Should i just do a shift kit or a new transmission?

[Williams3982]

Transmission is healthy as far as i know, haven't noticed anything weird going on.

I have a stock transmission, and stock converter. I will be installing a TE44, injectors, and TT chip in about 12 days when i return home. I've read that the stock tranny's are crap once you add some bolt ons. ( I also already have a SM, PL, Maf translator, 160 tstat installed on the car)

My only future goals are to add an alcohol kit and get up to around 20-22 psi. If these were my goals should i invest in a tranny to reach these boost levels or invest in a shift kit, tranny cooler, and converter combo.

I'm mainly just trying to get an idea at what the best route to go and cost will be. I hear a shift kit is necessary regardless when adding bolt-ons.

If anyone has had this problem before, please let me know what route you took and why. Trying to get the most for my money for my goals. Also trying to figure out a price range i have to spend.

 

[GBGN1]

What is the mileage?

 

[Williams3982]

180k, but around 25k on the motor and 75k on a rebuilt tranny.

 

[Williams3982]

Just talked to David Husek on the phone, told me the best route to go with what i want.

 

[Wahoo]

Just talked to David Husek on the phone, told me the best route to go with what i want.

What do you want?

 

[Williams3982]

This is what i had listed on my original post: My only future goals are to add an alcohol kit and get up to around 20-22 psi.

But will probably just get a shift kit, and a 9 in. converter to really wake the car up. Probably won't exceed 18 psi.

 

[MonstrNrgy]

I would use it until it stops working.. No need to replace it if it's working for now. It won't go bad instantly you know!

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[Williams3982]

Thats one way to look at it lol.

 

[jlat]

hello; IMO I'd go with the trans that's in the car till a problem comes up like others said. But I was told a shift kit isn't needed for our cars by who knows? But I've read differant things with what you want to do and one being a higher stall is needed to the stock one is fine. Another who knows?
One more thing what injectors are you going with?
have fun
IBBY

 

[Williams3982]

Thank You all for the replies. I was on the fence about that, but then i read a shift kit would increase the longevity of the transmission by reducing stress. I'm in the same boat as you though on reading all the different things from different people.

I'm going to install that TE44, TT chip, and the 42.5# injectors as soon as i get back home. Give it a good tune, and see If i notice a huge difference over the stock turbo and chip.

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Thank You all for the replies. I was on the fence about that, but then i read a shift kit would increase the longevity of the transmission by reducing stress. I'm in the same boat as you though on reading all the different things from different people.

I'm going to install that TE44, TT chip, and the 42.5# injectors as soon as i get back home. Give it a good tune, and see If i notice a huge difference over the stock turbo and chip.

The kit isn't a method to "relieve stress". Added power from the mods, harder clutch engagement, [shift shock], harder hits from a higher stall converter, "will take care of" the input shaft, eat what's left of the stator shaft splines off, and possibly leave you sitting along the side of the road.

 

[Williams3982]

Thanks for the reply Chuck. I'm slightly confused. Are you saying the added power from mods will do that or installing a shift kit and higher stall converter will do that?

 

[notacarlo]

A shift kit will not improve the health of a worn out 26 year old transmission. It will make it shift harder and fail quicker.

A stout transmission rebuild should take care of any goals you have with the engine.

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[Williams3982]

Tranny was rebuilt around 6-7 years ago

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Thanks for the reply Chuck. I'm slightly confused. Are you saying the added power from mods will do that or installing a shift kit and higher stall converter will do that?

IMO, both. have had several TR's and a couple TTA's that we added "stuff" to. Every one had a trans failure.

 

[Pronto]

I wouldn't bother on the shift kit. Do your mods and in a few months it will start slipping. Save your money for a good rebuild by a known TB trans builder.

 

[Williams3982]

Thanks for the follow up, sounds like that's the route to go. Might as well just spend the $$ on a stage 1 or 2 tranny build and upgrade the converter when the time comes.

 

[Williams3982]

I was surely use a known vendor for that build.

I live about an hr and 20 mins from GbodyParts/Extreme Automatics.

 

[usetaboost]

Run what you got for now with a trans cooler. Start saving up for a nice trans and converter and be done. Most builders will sell you what you need and usually get you a deal on a nice converter also.

 

[Williams3982]

Seems to be the way to go since in the end I'm going to need to buy a tranny regardless.