Hey guys, I have my 91 t/a up on jack stands now and I think it needs a transmission pan gasket anyway (its leaking all sorts of fluids) so I was wondering since I'll eventually replace that gasket, I'd like to install a shift kit into my 700r4. Is it a tough job for a newb? Will it require pulling the transmission out? Any how-tos? Thanks!

 

I did the B&M kit and it was pretty easy - Transgo a bit more involved, but I wouldn't think it to be any harder, just different. I had my tranny out, so I was right-side up - You'll be upside down - so keep a magnet close by to catch the little ball when you drop it. Just follow the instructions to the letter and you should be fine.

 

Thanks man! Just another question, are shift kits bad for a car that's driven often? (in the warm months) That's with spirited driving, not too crazy but not slow.
And would you recommend B&M stage 1 or 2?
http://www.bmracing.com/SPECIALS/Shift-Improver-Kits-Buick-Chevrolet-GMC-Olds-Pontiac-82-93-TH-700-R4-4L60

 

B&M doesn't really have that great a reputation... Go over to Trans Go's website and you can download the video that shows you how to put their kit in a 700R4. That will give you an idea of what's involved.

 

http://www.transgo.com/rpg_generalmtr.php
Drew, are you talking about the 8th one down? How is it? Firmer/quicker shifts?
The kits in the "shift kits" section are just repair kits, or so it seems.

 

That's about the assumption I came too after looking through their website. The 700-2-3 seems to be the only Transgo kit that Summit sells for the 700R4 anyway.

I couldn't tell you how it works. I researched, and my plans changed. Now I've got a T56 sitting in the garage and hopefully soon I'll have my extra 700R4's all sold.

 

Drew:

Your swapping in a T56 also? I cant seem to sell the 700r that came out of my car.

 

I'm strongly considering it. I bought the T56 a couple months ago, and if I can bring myself to cut a hole in the floor of my car, I'll put it in. I've had nothing but bad luck with 700R4's and the one in my Formula comes and goes. It's fine as long as I don't beat on the car, but I know it's on borrowed time (I knew it was junk in 1999 when I bought the car). I've still got to acquire the clutch set, and crossmember. I've got one complete 700R4 sold, just waiting for a buddy to get it out of my garage. Then I've got a B&M 700R4 that I'll probably hold onto until I figure out which direction I'm going. Then there's the junk transmission in the car... A few years ago I threw away 4 junk 700R4 cores.

 

Im glad i went ahead and done it. It was a little fustrating for me because of missing a few parts (torqe arm bracket!) that made it take so long. But at least my fuel economy will go up. Plus the drivabilty and reliabily of the tranny will be better. I hated having to slap it into neutral at every redlight because of the bucking, then when i pushed it back into drive the tires chirp.. very aggravating.

 

The way that I setup the 700-2-3 Performance Shift kit is by adding the TransGo Junior. The combination of the two kits will give you smooth part throttle shifts and firm WOT shifts, whereas the 700-2-3 "as is" will not do this. I make other changes to further help the life of the tranmission. So yes, the addition of one of my kits can increase the life of the transmission when under spirted driving conditions. The video is a good start, but ALWAYs use the written instructions for the final decision on hole sizes, springs, and anything else. Remember, a smooth shifting transmission will "alway" last longer than a transmission than one that shifts hard all of the time. You want the shifts to "match" the torque being put out. When you drive easy, you want the shifts to be easy, when you drive hard, you want the shifts to be quick, which will be firm. Let me know if I can be of help? Dana

 

Would you mind posting up a link to the things you're talking about? I found this but this seems to be more of a repair kit.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...d=320370345877

And what do these things on the item description mean?
"soft or slide-bump 1-2; 2-3 cutloose; shuttle 4-3-4-3; soft or late 4th."

 

For prompt results you might just try going directly to the source.

http://www.700r4l60e.com/

 

Thanks... I found this shift kit that seems to be the most suitable for what I'm looking for... what are your thoughts?
http://www.700r4l60e.com/store/produ...&cat=65&page=1

But that's expensive! I wonder if there is anything comparable at a much lower price.