Shift Kits...

[P72Ford]

Note: If this is better suited for the suspension/drivetrain forum, it can be moved.

I have been thinking about putting one in my '90 P72 for some time now. Under light throttle, the car tends to shift rather hard for a stock AOD; there is a significant jolt. Under harder throttle, the effects of this are diminished (but the shifts still aren't quick). I have also noted that my kickdown is, and always has been a little lazy. I believe the transmission is in good shape, as the fluid was red (looked new) after the first change I did, and after all of my subsequent yearly changes. The car has a factory tow package/ PI transmission cooler as well. The car/ transmission has around 135,000 miles on it.

I have been looking at 3 kits: the B&M Transpak, the Baumann Recal kit, and the Transgo HP kit. I have not looking for slam shifts that will tax the drivetrain; I'd just like to see firmer, quicker shifts, and improved downshifting. Any thoughts on any of these kits?

I see many of these kits will raise the shift points; is that done via the governor, or some other internal modification done with the kit? Seeing as the engine has the stock cam and such, and doesn't really rev past 4000-4250, is it possible to eliminate the governor swap, or will that negate the rest of the kit? Does the governor alter part throttle shifts as well as WOT shifts? If so, I suppose the high RPM governor would be a nuisance in my car.

My questions are as follows:

#1.) First off, is it worth it? Should I bother doing this to my transmission, which has 100K+ miles on it?

#2.) For those who have done these before: How "involved" are these kits? Am I going to be stupified by the complexity, or will it be fairly simple to install? How long does the install take? Clear directions, etc?

#3.) Should I use a shift kit, or buy a valvebody, such as a Lentech, or a TCI constant pressure unit? I understand the price difference, but would a whole vb be a better option, or overkill? I think a vb bolt on would be simpler.

#4.) What experiences have people had with these kits, or other kits not mentioned? I do not want to use just a shift improver, as I've heard they aren't really effective.

#5) Are there differences between the later AOD's, and the older ones? I have heard older ones had the 3-4 accumulator in the trans, whereas its in the vb on the later ones. Will this change anything for a kit install?

#6). If I do this, are there other changes I should make as well? I will probably do a converter when I change the flex plate, but should I be changing anything else internal?

Sorry about the long post (as usual) but I have lots of questions sometimes.

Any help will be appreciated much. Thanks folks...

Nate

[turbo2256b]

I have a Transgo HP kit fore sale.

[p71towny]

I think it depends on what setting you choose for the shift kit. My towncar had the hot rod setting and it is rather harsh at times. The police/taxi was another setting. Id have to dig it out to check but its at my folks house now.

[Freshmeat]

I'd highly recommend the TransGo NoYoYo kit. It was $35 shipped and with all the most firm "settings", it was perfect for a daily driven AOD. It shifted quick and crisp, but never really slammed me around.

I've read reviews that the B&M and the TransGo HP kit provide really stiff shifting. The Baumann kit has a wide array of adjustment, but the NoYoYo can do it for $35.

[P72Ford]

I'd highly recommend the TransGo NoYoYo kit. It was $35 shipped and with all the most firm "settings", it was perfect for a daily driven AOD. It shifted quick and crisp, but never really slammed me around.

I've read reviews that the B&M and the TransGo HP kit provide really stiff shifting. The Baumann kit has a wide array of adjustment, but the NoYoYo can do it for $35.

How was the installation? Easy?

[Freshmeat]

It was intimidating at first, but it ended up being a breeze. Just follow the directions closely and have a clean surface to work on. Someone later recommended using an egg carton so you can separate the springs/pistons/etc and not lose any of them from one rolling off the edge of the table.

Like I said, I was impressed. I'll probably order one for my Town Car once I get some cash flow.

[P72Ford]

This is good to know. So the reason the HP kit is more money is because you can tailor it how you want it, and there are a variety of parts included?

How long did it take to do?

[torquelover]

Trans Go HP works for me.

[p71towny]

I also have transgo, of course I think mine was a little more involved with the 4r70w. I had to drill a hole in the valve body juuust right.

[88grandmarq]

I have been thinking about putting one in my '90 P72 for some time now. Under light throttle, the car tends to shift rather hard for a stock AOD; there is a significant jolt. Under harder throttle, the effects of this are diminished (but the shifts still aren't quick). I have also noted that my kickdown is, and always has been a little lazy. I believe the transmission is in good shape, as the fluid was red (looked new) after the first change I did, and after all of my subsequent yearly changes. The car has a factory tow package/ PI transmission cooler as well. The car/ transmission has around 135,000 miles on it.

