[Mustang_Girl_32]

Originally Posted by casper gt Trans-Go HD2. TransGo Performance AODE-HD2 - TransGo Performance Shift Kits - Overview - SummitRacing.com

So if I were to get this one which my brother is a mechanic and can do all the work for this, do I need anything else?

[cbjohnson9]

I believe the transgo kit supplies the correct size drill bits, but you'll need a drill to use them. I'm assuming b/c your brother is a mechanic, he probably has one. You'll need new tranny fluid to fill it back up after changing it out. Dropping the valve body causes you to lose more fluid than just dropping the pan. I think I put like 7 or 8 quarts back in after the shift kit. I'd go ahead and put in a new tranny filter while your in there also. You don't need a lift, properly placed jackstands are fine to drop the valvebody. When you drop the pan, start by loosening the bolts in the rear of the pan first and work you way forwards in order to control the fluid coming out.

Most importantly, you need patience. There are a lot of things that go "boing" in a tranny. Take your time and do it right. I watched the installation video that came with the transgo kit multiple times before tackling the job myself, and I actually setup a TV in my garage with the video on pause as I progressed through the install.

After it's all said and done, I love the way my car shifts.

[Cruzzer08]

Its my understanding that you should not do a shift kit without also installing a Tranny Cooler...
Shift kit?

[tbirdscwd]

A cooler is always a plus, but the stock cooler should suffice until you go to a higher stall converter.

[casper gt]

Originally Posted by tbirdscwd A cooler is always a plus, but the stock cooler should suffice until you go to a higher stall converter.

+1^ being that these trannys spend 90+% of their street time with the converter locked up in o/d, they run very cool on their own

[ytngt]

The easiest thing to do is buy a handheld tuner form a good tuner. They will re-map the shift points and pressures in the toon. Even though this is less than ideal it works pretty well.

I had a 4r70w (auto) with j-mod (shift kit). It shifted hard and held up to much hp and abuse.

[casper gt]

Originally Posted by ytngt The easiest thing to do is buy a handheld tuner form a good tuner. They will re-map the shift points and pressures in the toon. Even though this is less than ideal it works pretty well. I had a 4r70w (auto) with j-mod (shift kit). It shifted hard and held up to much hp and abuse.

not only does turning up the pressure create heat, the higher the pressure, the more power it takes to turn the pump.

while a handheld tuner is quite helpfull to dial the trans in, it's a very poor substitute for a shift kit.

[Mustang_Girl_32]

What cooler would I need to get or would I definitely be fine without?

[n03stang]

I used the b&m super cooler. Works great haven't passed 120* all winter. B&M 70266 - B&M SuperCooler Oil Coolers - Overview - SummitRacing.com

[tbirdscwd]

Originally Posted by Mustang_Girl_32 What cooler would I need to get or would I definitely be fine without?

You will be fine without one. Seriously. A shift kit will reduce time in shifts and actually create less heat when installed and working properly.

[V8POWA!]

could you install at shift kit on your own at your house? or have someone else do it?

any good tutorials or write ups? (someone should do one if they do another car)

[tbirdscwd]

The HD-2 kit comes with detailed instructions as well as a pretty decent video. It's not a very hard job, but you will need to raise the vehicle enough to get under it and work somewhat comfortably.

[casper gt]

Originally Posted by tbirdscwd The HD-2 kit comes with detailed instructions as well as a pretty decent video. It's not a very hard job, but you will need to raise the vehicle enough to get under it and work somewhat comfortably.

+1^ the instructions are very clear, the video is no longer included with the kit though.

anyone installing one of these kits can feel free to pm me if they get stuck, I'll be glad to help them straighten things out.

[V8POWA!]

thanks. plan on getting one of these and a bm hammer eventually

[casper gt]

Originally Posted by V8POWA! thanks. plan on getting one of these and a bm hammer eventually

skip the shifter IMO, they kinda suck.

[ESABATM]

JMOD hands down.

The JMOD is fairly simple as long as you have a proper torque wrench and right drill bits. I did my TBird back in the day myself. Done the accumulaters along with OD servo and diff EPC valve.

[V8POWA!]

Originally Posted by casper gt skip the shifter IMO, they kinda suck.

are they still bad for just mostly street use?

[casper gt]

Originally Posted by V8POWA! are they still bad for just mostly street use?

no, you'll be fine if you just want looks.