Shift Kits. Are They Any Good? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

MKII240T · 11-10-2003, 18:01

Are they worth it? Do they help with gear changes etc. Anyone here installed it in there 5ltr windsor?
Im sick of the car lagging when changing gears

Any opinions about them are welcome

'92BigBronco · 11-10-2003, 18:22

Yes, they're great for extending the life of the tranny by cutting the shift time. The shorter the shift time, the less the clutches slip. The less the clutches slip, the slower they wear out. A shift kit also lowers the temps of the tranny, which is always a good thing!

I'm not sure what sort of vehicle you have the 5.0 in, but in my Bronco with the 351, the tranny is an E4OD. It took me about 2 1/2 hours to install the shift kit and it was worth every minute. The shifts are crisp and quick....and you can't beat the 1-2 chirp under hard acceleration. :-)

If you're lagging a bit after the gear change, you can also reprogram the PCM with a handheld programmer to raise the shift points a bit to help you stay in the power band.

blueoval · 11-10-2003, 18:33

I have fitted a 2 stage switchable shift kit in my EB XR8 and I beleive it was worth every dollar!

I got the kit from 9psieb, and it cost me $116 inc p&h.

results: Stage 1 is firm, yet not uncomfortable. I leave it in Stage 1 all the time. I get 2nd gear chirpys when puttin the boot into it. I reckon it actually promotes the longevity of the auto box because there is less time for friction between the bands to rub together.

Stage 2 - hard shifts but can get uncomfortable if used all the time, good for going up hills and drag races.

I reckon it changes like a v8 supercar with little gear change lag, its almost instant. It sounds better when you giving it a bit and in the wet it 'can' be hazardous when going around a corner! not a bad thing if you like doing pirowets[sp].

skips a bit sideway when really taking off from the lights as it changes gear. Cool feeling though!

For a little over $100 and an hour max of your time to install it, its definitely worth it. You wont look back!

dodgie · 11-10-2003, 18:35

I have done this on my 5.0, highly recommended!
Do a search in the technical discussions for more info.

blueoval · 11-10-2003, 18:40

better yet http://www.mechanicalforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=293#293

'92BigBronco · 11-10-2003, 19:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

It sounds better when you giving it a bit and in the wet it 'can' be hazardous when going around a corner! not a bad thing if you like doing pirowets[sp].

skips a bit sideway when really taking off from the lights as it changes gear. Cool feeling though!

Yes, I've experienced that a few times. It gets icy and snows a lot here and when you're going around a turn, you have to be careful to not be on the gas too hard or you'll spin around in a hurry when it shifts. A posi in the rear doesn't help either. Not cool in traffic!!

I like the fact that the kit you installed is adjustable. I installed the actual valve body stage 2 kit that required me to drop the valve body in the tranny and change a couple of springs and enlarge a couple of orifices. I'm assuming yours is a chip type kit that doesn't require you to drop the pan? I'm stuck with rock hard shifts, which I can live with as it's keeping the tranny in shape but it sure would be nice to tone it down a bit when just cruising.

blueoval · 11-10-2003, 19:22

Yeah mine is electronic. Its has a few resistors in it which ups the trans fluid pressure without sacrificing reliability and comfort. Its a brilliant module created by 9psiEB.

The beauty about the module is that you can turn it on or off anytime. Got a car you wanna race at the lights? Flick the switch on and flick it too what ever stage you want. Got the mrs and the *cough* mother in law *cough* in the car and dont want to make them whinge?
Flick the off switch and the car hanges normally like you never had the thing installed in the first place.

I had full diagramatic wiring instructions to install it, and I'm dumb when it comes to electronics. Its supposed to take 30-40mins to fit but I took over an hour and took my time. Absolute sinch to fit it. Ya just have to follow the instructions and 'vwala' DONE! No messy trans fluid to touch, no having to get under the car, no hassles with other ppl driving the car. Complete bliss!

'92BigBronco · 11-10-2003, 20:43

Interesting. That would be cool, but too late for me! LOL

Incidentally, I know nothing about the Australian Ford's. Do they use the E4OD/4R100 tranny over there?

blueoval · 11-10-2003, 20:47

I think their called BTR94LE. Specifically to suit mustang motors from 88-93. Thats what mine is anyway.

'92BigBronco · 11-10-2003, 22:20

Hmmm, I need to learn the cars you guys got over there. EB, Pursuit ute, Falcon, Fairlane....it's all Greek to me. Some of them look pretty darn cool though..... Anyway, thanks for the info!