Have folks given a shift kit a try for more affirmative higher RPM shifts? Looking for recommendations for one or other adjustments. How quick of a mod are these?

 

Put a B&M shift kit in it.

 

I put a TransGo shift kit in JagZilla, when she still had an automatic. Made a world of difference, because I was able to downshift to any gear at any speed, and I was able to hold 1st and 2nd to redline. The stock Turbo 400 upshifts before the V12 ever gets into it's powerband.

Here's the kit I bought at Summit Racing:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/tr...make/chevrolet

 

How were you able to downshift to any gear? Depending on how deep you pressed pedal?

 

You just pull the gear selector down to 2nd or 1st, and the transmission drops down to that gear, and stays there until you manually push the selector up to 2nd or Drive, just like with a manual transmission. Common sense is required - for instance, I wouldn't recommend downshifting to 1st at 70mph, unless you just want to blow your motor, because the rpms will increase in direct relation to your vehicle speed vs your gear choice.

 

Will the GM TH-400 torque converter be able to handle the high RPM's? I know from my muscle car days that the 400 is a tough tranny but I'm not to sure about the converter.



Can you use F type ATF(less slippery fluid) to firm up the shifts? I do know guys that have used this in the 400 for other applications.

 

I ran mine for years with that shift kit, and the stock converter, without problems...and I drive the dog **** out of my cars.

I never ran F type fluid in my Turbo 400, but, according to Kirby's book, and members on another forum, it doesn't hurt the transmission to do so.

 

The t/converter specified by Jaguar will handle 6500+ rpm.

If the transmission has ever been rebuilt there's a chance a generic '400' rebuilt ($139.95 type) t/converter was installed....which might not be up to the task

Cheers
DD

 

Its Easy as, just ditch the auto and put in a manual 4/5 speed! Be the best move you ever do.