what exactly does a shift kit do?

[tntcorvette]

what exactly does a shift kit do? From my understanding it makes the tranny shift firmer between gears/shifts, but does it mean you have to shift the tranny manually?

For some reason im thinking what ever gear the car is in, it will remain in that gear until shifted into another gear. Am I correct?

 

[-=Jeff=-]

what exactly does a shift kit do? From my understanding it makes the tranny shift firmer between gears/shifts, but does it mean you have to shift the tranny manually?

For some reason im thinking what ever gear the car is in, it will remain in that gear until shifted into another gear. Am I correct?

I think you are thinking of a Manual Valve Body not shift kit

 

[Vettelt193]

a shift kit just makes shifting faster and harder. You drive your automatic like you normally would... There are a couple of issues to think about before you install one though: First off, shift kits usually increase the life of your transmission, BUT, if your car is older and has a bunch of miles it could backfire and actually make your tranny die quick. Secondly, on an older C4, when in the rain and turning, you may find the car shifting so quick the tail end of the car wants to break loose and make the car want to spin out... so it takes some more careful driving in the rain

 

[c4fan]

In the November issue of Vette magazine they did an installation of a Trans-Go shift kit in an 84 and have nothing but good to say about it. The Trans-Go kit comes with a special 4th shift valve that allows the tranny to be more responsive under acceleration. The kit is under $90 and something I hope to have installed soon. It comes with a video on how to install the kit but I'm going to have a trans. shop do the job so I cant screw it up:L

 

[kfehling]

C4Fan,

You will have to let us know what you think after the kit is installed. I have a '96 CE with the auto and hate the fact that I can't shift it for myself. It feels so anemic. I thought about a shift kit but am always leary of the false promise that so many Vette products seem to tout. Keep us posted.

 

[tntcorvette]

Re: Re: what exactly does a shift kit do?

I think a shift kit is in my future! Will the shft kit do the same as the governor kit designed to raise the shift points? Is there a 2 in one kit available?

I do not want a manual valve body...seems like too much trouble.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

shift kits

Put your mind at rest about the shift kits not delivering what they promise.

I installed (yes, a girl!) a B&M shift kit in the TH350 of my '74 Camaro when I was in college. The tranny was out of the 'maro and I followed the kit instructions. Easy.

The difference was night and day, and I think you'd be pleased with a shift kit. Purchase one that corresponds with your driving habits, vehicle and what results you want.
Heidi

 

[Vettelt193]

C4Fan,

You will have to let us know what you think after the kit is installed. I have a '96 CE with the auto and hate the fact that I can't shift it for myself. It feels so anemic. I thought about a shift kit but am always leary of the false promise that so many Vette products seem to tout. Keep us posted.

Your '96 CE has an electronicly controlled tranny.... you can put an electronic shift kit in it for cheap, and the best part about it is you have a switch inside the car to go from stock to shift-kit settings... the best of both worlds

 

[kfehling]

That sounds great. Any recommendations?

 

[BlackNBlue95]

I think I may be buying a Trans Go Kit soon while I'm doing my rebuild. I have a TCI kit in there now but it didn't seem to work too great either.. and it seems like there is more to the Trans Go kit then 4 springs and a few holes to drill.. atleast from what I heard so far.. I can't wait to get it all back together with the new gear and torq converter and shift kit.. will be a nice improvement I hope.. but winter is here so I guess I still have to wait to drive it..

 

[Vettelt193]

That sounds great. Any recommendations?

I know the major Corvette parts companies have a couple different ones.... one is an on/off switch, the other has different stages (stock, stage 1, stage 2, off-road) I have also heard wonderful things about an electronic stall converter.... I think B&M makes it, and is less than 100 bucks... I am think B&M makes the electronic shift kit as well