Shift kit install time

[blackbuick87]

Well I ordered Bruce's kit, and want to know approximate install time. I have never done a shift kit before. Add an extra half hour for my SNAFU factor


I posted this in the tranny section but have not had a response. TIA

 

[Blk Bty]

Never done a 200R shift kit but have done a turbo 350 shiftkit. IMO if it is similar to the 350 it will prolly take a two to three hours. Not really difficult, but not really fun either. Watch out for the drip.

 

[blackbuick87]

You mean the infamous drip in the mouth or eye as youre working?

 

[tim87tr]

I have never done a shift kit before until I bought Bruces. The VB removes easy with several bolts and then you just follow the directions to replace or add to different parts of the VB. And replacing the spring in the accumulator is easy to.

I'm sure it took me 5 hours over a period of a few days, but I took my time since it is not a daily driver, and took time to ask a couple questions in the trans forum. So I would say 3 hours if you have not done it before and work at a sensible pace. Just do it on the weekend so you have extra time to take a break for a cold one out the garage fridge .

 

[Red Regal T]

I DID A B&M WITH A KNOWLEDGEABLE FRIEND. I'D SAY I'M GLAD THERE WAS TWO OF US. CAN'T REMEMBER EXACTLY HOW LONG BUT I CAN REMEMBER IT'S A PAIN IN THE A$$......

 

[blackbuick87]

Originally posted by tim87tr
Just do it on the weekend so you have extra time to take a break for a cold one out the garage fridge .

Thats exactly what I plan to do. I want to try to do this myself so I can learn a little about the tranny while I'm at it. Luckily this is not my daily driver

 

[tim87tr]

Originally posted by blackbuick87
Thats exactly what I plan to do. I want to try to do this myself so I can learn a little about the tranny while I'm at it. Luckily this is not my daily driver

That's why I did it on my own also, to learn something, just like every other repair/upgrade for these cars. Actually my 9 year old son wanted to get involved and placed the check balls up into the VB with vaseline, reading the supplied VB schematic, before reinstalling the new VB plate and reattaching the VB.

One item I missed, just a heads up, is to be sure the shifter linkage/ S pin is reattached to the DS VB plunger before reinstalling the VB. Bruce advised me how to correct this by manipulating the shift linkage in order to not remove the VB again, but just an FYI to avoid a minor setback. Tim

 

[blackbuick87]

any other recommendations?

 

[Kristi]

I've installed 3 shift kits in 200R4s, 2B&Ms and one TRANSGO (NOT RECOMMENDED). In one of them that I did, I realized that someone must have already been in the tranny, as some of the steps were already done. Some of the springs had already been changed and some of the holes in the plate were already enlarged. If you notice this...STOP and call Bruce and get his opinion. I didn't stop, and I was unable to get the car to find first gear or shift into overdrive and had to have my car towed to my tranny builder. Wasn't fun.

Also, watch the order that the parts come out. There is one point when you take out 5-6 metal pieces in a row; (I do not remember ther names so I'll try to describe them) one is a small cup and then a solid metal piece with rounded edges and then a short rod with a spring over it. When you go to remove them, they will come out fast, but make sure you pay attention to the order AND DIRECTION of each piece as it is not at all obvious how they would go together if you lay them on a workbench. They can also be a bit tricky to put back up, since you have to line them all up.

It's really not bad. Just be patient and folllow the instructions. Since you've never done one before allow yourself twice as much time as you think you'll need...just in case.

Everyone is right...watch out for that drip. I almost think it's unaviodable though...seems to follow you!

Enjoy it...I did!!

Kristi

 

[Kristi]

BTW...

I have never seen Bruce's kit or instructions, although I'm sure they are good. But I think I still have a copy of the instructions from B&M, which were really good. (Although they have more than a few tranny fluid stains!) Let me know if you would like me to look for them, and I can fax them to you. Just let me know today, so i can bring them into work tomorrow so you can have them for the weekend.

Kristi

 

[blackbuick87]

I would appreciate if you could fax that, thanks. I plan on having my digital camera handy so I can take pictures of the parts before I remove them
Fax is 9897550162 Attn Bob. Thanks!

 

[Kristi]

I faxed the B&M instructions over to you. The parts that I couldn't remember the names of that I said to watch out for are part of the pressure regulator assembly. (Pictured on Page 3)

If you can, call me at 800/333-2450 before 12 Eastern so I know you got everything...I only work until 12 on Fridays.

Have fun!

Kristi

 

[blackbuick87]

I have them Kristi. Thanks a lot

 

[Sleeper-6]

Well ,I haven't done one on a buick yet, but I have done a Transgo on a 4th ger. F-body. Really not that bad. just Follow the directions, and double check everything before you bolt it back up. And DO NOT decide to put speedy-dry under the dripping trans when you go work on the valve body. When you come back, it really sucks to be rolling around under a car with what feels like oily sand getting ground into your hair,shirt, and neck. Don't ask how I know this.

 

[blackbuick87]

I will save the speedy dry for the end

 

[WE4]

The reason I didnt reply was that I figured you wanted a novice's point of veiw or opinion. I could have told you word for word what we do, but I didnt think that is what you wanted. Me bad & I am sorry.

Bruce
WE4

 

[blackbuick87]

Dont worry about it Bruce, I would have to take the time it takes you guys and multiply it by 10 to get my time
I was hoping for some tips to make it go smoother so I can get it right the first time, and thats what I have gotten. BTW I rec'd the kit the other day and everything looks good. For a filter should I use a 700R4 filter like in gnttype.org, or a 200R4?

I have a stock pan for now

 

[WE4]

hrmmm

I do not care what GNTTYPE says.... 700 filter will NOT work!!!
Use the 2004r filter as you would any other.
Again, a 700 filter will NOT work correctly and you could actually do more damage. Do not believe everything you read

 

[blackbuick87]

Thanks Bruce, I will do that