Any experience with Vigilante torque converter and TransGo shift kit?

[cavettefan]

Does anyone have experience with the combination of the Vigilante torque converter and TransGo shift kit (Performance version, not the Competition or Off Road versions)? I am interested in whether the shifts occur quicker without additional harshness (I have had two instances of whiplash in the past and do not want to aggravate the injury). Precision Industries claims that the Vigilante torque converter actually "softens" the shifting. This sounds too good to be true - quicker response off the line plus faster shifts without any harshness.... Any response would be appreciated.

 

[JBsC5]

I like the efficiency of the Yank 3500 with 1.6 str..

I would suggest that as a better unit then the one your mentioning..

I drove a car with no shift kit/3:42 gears and the Yank 3500..

It was like syrup..from one gear to the next..almost lexus like in drive quality..

Plus the guys car I drove pulled 12's easy in the Quarter mile..

I would imagine thats what your looking for.

I've heard the shift kits are a great mod to do while adding a convertor and gears..yet you mention not wanting to feel the shift..so maybe leave that off?

From what I've heard the shift kits make each gear bang..

 

[cavettefan]

JBsC5,

Allegedly (since I have no personal experience, I am working from statements made on the TransGo web site), the benefit of a shift kit is to shorten the timeframe between shift points (e.g. the time that it takes to move from one gear to another). The benefit of such an approach is: 1.) Quicker 1/4 mile times, 2.) Quicker acceleration in general (0-60, passing, etc.), and 3.) Greater transmission life since there is less time expended by clutches slipping during each shift. The potential down side of a shift kit is that the shortened shift interval can result in a perception of "harshness" in shifting, which was the reason for my post - I did not want to put in a shift kit and end up aggravating previous whiplash injuries.

I will check into the Yank torque converter. Do you recall what stall speed the Yank converter was set for?

If anyone has additional input, please post.

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
I can comment on the Transgo shift kit. The kit will shorten your shift times, and give a more firm engagement. Just remember, you are changing the hydraulic function of the transmission, not just the pressure. If you install the heavy duty kit, your shifts will be firmer, but not extremely harsh. They will get firmer, the more you step into the gas.
The perception that your transmission is always slipping, and therefore wearing the clutches, is not really applicable here. Transmissions today, if they are operating correctly, will last for 100k easily. This is where maintenance, and knowing your car, will help. Increasing the life of the trans, not really, but with a converter, and shift kit, it will give you better feel, and better acceleration.
As for the converters, the higher the stall speed, the more internal heat you generate within the transmission. Just remember that your transmission fluid does 85% of the work in the transmission. Heat generation is the biggest reason that the fluid fails, and the transmission will fail. So with that in mind, you will need to add a transmission cooler. The higher the number, the higher the rpm it will develop full stall, or torque transmission to the driveline.
So you will also increase your maintenance costs as well, by changing the fluid more frequently.
Hope this helps, c4c5

 

[cavettefan]

c4c5specialist,

As always, your responses are thorough and informative. With your response in mind, do you have any recommendation regarding a transmission cooler? (I am tending to go with a Yank 3500 converter, based on the research that I did on Yank converters after reading JBsC5's post.) Regarding maintenance frequency, are we looking at a transmission fluid replacement interval shorter than 15,000 miles with a Yank 3500 converter? Lastly, with a higher stall speed converter, is there an increased time lag before the car starts moving due to a need to build up engine rpm before torque is transferred to the driveline?

 

[JBsC5]

I had the same questions as you when I was deciding if I should do a convertor..

The car I tested was a Yank 3500 with 3:42 gears..(you really need the 3:42 gears in my humble opinion..)

Getting back to your question..the drivability from a stop..was pretty much like stock..I think the Hud equipped car I tested was showing 3 mph rolling with no pressure on the gas pedal..

I'd have to do a search on my old posts on this subject at various sites..if you need exact numbers..same goes with reverse..it was totally acceptable and in fact without the transgo shift..I was missing that bang from gear to gear that the POWERLOADER had given my car with each shift..The bang..

