Shift Kit Installs

[fu98765]

Who here has installed the translab shift kit? I'd like to know what to look out for, how long it takes, if the instructions are good, etc. Maybe some horror stories. I'm wondering whether I should take it to a tranny shop or do it myself. What would you recommend: self install or professional? Anyone had trouble with a shop who installed it? I've read the VFAQs already. I just want to know more and maybe have this thread serve as a wealth of knowledge for those who wonder if the shift kit is for them and whether they should install it or not.


News Flash: The Translab shift kit no longer comes with a black spring. According to Charles (very cool guy @ www.plymouthlaser.com) it comes with a white a pink and the RED spring. Anyone ever had trouble with the black. Maybe too many lawsuits from whiplash.:P


Rob

[zola84]

there was a discussion earlier about the RED and BLACK spring and basically, nobody knows. Best guess is, its the same/similar spring but in RED. Maybe the ran out of black paint. :rolleyes:

[fu98765]

Ha HA. However that was like 10% of my question. :scholar:


Rob

[LaNg Jii]

I recently purchased a shift kit and end cluth from Charles at www.plymouthlaser.com.

I noticed that the shift kit had the red spring only, no black one.

As for the install, I also want to know some tips. I haven't done it yet, but the instructions that came with it are a little confusing.

I'm not sure if I need to drill or not. I'm also unsure of how to adjust the stiffness of the shifts.

[97GSTAT]

I have the black spring and it doesn't seems to hard of a shift to me. It does make the tires chirp when floored at 60 MPH. :P

[fu98765]

Wow that is really freaking cool. You must have some horsepower in that thing bra. Anyway my shift kit is on the way. Anyone care to answer his questions? They would come in handy cause I'm getting the same thing as him and I will run into the same problems most likely.



Rob

[97TSiAWD]

I think Charles' page is pretty descriptive about the whole process. Unfortunately, when I did my shift kit, he didn't have that page up and I only used this one: http://www.ecanfix.com/~atdsm/turbohounds/valvebody/vbmods.html . You guys have it easier. :)

My suggestions would be to read and re-read the translab instructions. You have to make sure to get every spring in it's specific location correctly or else it will not work. It does seem intimidating (and I did have my problems that I'm not going to share at this time) but it can be done with patience and proper following of directions.

Most of all, the end result is well worth the effort.

Jon

[LaNg Jii]

I read in my instructions that some drilling is involved with the install.

Can you give me some tips on what is involved? The instructions weren't very clear. I have a 97 GST if that matters.:)

[1PHAT99]

I had the Dunrite shift kit installed along w/ the Lvl10PTS & TC Upgrade. My wheels chirp a lot too and I don't even have to be on the throttle too hard. My kit came w/ a bunch of springs, different colors for different steps of the install. White, orange, brown, blue, pink red, black... I would definately consult a tranny shop cause import valve body work ain't easy. Good Luck!!

~B

[soulcontroller]

what sort of unexpected problems did you run into?

please share, as im about to install mine relatively soon...

regards.

[Bubba79]

where do you guys get these shift kits? and do they have any for firstgen 2.0 n/t? I am wondering because the tranny just went out in my wife's 93 eclipse and since I already have to get it rebuilt or whatever I might aswell upgrade while I am at it? If you guys can give me any info I will appreciate it. thanx:D

[1PHAT99]

I had a tranny shop install my shirft kit and the Level10 PTS kit. I read through the instructions myself and it seemed way over my head. My car runs a lot different now that is all done. Some things I like and some I don't. I like how it shifts when you are really on the throttle, that part of it is great. I don't like downshifting into first, major tranny clunking noise. When I put it in drive int he morning the, the whole car moves as it goes onto gear. Plus the engine torques like sh!t in the process. I'd recommend the red spring for your valve body/shift kit, black is too excessive at least to me. Total time for the install was around 12-14 hours. That putting in the PTS kit, upgrading the TC, and installing the shift kit. As far as who sells the shift kits, call Dunrite in CA, called the guy at his house and he shipped that day. $75 Good Luck!!

~B

[zola84]

arn't the n/t DSMs made with chrysler trannies.. ? in that case Bubba79, the kits we get wont be working for you. There probably is a kit for you out there as well tho, I'm not too informed on n/t dsms tho.

[tsi91at]

Hello,

Thanks for the kind words.... When I did the VFAQ for the shift kit, I was leary of showing people how to drill the plate and the other things the enclosed instructions show. I cannot get a shot with the camera any better than what the Translab instructions shows. That's why I throw in disclaimers and stuff like "Use instructions, get opinions and so on..." Read and reread instructions. It will become clear eventually :D

As far as the non turbo. The later models (I have to double check) came with the Chrysler A06 tranny. I havent seen much on the A06 so far, but believe there are kits some where for it. The earlier models came with the F4A22-3. The translab and EC work with those as well.

The springs are Pink, Black, White and Red for the pressure control valve (Choices, oh boy). That is why they are discussed so much. There are other springs for other valves (Orange, Yellow, green, blue, Purple Kind of like Lucky Charms) :o

I am in the process of rebuilding my spare F4A33 (In between installing alot of stuff on the 1993 AWD 5 sp). It is going to have Alto Red Eagle HP Frictions (HP Master Kit) throughout. I will take a few pics but not do every step. NO time for that. I have already "calibrated" the valve body and going to red spring.
I also will be testing a Sonnax Manual Valve that replaces the OEM. It prevents clutch burnup, has better engagement and so on (As I was told). Phots and descrips here : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AT-DSM/files/Sonnax%20Manual%20Valve/ You may need to join the group to see. If so, I would.

I am also going to use part of the Transgo kit for Servo and other parts, but none of its valve body stuff.

I will be adding Diagnostic faqs soon for the AT so check the site occasionally. I am putting a new FAQ on as I get the time. I have a lot on the PC that need to be posted. I also have a few kits available.

Later,
Charles
http://www.plymouthlaser.com

[Psychoclipse]

Here is a write-up I did awhile ago, car's been humming ever since (i'm at 64K miles now):

http://www.dsmtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=23117

[tsi91at]

Since my last post, I was bored so I installed the spare valve body, made sure All plate holes were to spec (Translabs spec), went back to a red (temp until rebuild and TC upgrade) spring and tried the sonnax manual valve.

I rebuilt the EC again and changed the seals and o rings. I took pictures to add to my VFAQ but need to get time and motivation to post it on the site. I have a lot to add but the 1993 5 speed is being prepped for a new turbo and more.

Anyway, The Alto Upgrade EC CLutches I put in 35K miles ago were straight and not worn. I was tough on them too. So they performed and did not warp as promised by Alto.

The red spring feels as good as black w/o the clunking downshifts. Dont know if it is the valve. I will assume it helps. The car is actually faster now, more responsive and shifts smooth. I need to get a time slip.

More to come....

Charles
http://www.plymouthlaser.com

[CrisMurfy]

If I were to have it installed for me at a garage.. Any idea what they might charge me for labor? I have asked 1 aftermarket place what they would charge, and they quoted me $1,500 - $2,000 for labor alone! Is that a ridiculous price, or what?