I have been looking at 3 kits: the B&M Transpak, the Baumann Recal kit, and the Transgo HP kit. I have not looking for slam shifts that will tax the drivetrain; I'd just like to see firmer, quicker shifts, and improved downshifting. Any thoughts on any of these kits?

I see many of these kits will raise the shift points; is that done via the governor, or some other internal modification done with the kit? Seeing as the engine has the stock cam and such, and doesn't really rev past 4000-4250, is it possible to eliminate the governor swap, or will that negate the rest of the kit? Does the governor alter part throttle shifts as well as WOT shifts? If so, I suppose the high RPM governor would be a nuisance in my car.

My questions are as follows:

#1.) First off, is it worth it? Should I bother doing this to my transmission, which has 100K+ miles on it?

#2.) For those who have done these before: How "involved" are these kits? Am I going to be stupified by the complexity, or will it be fairly simple to install? How long does the install take? Clear directions, etc?

#3.) Should I use a shift kit, or buy a valvebody, such as a Lentech, or a TCI constant pressure unit? I understand the price difference, but would a whole vb be a better option, or overkill? I think a vb bolt on would be simpler.

#4.) What experiences have people had with these kits, or other kits not mentioned? I do not want to use just a shift improver, as I've heard they aren't really effective.

#5) Are there differences between the later AOD's, and the older ones? I have heard older ones had the 3-4 accumulator in the trans, whereas its in the vb on the later ones. Will this change anything for a kit install?

#6). If I do this, are there other changes I should make as well? I will probably do a converter when I change the flex plate, but should I be changing anything else internal?

Sorry about the long post (as usual) but I have lots of questions sometimes.

Any help will be appreciated much. Thanks folks...

Nate

sounds to me like the TV pressure is not set correctly. before you do a shift kit, try setting the pressure correctly with a gauge.
also, when you service the transmission, drain the torque converter and refill with mercon V.

also could be a sticking TV cable. TV cable on my car is sticking and causes a harsh shift at low speed/light throttle, also has a delayed OD engagement when its cold.
might try taking the TV cable loose from the throttle body and work it back and forth, spray some lube down it.

As far as shift kits go, I have had good success with the trans go no yo yo kits. they are simple, effective and inexpensive. the instructions are straight forward and easy to follow.

[p71towny]

I thought mercon V was a no no in aod's??? Cause I always thought of puttin it in my vic.

[gadget73]

Ford actually suggests it now for everything in the AOD family.

[P72Ford]

I think the TV cable is fine. I have it set a bit high, but it is setup according to that method that is linked in the tech area sticky. On my way into work this morning, I decided to test it out. Even the WOT upshifts seems to be pretty firm, but all of the shifts lose some of their "firmness" when the car has been at temperature for a while. The downshifts are lazy; when I pull it from OD into D, it doesn't go right away.

I will look into this shift kit.

[P72Ford]

Can anyone answer my questions about differences between the later transmissions being different? I ask this, because if I fuck it up, I don;t have another VB.

I am thinking of getting the Transgo AOD-HP kit, as it seem to have the ability to be tailored to what I want. I have read good things about it, although it requires drilling holes in the valve body (yes, the actual valve body). I read a write up on a Mustang forum, which detailed the process. I am not wild about drilling holes in the VB, which is why I was also thinking of doing the B&M kit. I haven't read any bad reviews about it, but I have read it is harsher than a Transgo setup. Any thoughts on this?

As far as the B&M goes, I was thinking Transpak over the Shift Improver, as I've heard the Shift Improver doesn't do much. Anyone know how these vary by complexity? Is the B&M Transpak ok to install with the trans in the car?

I don't have a problem with good hard shifts, but I don't want to be breaking stuff, not that I would be with my current setup.

I think this will help out with the cars performance, and future modifications as well.

[88grandmarq]

Can anyone answer my questions about differences between the later transmissions being different? I ask this, because if I fuck it up, I don;t have another VB.

I am thinking of getting the Transgo AOD-HP kit, as it seem to have the ability to be tailored to what I want. I have read good things about it, although it requires drilling holes in the valve body (yes, the actual valve body). I read a write up on a Mustang forum, which detailed the process. I am not wild about drilling holes in the VB, which is why I was also thinking of doing the B&M kit. I haven't read any bad reviews about it, but I have read it is harsher than a Transgo setup. Any thoughts on this?

As far as the B&M goes, I was thinking Transpak over the Shift Improver, as I've heard the Shift Improver doesn't do much. Anyone know how these vary by complexity? Is the B&M Transpak ok to install with the trans in the car?

I don't have a problem with good hard shifts, but I don't want to be breaking stuff, not that I would be with my current setup.

I think this will help out with the cars performance, and future modifications as well.

if I answer your question(s) will you continue to argue with and dispute all the advice that is offered? just wondering.