I have a '96 Z28 with 79k miles on it. My tranny has been serviced regularly throughout its life, and is due for another flush/change in about 2-3k miles. I was wondering if you guys thought it would be OK to install a TransGo shift kit on it. Alot of people say the thing that makes trannies go south with the kit is when they change the fluid after installation on a higher mileage tranny with old fluid, resulting in slippage. It shifts perfectly right now, and there are no problems. Fluid is perfectly pink.

 

TransGo kits don't decrease transmission life, improper installation and trying to make it to radical decrease the life. The whole point of the TransGo Reprogramming kit is to fix the problems that are inherent to the transmission.

 

what do you mean by trying to make it "radical"? you mean by going with the firmest shifts possible?

 

Basically. You want the shifts to be firm, but not overly hard. Thats one good thing about TransGo, it utilizes the existing accumulators for adjustable shifts. Those "other" kits, block off the accumulators entirely. The quicker the shift, the less wear and heat buildup in the applying clutch/band, however, one that is too hard, can "shock" the transmission internals and the rest of the drivetrain.

 

I had this problem with the first Trans Go kit that I had installed by a shop. I trust them, they did not screw me or anything they just did not have expeirence with this type of thing.
I should have known when the mechanic came out and carefully explained to me that the tranny would shift hard and that some people think its broken but its not it just shifts HARD.
Well they got the shifts set on kill and it eventually took the tranny out.
Not immediately or anything, it just did not last as long as it should have.
I had the tranny rebuilt by a very reputable performance tranny builder in the KC area and he put in a Trans Go kit but it does not break my neck on shifts anymore.
Before it would screech second for a good bit, which was cool but very hard on the tranny.
Now at full throttle it just does a little chirp and goes.

 

It's an estimate. The previous owner claimed it had a hypertech module which it didn't, so after I checked, I took that off. I have an electric cutout too, so I figure the SLP cold air intake and an open exhaust is worth at least 25hp at the flywheel, making around 310 (not RWHP, just a flywheel estimate). Plus I have some other little mods that aren't really worth much but every little bit counts.

 

If you want smoothness at light throttle on the 1-2 shift, do not add any spacers to the accumulator. If you are using a 9.5" torque converter, then one spacer is more than enough. Just make sure the 2nd gear feed hole in the valve body plate is .096 and no larger when using the Corvette servo. For increased capacity for 3rd & 4th gear change hole sizes to .155 when using the 9.5" TC. If using the stock diameter TC then change the 2nd gear feed to .086, 3rd & 4th gear feed to .125. I have had very good success with the hole sizes. Never block the 2nd gear accumulator!!! Working with the accumulators in the majority of cases will give you "best" of both worlds, smooth part throttle shifts, and firm WOT shifts. Accumulation is "everything", to making a shift happen the way it is supposed to.