Anyone tested the $35 4L80E shift kit?

[AndyL]

From what I hear/read Transgo is the absolute best, but it is $110. The B&M is only $35.

Any opinions?

[Billman]

If your talking about the B&M Shift Improver.

Yes. I have. Simple 2 wire installation. A couple of resistors.

Works very well...

[99gmccrew]

$35 bucks for better shifting. Sign me up!

[AndyL]

Sorry, I am thinking of this one:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=BMM-10024&N=120 300206

[Turbine Doc]

Got it & like it, I have the RV/Towing body in mine

[TurboDiverArt]

I installed one on my 1999 even though they don't list it for a 1999. Installation is simple and relatively quick. The toughest part is taking off the pan without taking a fluid bath.

The directions suggest laying the check balls on top of the valve body and assembling the valve body that way. I have never been able to get this to work without struggle and wondering if the check balls are in the correct place. The directions give an alternate solution using petroleum jelly. For me this has always worked. When you are ready to reassemble, use lots of jelly. I take a blob and push it into the check ball seats in the transmission (not the valve body). Then push the ball into the blob of jelly, then take some more and cover the ball. This will keep the ball in place and with no chance to falling out. Petroleum jelly melts and mixes with the transmission fluid with no problems. There is no need to change the fluid after having the trans heat up. Just leave it and change the fluid next year during maintenance.

Also, buy a drain plug kit from Summit at the same time. It

[damork]

Here's some links to sources, the first is for TransGo. Bulkpart is a distributor I've had good success with and their prices are reasonable. I tried finding a TransGo kit for a 4L80E that I know sells for about $40, but didn't see it listed. They may have jumped the price up, but I know it wasn't the $100 kit.

www.transgoperformance.com (http://www.transgoperformance.com)

http://www.bulkpart.com/cgi-bin/miva?Merchant2/merchant.mv+Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=MDITP&Category_Code=4L80Esk

http://www.drivetrain.com/4l80e.html

This one is from Sonnax:
http://www.transmissionspecialty.com/

[Spindrift]

How do the results that come from these shift kits differ from increased line pressure (quicker shifts) that is provided by new, performance-based ECMs that are available?

[Kennedy]

To touch on my earlier comments:

Transgo 4L80EHD-2

Anything less is like taking the tiniest bandaid out of the box...

[Billman]

Spindrift

The Performance ECM gives the same results that the 'Shift Improver' provides on the first setting.

That's where I had mine set at.

I no longer need it.

[Turbine Doc]

I had the B&M body kit installed when I had HD clutches put in my trans, at recommendation of B&M, they said use it over the controller since I was going into the trans anyway.

If still not happy with that then they said to add the controller, I was happy with the shift kit, crisper/firmer shifts so I did not buy the module. There was also some reservation on their part that the controller on some years set transmission codes.

By adding the reflash I gained even better shifting, As Billman indicated I think with reflash the control booster isn't necessary

[Spindrift]

Sounds like I saved myself $40. The crisper shifts have been obvious since the install of the new ECM.

[99gmccrew]

spindrift, do you notice the crisper shifts during everyday driving as well as when you are towing?

[AndyL]

Looks like I am going with the $35 B&M. Any opinions on Tow/haul or street/strip mode? The kit can be installed either way.

[Spindrift]

99,

Sorry for the late reply...just got back from Smith Mountain Lake, Virginny. The weather was too beautiful.

I feel/hear the crisp shifts in all kinds of driving.

[AndyL]

The B&M is now installed. I decided on the lesser (least firm or Tow/Haul mode) since I already had the increased line pressure from the Heath ECM.

Results=I like it, and the value is hard to beat.

Installation was no different than any other shift kit. Simply remove the valve body, change a couple springs and drill a few holes in the spacer plate. I would recommend it to anyone looking for firmer shifts.