If your looking to get performance and shifting smoothness...like velvet or a lexus..then the convertor and 3;42 gears is a great way to go..

To get the shift gear firmness back to the point where it might even be too much for your injury..

I'd probably tread lightly on the idea of the Transgo..

Of course if you have a great technician install this....you could probably fine tune the shift kit..

As far as costs go...

I would imagine..your looking at ...

700-800 on convertor..
same for the gears..
500 for ls1edit for gear and convertor swap..
100 or so for transgo kit..

and then maybe 500 or so for installation..

2600 to 3000 dollars ..


(I haven't seen that many guys add the coolers but its not a bad idea) Changing the fluid intervals probably would do the trick..I don't remember the schedules GM recommends on hard use stock..but if you cut them in half..you'd probably be on the right track..

On a personal note..like I said..I was contemplating this ....


Once I saw the cost for the convertor and gears....then I figured I'd want heads and cam..and tires and wheels..thats about the point...I just traded in my 99 C5 ride and bought a Z06..yet if I had an injury..where smoothness was an issue..

I wouldn't hestitate..to go the route your describing..

(the 3500 yank 1.6 str is one of the best convertors and built with extremely high quality parts..I also believe the 3500 stall needs a minimum of the 3:42 rear gear ratio..)

 

[cavettefan]

JBsC5,

It's funny, but the dealer that I am working with on the C5 Coupe suggested that it might be better (less expensive) to go with a Z06 and convert the Z06 to automatic.... In this instance, the dealer has a Z06 in stock that he could start working on immediately as opposed to waiting for a slot in the production calendar. There are two reasons why I would tend to want to stay with a Coupe: 1.) F55 suspension, and 2.) I really like the look of the Coupe. A Z06 conversion to automatic is intriguing, however, since I would get the 3.42 rear end (along with everything else that I am wanting to have done to the car to bring it up to Z06 performance levels.)

 

[c4c5specialist]

c4c5specialist,

As always, your responses are thorough and informative. With your response in mind, do you have any recommendation regarding a transmission cooler?
"With any transmission cooler, the higher the GVW rating, the better the cooler. I prefer BMsupercoolers, however, there are many out there."
(I am tending to go with a Yank 3500 converter, based on the research that I did on Yank converters after reading JBsC5's post.) Regarding maintenance frequency, are we looking at a transmission fluid replacement interval shorter than 15,000 miles with a Yank 3500 converter?
"Once a year or 15k on the fluid should do you just fine. This is for a full exchange flush, not just a filter and pan change."
Lastly, with a higher stall speed converter, is there an increased time lag before the car starts moving due to a need to build up engine rpm before torque is transferred to the driveline?
"Yes, this is correct."

 

[JBsC5]

JBsC5,

It's funny, but the dealer that I am working with on the C5 Coupe suggested that it might be better (less expensive) to go with a Z06 and convert the Z06 to automatic.... In this instance, the dealer has a Z06 in stock that he could start working on immediately as opposed to waiting for a slot in the production calendar. There are two reasons why I would tend to want to stay with a Coupe: 1.) F55 suspension, and 2.) I really like the look of the Coupe. A Z06 conversion to automatic is intriguing, however, since I would get the 3.42 rear end (along with everything else that I am wanting to have done to the car to bring it up to Z06 performance levels.)

I personally like the coupe body as well..I think the F55 suspension is one of the most facinating (sp) implementations of active shocks...truly the worlds best..and better and faster in fact than the $650,000 Ferrari Enzo system..Lets face it..to keep the tires in contact with the road really is paramount to performance and in fact comfort.

I would strongly suggest staying with coupe or convertible..whichever you prefer..getting it as an automatic..and then if you feel the need for more speed consider either supercharging with the stock torque convertor..and 2:73 gears..

I bet that would be some beast and would come with a 3year and 36K mile warranty on the entire drivetrain if installed by an ASE certified mechanic..

Considering that the supercharger makes such high torque..and its about 8 grand installed..it might be a better way to go..

Just a thought..

Otherwise go with the yank 3500 and 3:42 gears (so you can get your car with the stock 2:73's if you like..)

