Shift Quality for any 200 4R VB

[TexasT]

I was under the impression that shift quality was affected by the VB. With the statement that good shift quality could be achieved with any VB. Post#3

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/tr...ock-2004r-intermediate-servo.html#post1698420

If this is the case why are the 'hp' valve bodies commanding a premium price?
Could you elaborate on this statement? Jakeshoe and/or anyone else who has an opinion.

TIA

Rich

 

[jakeshoe]

Shift quality is contolled by the accumulator circuit, accumulators, orificing, etc.

The premium VBs command a good price because they get the WOT shift points where you need them without much guesswork. But the low po VBs can do it too it just takes a bit of playing with it.

 

[bison]

They arent going for that much of a premium if you consider the amount of time and aggravation it is pulling the vb down 10-15 times and making a change each time to see if it is better or worse than before. The valving is different and most of the vb's would take a lot of work to be even close to what you would want. Different size TV's and valve diameters make tuning a nightmare. Not worth it when you can pick up good used high performance vb's for under $250. Some will not allow the desired shift points even with considerable mods to the shift valve springs and governor circuit. There are several vb's that are not high performance that work very well though.

 

[jakeshoe]

This is also where you get what you pay for as far as builders.

A good builder can get the shift points in the ballpark on the first try and then maybe drop the VB once or twice to do fine tuning.

Jim (77 cruiser) got one of the worst VBs (OG) working fairly well with around 6K shift points.

I've played with a couple of OGs for low 5K shift points with good results.

It isn't that bad, but as bison says, if you haven't played with one before, you may get frustrated guessing at it to get the shift points where you want them.

If you have a GN you are probably better off to use a BRF or BQ VB but otherwise, the generic VB's work OK.

 

[77 cruiser]

Jim (77 cruiser) got one of the worst VBs (OG) working fairly well with around 6K shift points.

With that said I sure like the CQ vb better forced downshifts are better plus the PT upshifts are better timed. But a generic vb can work if you are determined.

 

[bison]

CZ works as well or better than a BR for throttle position to kickdown imo.

 

[TexasT]

I thank every one for their input. I am financially challenged so I'm sure I will be building my own. I do have a BRF from a GN so it will probably be putting it in to the WE4 when I get to that point. I also want to build one to put in the GS I have. I have two AA code trans I picked up at the 'recycler'.

I do appreciate the insight. I'm studying my CK book and hope to get one together eventually.

 

[bison]

I thank every one for their input. I am financially challenged so I'm sure I will be building my own. I do have a BRF from a GN so it will probably be putting it in to the WE4 when I get to that point. I also want to build one to put in the GS I have. I have two AA code trans I picked up at the 'recycler'.

I do appreciate the insight. I'm studying my CK book and hope to get one together eventually.

AA works well with minimal mods. The servo and pump regualtor assembly needs attention though.

 

[chris718]

as stated how a shift feels can be easily accomplished and or duplicated with any valve body but the throttle postion,engine rpm and driveshaft speed they occur at is specific to each coded calibration.