From what I've read on the internet it sounds like the TransGo HP shift kit is the best thing since sliced bread, however when I asked my Transmission mechanic (Marshall's Transmission) he gets all scared and says that he would NOT be responsible for ruining my transmission, that the TransGo hurts more than you might expect and I'd be replacing my transmission in a few hundred miles blah blah blah. So what's the story? Is the TransGo high performance shift kit crap or is it good? As I said and as I asked on several forums before most people say it's good, anyone have any Negative experiences with it (when properly installed of course) I'm about to give up and just install it myself...

------------------
84 stock Z-28 V8 305 H.O.

 

There's a difference between the shift kit and reprogramming kit I believe. Transfixleo always advises to go with the reprogramming kit.

------------------
'86 IROC
T-TOPS, TINTED WINDOWS, BRAKE LIGHT BLACKOUTS
GM GOODWRENCH 350
EDELBROCK TES HEADERS
FLOWMASTER, NO CAT
EDELBROCK 600CFM CARB.
KN AIRFILTER
ACCEL HEI DISTRIBUTOR
160* Stat
3:73 Posi
Rebuilt 700R4 vette servo and .500 boost valve
B&M Megashifter, 5" Autometer Tach w/shift lite
Soon to be installed
3" Hooker Aero Chamber

 

It is time to get another trans guy.

 

He's already got one... himself. Marshall's Transmissions? That's as bad as my $1400-for-one-and-a-half-years Lee Myles rebuild. Definately do it yourself, Inwo.



------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l)

 

Which kit does Summit sell? Is it the reprogramming kit or the shift kit? It is part #700.

------------------
92Z28
89GTA

 

Sounds like a plan but I got this car like 3 weeks ago and wasn't sure if I should go through the expense of going through a tranny shop just to make sure the transmission was in workable condition. I'm sure during an oil change they can tell nothing more than I can so I don't know... I'll probably just buy the kit and put it in myself but in the meantime my tranny oil SHOULD be changed... What I should do though is get a job in a mechanics shop and learn all this stuff, no one I know or am friends with are very mechanically inclined unfortunately and I'd hate to screw anything up myself. I'll probably give it a shot if the video is good though. BIG question is will jack stands be sufficient for doing the work or will I have to beg/borrow/steal a lift? I'm already sure without a doubt that it would be easier but it's doable with 4 jack stands, right?

Btw the part number is http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?d=15&s=261&p=1933&part=6956',650,450,'TRG700' from summit

 

Not sure what kit you have but the TransGo 700-2&3 Reprogramming kit would be very difficult for someone who is not mechanically inclined to install. It's a high performance kit that needs the trans out of the car to install.

 

In one way I understand what he is thinking since this does change how the tranny works. It must mean that he has no knowledge or experience with the TransGo kits so that is a BIG reason to NOT have him do the work for you. I have the same attitude when someone comes in and wants a B&M kit put in.

I wouldn't call it 'giving up' when you install it yourself. You can be the one who is more knowledgeable about these kits than you tranny man.

 

yes four jack stands will do for pulling out the trans. I just pulled one out tonight using jack stands. Just make sure when you put the car up that it is high enough to fit the tranny and a jack. Good luck.

 

The TransGo Reprogramming Kit does NOT have to be installed with the tranny out.

It DOES include special Hi Rev Release springs that will help keep the 3-4's alive if you really rev high (over 5500 RPM).

 

i'm getting ready to order the transgo kit from summit. How much does it help in terms of performance, and how hard is it to install? more difficult than the B&M?

 

Here is a tip. Get a highlite marker, like you use to mark text so you can still read it. IF you can establish ahead of time what steps you need to do (there are two major types of VB's PLUS they list manual shift steps too) and highlite them. Next, give yourself allot of time, clear the schedule for the weekend so you are not pressured. IF you take your time it will be just fine.

 

why's everyone down on B&M shift kits? I've been running one for a year with no problems.

 

First off, what a Shift Kit ISN'T. Most people associate the term Shift Kit with tire chirping shifts. Actually Shift Kit is a trademarked name coined and owned by TransGo Since 1959. The purpose of a Shift Kit is to correct the weak points of a given transmission. In most cases when someone complains of soft or slipping shifts it isn't BECAUSE if these complaints that they fail but rather there is a malfunction that leads TO the burned/glazed frictions and the poor shift quality is the result. There are many kit's out there designed to give you firm shifts but if that isn't the cause of your problem it isn't fixing them.
For example, in a 700 you have problems with delayed pressure rise which allows the clutches or band to slip until the pressure catches up. If you don't fix this, it doesn't matter if you put the Vette servo in or the .500 TV boost valve or not. They will only mask the problem. This problem is there whether it is a grocery getter or 5.7 IROC. The TransGo Shift Kit corrects this and other problems that these have. This kit however isn't available to the general public because of the technical knowledge required.

They do however have something that I think most of you are after though. It is called a Reprogramming Kit or also a High Performance Shift Kit. It has the basic fixes that the Shift Kit has and it has features to give the tranny HD/HP capabilities such as greater manual control and higher horsepower and torque handling ability. The 700 kit also includes some pieces for when the unit is O/H'ed to give it higher RPM capability (at higher RPM, residual oil can drag the 3-4 clutches on even when they should be off). This kit (the commercial version) has a video to aid in the installation too.

 

Maybe I should just take a drive up to Webster and have YOU do it transfixleo ;-) But I think I'll give it a go over the winter just in case I do screw something up majorly, unless of course I happen upon a mechanic in Buffalo or Niagara Falls who knows what's up with the TransGo.
Thanks for the help

------------------
84 stock Z-28 V8 305 H.O.

 

If you have a B&M kit and it works for you , you are in the minority. B&M does nothing to address or solve the problems the 700R4's have, just a big 2nd gear feed hole with the accumulator blocked. Believe me if they worked, we (transfixleo & I) would be using them. They are cheaper & easier to install. The Trans-Go Performance Shift along with the Corvette servo & large boost valves will give you everything you want and more from the 700R4. The parts are available from Summit with the video or from me without the video. The price from me on these parts along with some tech update is $127.00. Call me if I can be of help?! 800 7763288 Mon-Sat 10-6 PST.

 

Hey, pay me in chips at the Casino and we can work something out!!!

 

Yeah i've heard so many dog B&M, but Its not given me any trouble yet, im not some 450 ft lb street sweeper though, im still running the stock 91 L98, but Im not exactly kind to the tranny either, i've been know to engage in the more than occasional race.