Figure to reprogram the pcm..as needed with the 3:42 and the changes that are associated with the convertor..For the most part I would suggest a reputable tuner to do this work as opposed to the dealer for the most part..there are always exceptions but aftermarket work is best left to the guys who do it everyday..

Its actually illegal for a dealer to alter the car in the manner in which your dealer presented it to you. The fines would be dramatic.. I'd be wary unless he is a friend.

Good luck and enjoy whatever you decide to go with..

 

[cavettefan]

THIS DISCUSSION IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE OF ANY SORT; IT IS SOLELY AN EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION.

JBsC5,

How is the PCM re-programming illegal? Individual components that have been emissions-certified are being used and the car will have to pass an initial SMOG test in California before it can be registered. (And the dealer can not sell a new car for on-highway use that can not be registered.) Part of the reason why I am paying the premium (for both the LS6 parts and the dealer to do the work) is to avoid any legal problems - warranty or otherwise. I presume that there are standard PCM settings to use for a stock LS6 engine which will enable the engine to pass the emission test while making the hp and torque that the engine is rated for. Otherwise, the dealer would not be interested in doing the modification job. As you note, the fines are prohibitive. If I went with a tuner such as Lingenfelter, I might be unable to register the car in California. Indeed, there are disclaimers on the Lingenfelter web site to just that effect (non-certified for use in California).

 

[JBsC5]

I apologize up front if I have caused any difficulties in your quest to make your car something unique.

I find it difficult to believe that a dealer would or could make changes with regards to gear ratios etc..and still be within the letter of the law..

It's just not allowed.

I do know guys out in california from the various web sites and they have convertors and gears such as I am suggesting to you.

The pcm upgrades though would be outside of the norm for any GM product hence the need for ls1.edit or a tuner with that capability...

If I were in California..which is as crazy a state as NJ..if not more when it comes to emissions..I would specifically work with a tuner in the area and let him be responsible for the end result..

AA Andy..is a great guy..he does some amazing work..and he's in california..His prices can't be beat and he is one of the coolest Corvette enthusiasts..

He would be a gentlemen I would highly recommend..

He does it all and he does the best job..and has the best prices..

Let me know if you need his phone number or email address.

I believe he is your man.

 

[cavettefan]

JBsC5,

No need to apologize. It is well to voice concerns. I would be interested in receiving AA Andy's e-mail address and/or telephone number. My journey with the Coupe is one of exploration of what is possible. In many respects, it is something of a research project.

 

[JBsC5]

http://www.AandACorvette.com

Call anytime for product info. 805- 658 -8299 (shop) I believe he is in Ventura.

 

[Buckmaster]

I have a SY3500, 3.42 gears and TransGo shiftkit with 2 spacers and it is AWESOME. The shifts are not too harsh as you might think. They are quick and firm with virtualy no drop in rpms between shifts. It is an awesome combo. I think 1 spacer is not enough. IMO.

Also, my driveability is great....with no issues at all. As stated the firmness of the shifts gets greater with more gas pedal. But even then it is not bad. I did add a B&M tranny cooler to my combo and my temps are perfect. Even dragging for hours in 90 degree heat the temps remained normal. The cooler was only about $45.

 

[Ericg320]

JBsC5,

Allegedly (since I have no personal experience, I am working from statements made on the TransGo web site), the benefit of a shift kit is to shorten the timeframe between shift points (e.g. the time that it takes to move from one gear to another). The benefit of such an approach is: 1.) Quicker 1/4 mile times, 2.) Quicker acceleration in general (0-60, passing, etc.), and 3.) Greater transmission life since there is less time expended by clutches slipping during each shift. The potential down side of a shift kit is that the shortened shift interval can result in a perception of "harshness" in shifting, which was the reason for my post - I did not want to put in a shift kit and end up aggravating previous whiplash injuries.

I will check into the Yank torque converter. Do you recall what stall speed the Yank converter was set for?

If anyone has additional input, please post.

The TransGo will not increase 1/4 times. It is for driver experience only.