Skip to main content
Topic: AOD: shift-kit choices (Read 2302 times) previous topic - next topic

AOD: shift-kit choices

Reply #15
Quote from: 88sportcoupe
Dont mean to hijack but what is everyones opinions on how the shift kits will effect the tranny life. I would really like to put one in my sport but my Brother-in-law thinks i should just leave it be because he had to change the tranny about 6 times to finally get one that worked and he thinks the shift kit will ruin the trans. I dont really think it would hurt it but i respect his opinion and i dont want to have to replace it.


This is what I heard so guys please correct me if im wrong. A shift kit will extent your trannys life because every automatic tranny out there when it shifts from one gear to another it actually hold both gears for a moment which results in smother gear changing. Though while both gears are simultaneously together there is wear between the clutch’s. Now what a shift kit dose is immediately drop a gear and grab the next one which results in crisper gear changing and less wear inside the tranny. Now the problem; if your always hard on your car the harder shifting will result excessive wear on you rear and, some say vibrate your car lose example.. (Dashboard and interior losing.) lol.

AOD: shift-kit choices

Reply #16
Get the Transgo, its tried and true and I think that extra $50 is worth not burning up your trans. You wont be dissappointed.
1988 Tbird Stock bottom end 306, Windsor Jr's, Explorer intake, 125 shot.
Best ET: 12.11 Best MPH: 113.8 1/4 mile

AOD: shift-kit choices

Reply #17
Quote from: Innes
This is what I heard so guys please correct me if im wrong. A shift kit will extent your trannys life because every automatic tranny out there when it shifts from one gear to another it actually hold both gears for a moment which results in smother gear changing. Though while both gears are simultaneously together there is wear between the clutch’s. Now what a shift kit dose is immediately drop a gear and grab the next one which results in crisper gear changing and less wear inside the tranny. Now the problem; if your always hard on your car the harder shifting will result excessive wear on you rear and, some say vibrate your car lose example.. (Dashboard and interior losing.) lol.


That is basically correct... The quicker(not necessarly harder)the shift from one gear to the next the less wear there is to the clutches and/or bands... Hard shifts can cause drive line problems if its not beefy enough to take it.. As far as the dashboard shaking loose.... I have my doubts about that one...

I've been pounding on a stock Super Coupe AOD with a Trans Go kit for over six years... She's taking a licking and is still tickin'..

 

TransGo

Reply #18
I had a TransGo Kit installed in my 177K mile AOD and it works well, first with the 3.8L V6 and now with a mild 5.0 H.O. conversion.  The shifts are "chrip crisp" and the shifts are 5500 RPMs into 2nd, 5200 RPM's into high.  My only complaint is it won't stay in third, as it will upshift to OD at 4400 RPM's ( just at the first timing light) in the 1/4 mile, killing my MPH.  I do not drive on the street, but figure if you don't flog it too much it should work fine.  Remember my trans has V6 guts in it, I.E. less clutches and plates.  If it holds my combo, and it does, it is a good mod IMHO.  Anyway, any shift kit is better than none, for reliablity.  Fred

AOD: shift-kit choices

Reply #19
Quote
My only complaint is it won't stay in third, as it will upshift to OD at 4400 RPM's ( just at the first timing light) in the 1/4 mile, killing my MPH.


Pull the TV valve back as far as it will possibly go.  Should help some.  I would recommend this for track only.  On the street leave it so 4th gear comes somewhere around 45-48 with very light throttle.
-- 05 Mustang GT-Whipplecharged !!
--87 5.0 Trick Flow Heads & Intake - Custom Cam - Many other goodies...3100Lbs...Low12's!

AOD: shift-kit choices

Reply #20
Hmm I've wanted to put a TransGo shift kit in my AOD for a few years now but I'm a little leary of it. My AOD has 126,000 miles on it and I'm worried that I'll kill it. It works ok now but I'm not sure if the shift kit would hurt it. So do I have nothing to fear and should I just go for it or I'm I right in not wanting to put a shift kit in a 126,000 mile AOD?
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

AOD: shift-kit choices

Reply #21
Something tells me that as clean as your car was when you got it that your AOD wasn't abused.  Go for it.
-- 05 Mustang GT-Whipplecharged !!
--87 5.0 Trick Flow Heads & Intake - Custom Cam - Many other goodies...3100Lbs...Low12's!

AOD: shift-kit choices

Reply #22
Paul, Thanks for the tip, I'll try it. When I adjust it towards the trans (to the rear), the shift points go to higher RPM's.
Thunderjet, IMO the shift kit will help with reliability in a working older transmission.  It will change the timing of shifts so that no slippage occurs, and this is good.  I would not change the governor weights, too radically, as this raises the shift points, but the basic kit should be good for your trans.  Mine had 177K miles on it and was in good condition but still beniifited from the mod.  Good luck,  Fred

AOD: shift-kit choices

Reply #23
Out of the shift kits that have been named I haven't heard anyone say anything about PA performance shift kits. Latemodel Restoration sells them for $44. Anyone heard good or bad about them?
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]http://www.fquick.com/slicksport88
88 Sport - 5.0HO, Mass Air, A9L, 73mm C&L meter, BBK CAI, 255 lph pump, 1.7 roller rockers,Professional Products damper, Chuck W motor mounts, BBK shorties & H-pipe, Flowmaster 40 series, 8.8 rear w/3.27's, 93 Cobra M/C, BAER 13in. drilled/slotted rotors front and back, cobra calipers, Russell braided brake lines front & back, C/C plates, 03cobra rims, 255/40/17 Nitto 555's all around

AOD: shift-kit choices

Reply #24
I have a question, how do you tell if a car has a shift kit on it and what does the shift kit do?
1988- 3.8- T-bird- sold 2005 Grand Prix, GTP- COMP.G MODS: Inferno Hood, GXP spoiler, Liquid Metal Wheels,K&N Intake,LED taillights,LED reverse lights, LED interior lights, 180*,605s, Pacesetters :burnout:

AOD: shift-kit choices

Reply #25
Hmm I've got a new one. I've been going through the reciepts for work done on the car (I have a reciept for everything done to the car from 1988 till now) and I found something interesting. The car had regular fluid and filter changes but something odd happened in 2000. The car apparently had the torque converter fail and a new one was put in. Same as stock just a new one. Now since the torque converter was replaced should I be worried about putting a TransGo shift kit in or not?
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

AOD: shift-kit choices

Reply #26
I wouldnt have a problem with it. The way I see it, no matter what shape the tranny is in now, it will only make it last longer. I say go for it.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

AOD: shift-kit choices

Reply #27
I think I might give it a shot. I just hope it doesn't spill it's guts as I'm driving:rolleyes:
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.