My 700-R4 shifts like it has 100k miles on it (cause it does) - it seems a little sluggish to me, especially shifting to P or R or D while stopped...

I was thinking maybe putting in one of those Transgo Shiftkits sounded like a good idea (maybe it would make the tranny feel "newer" or the "reprogramming" kit could let me drive it a little harder w/o worrying about wearing it down?), but I don't know hardly anything about trannys except how they work and how to change fluid/filter.

Anyone have advice for me? Thanks.

 

Anyone? I know that some of you on this board really know your sh** about transmissions...

Is this the same (installing one of those "shift kits") as "rebuilding a transmission in some cases?

 

my tranny has 106k on it. and ill be putting in a shift kit next week. so i can tell u then what happens

 

Putting in a shift package is not going to magically make your clutch packs brand new again. If your tranny is suffering and in need of a rebuild, then only a rebuild is going to fix that. It's also not going to make it safer to drive it harder.

My 89's 700 has over a 160k on it with no rebuild yet, and I drive it pretty hard. It shifts quickly and firmly (no shift kit, only a 'vette servo and the redesigned prop valve). I rebuilt the transmission in my 'vert last year, and it shifts pretty softly.

You might try the 'vette servo. They're only about 12 bucks and you can install it in an afternoon without anything more than a screwdriver and a crowbar. Pick up a set of o-rings for the servo cover while you're at it if the servo doesn't come with them.

If you do put in a shift kit, be sure to take a look at the accumulator spring. They've been broken in every 700R4 I've ever rebuilt.

 

The way I judge a tranny as to whether or not a Shift Kit (TransGo) will keep it going or if an O/H is ALSO needed is this: Does it HOLD in EACH gear, regardless of shift quality? IS the oil 'OK', that is at least close to red, not visible particles floating in it and not 'bad' smelling?. If it passes those tests, then the TransGo kit will do wonders. It won't make clutches and bands new again but the fact is if they are holding now, as tested above, then they will hold as well, and for some brands, better than new when properly controlled by the Shift Kit.

There are some parts that wear and other parts that can, but don't always wear out, such as bushing and such that allow internal leaks etc. There is no way to really judge those things and if the tranny does fail in time, you will already have the SK installed so insist on your tranny being repaired and reinstalled.

 

JZA, Does the spring come in the transgo kit or do i have to go out and buy one.