don't want a manual vb unless youre much more strip than street.

The transgo and superior vb kits will offer great control while still maintaining a regular D & OD drive range. - If your shift point is higher than your engine's power band you need to look into modifying the governor for earlier shift points.

 

Manual shifting an auto creates alot faster wear on the tranny. Manual VBs are a pita from what Ive seen people experience.
I dont think you are going to get an instant shift either way. Unless your shift points are set really short on all throttle input levels and you are essentially holding the gears at will. Talk to Dana at ProBuilt about that in more detail.

 

I have the B&M Megashifter, 700-R4 with the Transgo shift kit in it, and I noticed that same exact problem for a long time with it. Went back and talked to my tranny shop to see what they said. Ended up being, that when I race I have to pull the TV cable all the way out, and it lets me shift whenever I want. After the drags, put it back into your correct location, and drive home with no consequiences.

Brett

 

Yeah, all I'm talking about is the 2-3 shift. The shift point isnt to high at all, a little on the low side actually. I have planned on a transgo kit, I just dont know which one, I just want a little more of a fun factor until I the time comes for the 383/T56 combo. The 2-3 shift delay just gets annoying. The more I look at it a manual vb isnt the way, this wont be much of a strip car untill the 383 is ready. Thanks for all the input.

 

the shift kit that you could use to correct this would be the transgo shift kit 700-2&3. it reads like this
YOUR CHOICE: STICK SHIFT OR AUTOMATIC.
FULL RACE--AUTOMATIC: full automatic shifts in "D". Holds any gear to any speed with shift lever. Backshifts to any gear to any speed by moving shift lever. High throttle 3-4 shift is controlled by lever also.
or
FULL RACE--STICK SHIFT: Manual only.
Trans will start off in what ever gear lever is in. Will shift to any gear, at any speed, by moving lever.
I'd keep it automatic but you can see that there is a kit that will suit your needs. This kit is best installed on the workbench but could be installed by an enthusiastic person while still in the car. There is no need to buy a valve body for manual only shifts for 700r4's! Beware-don't upshift too far without a ratchet or similar shifter or else bang when reverse is accidentally engaged.