AT shift kit for a DD

[T2urtle]

Been thinking about getting this done. On my AWD G35.

Shift kit and fluids would run me $250. Local guy willing to do it for $400, he has done 3 kits so far. I trust the guy.

This is my DD, a shift kit firms up the shifts. In some cases a harsh shift. But more importantly less wear and tear on the trans. Could shave off a few tenths in the 1/4. I hit up the track one a year for fun. Sometimes go to bracket racing events. I do plan on going into the auto-x scene this year and if all goes well and i enjoy it maybe step up to HPDE events. But thats down the road.

Aside from a possible harsh shift, i dont see any negatives other cost. But some say its not needed/pointless/ useless. Some people on the boards HATE it because of the shifts and others say they dont notice it.

Shift kits was popular with the older muscle cars but not as much in todays world.

Thoughts on this?? It will be a transgo kit.

 

[ThatsABigOne]

How would harsh shifts cause less wear on a tranny?

 

[LTC8K6]

Less slip means less wear and banging shifts.

 

[NutBucket]

Not sure I would ever bother on a DD with (assuming) stock power.

Then again, I wouldn't have a slush box in the first place 😛

 

[Subyman]

I don't care for the shift kits unless it is on a hopped up car. Especially in a ~luxury car like the G35. The last thing I'd think you would want are the shift slamming every time. Believe me, it will get old quick. Some people like it though. If you've never spent a lot of time with a shift kit car, then maybe this mechanic could give you a ride in one to see if you like it?

 

[T2urtle]

Not sure I would ever bother on a DD with (assuming) stock power.

Then again, I wouldn't have a slush box in the first place 😛

Light Bolt-on nothing to brag.

Well I'm between keeping the car and getting something with a hatch.
If I keep the car, I would like to make attempts to make this car a little more enjoyable to me.

 

[T2urtle]

I don't care for the shift kits unless it is on a hopped up car. Especially in a ~luxury car like the G35. The last thing I'd think you would want are the shift slamming every time. Believe me, it will get old quick. Some people like it though. If you've never spent a lot of time with a shift kit car, then maybe this mechanic could give you a ride in one to see if you like it?

Its not that luxury.

Yea. I'm getting a ride in his car before anything gets done.

Some forums claimed to shave .2 off his 1/4 times and he doesn't have harsh shifts at all. People don't notice anything while in his car.

I know its not as fast as a dsg car, but dsg cars shift pretty nice.

 

[thescreensavers]

Up shifts will be faster not too harsh but I hear downshits are really harsh. Also the kit does not touch. 5th

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcqaJ7Ly-v0&feature=youtube_gdata_player


Its hell of an improvement but I do wonder if it does actually lengthen the transmissions life.

IMO go for it

 

[Rifter]

Less slip means less wear and banging shifts.

This is the reason i installed one in my DD, less wear. I have a TH 400 trans though which is built like a tank. I dont know if i would install one on a newer auto trans as they tend to be alot weaker that the older ones.

 

[thedarkwolf]

I have one on my minivan 🙂. Can you drive another g35 that has already had it done? There are mild shift kits and awwww my teeth feel out shift kits.

 

[Vetterin]

I have one on my 85 Vette and to be perfectly honest I hate it, especially on the 1st to 2nd shift. I doubt that I would do it again.

 

[kornphlake]

I have one on my minivan 🙂.

Me too

I have one on my 85 Vette and to be perfectly honest I hate it, especially on the 1st to 2nd shift. I doubt that I would do it again.

My Astro has a 4l60E which is a derivative of the 4 speed transmission used in your corvette (assuming you don't have the 4+3), the shift kit didn't make an objectionable impact on the 2-3 or 3-4 shift but the 1-2 shift is really harsh. When I installed the shift kit the instructions said to drill out one of the holes in the valve plate to a certain diameter for a softer shift or a larger diameter for a firmer shift, I went with the larger diameter, if I had it to do over again I'd use the smaller diameter drill or leave that hole the stock size.

Quick shifts might be better for the transmission, but I'm not sure they are better for the U joints and rear end, granted it's a lot easier to replace a u joint than it is to replace a transmission.

 

[hanoverphist]

my friend has one on his 02 f150. hes done a bunch of other upgrades to it as well, and when you get on the throttle you can feel those shifts pretty well. when i drive it, i dont floor it everywhere so i barely even notice the shifts. its all in how you drive it. the only reason his really beats mine is in the shifts, otherwise we are pretty well even.

 

[natto fire]

Me too



My Astro has a 4l60E which is a derivative of the 4 speed transmission used in your corvette (assuming you don't have the 4+3), the shift kit didn't make an objectionable impact on the 2-3 or 3-4 shift but the 1-2 shift is really harsh. When I installed the shift kit the instructions said to drill out one of the holes in the valve plate to a certain diameter for a softer shift or a larger diameter for a firmer shift, I went with the larger diameter, if I had it to do over again I'd use the smaller diameter drill or leave that hole the stock size.

Quick shifts might be better for the transmission, but I'm not sure they are better for the U joints and rear end, granted it's a lot easier to replace a u joint than it is to replace a transmission.

Yeah, I used to drive a '76 Sierra with a fresh 700R4 w/shift kit and it behaved the same way, 1-2 was jerky no matter what, sometimes even barking the tires, the rest of the gears were like butter. I didn't install the kit on that, so I am not sure what went in to it.

 

[T2urtle]

Can you drive another g35 that has already had it done? There are mild shift kits and awwww my teeth feel out shift kits.

Not a G35 locally that i know. The installer that i spoke to owns a FX35 and has done it for a couple of them around. Installer told me he could give me around in his.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diDQz3pK9RM

Thats his car in that video.

 

[joutlaw]

I have data-logged custom tune on my 04 Z71 with the 4L60E. My tuner firmed up the shifts more line pressure and it made a big difference. I also installed the corvette servo. The shifts are not too bad at part throttle... sometimes even like stock.

My brother-in-law has the same transmission with a full blown shift kit. It's harsh as anything on the 1-2 shift. It will bark the tires on occasion. He has learned to just let off the gas on the 1-2 shift which helps a lot.