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VN91SX
Fully Licenced
344 Posts
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 Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 8:26:39 PM
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This question goes out to all members of this forum . Im sure that there would be someone on here that has had a shift kit installed on their automatic gearbox. I would like to know the ballpark cost for having this service done, and what you thought of the finished product i.e. drivability improvements etc. I would like to know more about a stage 2 shift kit. Thanks guys.
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nodg
National Driver
1667 Posts
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Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 8:55:48 PM
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a shift kit is a modification to the transmissions valvebody which increases overall oil pressure thus giving the crispest shift possible. On a transmissions that is starting to slip or showing signs of wear a shift kit is not recommended as it will shorten the life of it dramatically. Shift kits come in 3 stages, stage 1 is a firm shift and is designed for towing, oil pressure is increased slightly. stage 2 is almost maximum pressure and gives the sharpest shift a shift kit can provide, stage 3 is a stage 2 kit but fully manual meaning everytime you upshift and downshift you must change the gear lever.
A b&m shift improver kit will cost around 100-130 dollars from supercheap or repco, ask for a 'b & m shift improver kit for a th700 hydraylic box/vn commodore th700. this will have the parts for stage 1 & 2. installation is done by yourself but isnt quite as easy as it seems and can have bad results if you put a checkball or springs where it shouldnt be. an auto trans shop will charge 200 for installation plus a service, anything more tell them their dreaming.
Now besides a shift kit you can put in a corvette servo which is another way to increase pressure, a corvette servo is worth about 40 dollars and auto trans shops charge the same to install this as it is for the shift kit in the valve body. I do not recommend putting both the shift kit & the servo in as on a used auto it will be sure to destroy it, and ive heard this off trans rebuilders.
If you want my advise both the shift kit & servo give the same results, youy will easily chirp the wheel when changing into 2nd gear in the dry going flat chat, even less at times, also when you first get it done for the first few drives it will need getting used to (and can be annoying at times)
You wont regret it ( unless your box wears out becasue of the kit(s) ) and when you drive another vn that doesnt have a shift kit youll wonder why you didnt get one earlier : ) |
Cheers,
Nodg. |
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VN91SX
Fully Licenced
344 Posts
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Posted - 20 Nov 2008 : 6:33:46 PM
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Nodg, that explanation was awesome! Answered all my questions. Thanks mate. It is the original box with only 89000 on the clock. The gearbox is in good shape. It was my pops car. He was 63 when he bought the car brand new, so the transmission has had an easy life. I appreciate the time you took to write your detailed response. Thank you. |
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nodg
National Driver
1667 Posts
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Posted - 20 Nov 2008 : 8:35:30 PM
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| no wories let us knw how it goes when you get it done. |
Cheers,
Nodg. |
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VN91SX
Fully Licenced
344 Posts
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Posted - 26 Nov 2008 : 7:48:18 PM
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Is there a specific transmission fluid i should be using after i install the kit?
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nodg
National Driver
1667 Posts
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Posted - 26 Nov 2008 : 8:24:38 PM
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| Just the usual dexron 11 transmission fluid, also adjust the tv/kickdown cable if you already havent done so. |
Cheers,
Nodg. |
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jas89
Forum Moderator
779 Posts
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Posted - 28 Nov 2008 : 02:38:49 AM
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dextron 3 oil
talking about oil, when we have changed teh auto oil in our commodores last month we found holden to be the cheapest on price for dextron 3 oil...for 5 liters (4 liter and 1 liter bottles as thats al they make them in) cost 19 bucks.....i was like huh?? but then again that was trade price |
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Edited by - jas89 on 28 Nov 2008 02:41:04 AM |
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VN91SX
Fully Licenced
344 Posts
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Posted - 28 Nov 2008 : 8:40:18 PM
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| Thanks Jas! I got Valvoline Dex-3 for $35 at Supercheap. Pain of a job to do. The Y joint between the Pacemaker headers and the cat sits over the top of the bolts at one end of the gearbox. Have a mate that is a mechanic that is going to do the job for me on monday ($100) and a service of the box. Also getting the water pump replaced. I appreciate the help and advice guys |
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VN91SX
Fully Licenced
344 Posts
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Posted - 01 Dec 2008 : 4:46:19 PM
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| Put the stage 2 kit on today boys. What a pain in the butt of a job it was. My friend who is a mechanic did the job, but needed my help to put the valve body back in place. Those damn check balls!!!! The gaskets slide, while the check balls fall off over and over, but he got it done. $300 got me a new water pump put in, and the shift kit installed. The shifts are quicker and firmer. Big improvement, but am waiting for the right driving conditions to really test it. Succesfully removed all shift overlaping. |
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nodg
National Driver
1667 Posts
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Posted - 01 Dec 2008 : 8:50:16 PM
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| lol....glad you like it, just be careful in the rain. i mean it too! |
Cheers,
Nodg. |
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