Shift Kits and Trans Life

[307 Regal]

I've been wanting to put a shift kit in my 200-4R for a while now, but it's my daily driver so I'm concerned about reliability.
Here's my question:
Would a good shift improver kit strengthen the transmission, or would the firm shifts just be harder on the transmission?

 

[Longroof79]

I'm by no means a transmission expert, but I think a good shift kit/shift improver kit would help minimize clutch slippage. Nothing I hate more than a mushy shifting automatic transmission.

What kit are you planning on using?

 

[307 Regal]

Well I've heard some pretty good things about TransGo. I was thinking of going with them.

 

[SScamino]

So long as you don't do b&m your easy on it you should be good. I'd add a trans cooler for added safety. A shift kit actually makes the trans more efficient it's just a little harder on it so thats why I say get a cooler. IMO

 

[307 Regal]

Are the B&M kits poor quality?

 

[Longroof79]

Trans-go are supposed to be good kits. Also check out CK Performance and California Performance Transmission to see what they have to offer.
I'm sure some other guys will chime in as to what they recommend.

 

[cdg1984]

Shift kits are better for your transmission but harder on your rear end. I have one ( not sure what kind, not the original owner of trans ) in my dd cutlass, and I dont mind it at all, I dont think youll be dissapointed.

 

[SScamino]

Well your better off with a higher end kit if thats what you want to do..

 

[FE3X CLONE]

Are the B&M kits poor quality?

Depends on what you consider poor quality.

I had a B&M Transpak kit in my TH-2004R and it shifted fine for years. However, the problem is that it would tend to shift really hard on just light throttle upshifts too. I'd hear a lot of clunking from my driveline when it would do that.
But I never had any problems with it and I daily drove mine. It wasn't until I put the 455 in that it ended up going south on me.

The nicer shift kits out there will give you a good firm shift at WOT but won't kill your back at just cruising around town.

 

[307 Regal]

Well thanks, guys. I think my questions are answered for now. I appreciate the info.