Automatic shift kit, software upgrade

[Gixxersixxerman]

So have I missed any info on a shift kit like the old school trans in Chevys and fords.. Make the shifts harder and faster.. I don't know if these would need stiffer springs and stuff or just plain old software upgrades, as I'd imagine that the software is what controls the shifts and pressures..

[arghx7]

In the old days, the "shift kit" manipulated the hydraulics in the valve body. Basically, it ramped up pressure so that shifts were faster and firmer. Old valve bodies were totally run of vacuum, or cables, or the mechanical characteristics of the various valves and hydraulic passages. New valve bodies have a bunch of solenoids and additional sets of clutches.

Most of the firming up of shifts could be done by software if you had access to the right stuff. Some platforms have retuning of shift points available in the aftermarket tuning tools. The standard disclaimers apply though... you could burn up clutches or otherwise degrade the life of the transmission.

[wparsons]

One thing to keep in mind is that modern automatics are light years ahead of old school automatics and already shift much faster. Hard shifting isn't necessarily a good thing either, especially on a car meant for cornering. You want a smooth shift so it doesn't disrupt the balance mid corner if it happens to shift.

[Jinzen]

My Auto shifts like a like a kick in the pants anyway in Sport, I don't see why I would want it to be any more firm.

[CircuitJerk]

Ahh the good ol' B&M shift kit... heheh
I'm sure most of it's logic controlled but I wouldn't be surprised that some mechanical limitations exist where items like check balls, separator plates, springs, pistons etc might benefit from an upgrade or modification.
I really don't see that being an option anytime soon.

I could see torque converter upgrades and a taller rear end gear being the best bang for the buck here.

[Gixxersixxerman]

Originally Posted by Jinzen

My Auto shifts like a like a kick in the pants anyway in Sport, I don't see why I would want it to be any more firm.

When it's "cold" and under light throttle, like regular driving it gives very harsh shifts, enough to move my head back, once it warms up it shifts smoothly.. But under full throttle shifts and close to or around redline, the shifts seem very "weak" as in it doesn't seem to have a direct quick shift.. I mean it's fast, and doesn't seem like it's slipping or anything.. Just not that positive quick shift that I'd expect..

I had a 93 ford probe GT, and when it was a auto the ecu would soften the power of the engine for a smooth shift and to lengthen the life of the trans.. We simple interrupted the signal wire to the IAT and it would give 100% power and 100% on shifts.. Enough that it would chirp second like when I swapped it to a manual 5 speed..

I'm not looking so much for harshness but if they can get the software to get better shifts and faster, I wouldn't mind it

[Captain Insano]

A lot of info in this thread as it relates to what you are looking for...
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18868