I just orderd a factory tech sep. plate from Gregg today.Has anyone installed the plate, the brown 1-2 spring that comes with it, and left out the 2-3 spring?How hards are the shifts?Just trying to get a feel on what I should do.Im pushing around 400rwhp and would like nice firm shifts, but I dont want to be busting U joints either.

..I'd basically like to hear what you guys did with your kit and how it performs.

 

No one huh?

 

I installed the same kit w/the same configuration. I notice that the shift is firmer on the 1-2 shift but I don't notice much difference on the 2-3. It may be because I haven't taken it out on the road since the install (WOT runs). In any case, it's not TOO firm.

 

The 1-2 shift can become too harsh,but with 400rwhp it will be about right. Just install the brown upper spring and leave the lower out. For the 2-3 remove the spring completely bend the tabs on the "bottlecap" a little and make sure the bottlecap seats properly. If you mess up on the bottlecap and do not get it seated correctly you will lose all direct clutch pressure meaning it will slip in 3rd and 4th. so be careful and take your time. If you have more than 60k on the transmission I highly suggest inspecting the epc solenoid for wear on the bore where it goes into the transmission. The epc solenoid controls transmission line pressure so a little wear on it makes a huge difference. The converter you have in the vehicle can make a difference as well. some of the 5.4 engines have a low stall converter and others do not. If you have the high stall converter you will want to set the 1-2 up the way I have listed for all applications. If you have the low stall converter you may want to reinstall the outer stock lower spring and remove the inner spring only. This especially true on a stock engine, if you have 400rwhp or better remove all of the lower springs.
Alan

 

Thanks DirtyDog.I will set it up that way.



..On a side note.Anyone know how Gregg Evans can be contacted?He was quick to reply to my emails about the kit.But I sent money to him via PayPal on Tuesday, its now Saturday ,and I cant get him to reply back.

EDIT: I see he was logged on here today @ 7:45am.SO he definatly has internet access where ever he may be...GRRRR

 

email me at alan at factorytechdotnet if you have any more questions I know your kit was shipped this morning there was a delay on parts,but we got it resloved and in route to you. Gregg may not always have time to reply,but he always gets the stuff done.
Alan

 

Excellent!Thanks Alan.Gregg did email me back...all is good!

 

I installed the kit like you said Alan, my shifts are alot quicker, but not really all that hard.I do have a PI 3000 stall multi disc conv. does that effect it any?And is there anything else I can do to make them harder for at the track?

 

Yes the stall does make a huge difference. If you want it to shift firmer than that you'll need to open that transmission up and stack some more clutches into it. Especially better than 97 design clutches will make a huge difference. I also suggest an SCT tune. The 97 transmission has a roller clutch assembly which makes the 1-2 a very weak link. If you get it to shift the way you want it will only do it a few times before the roller clutch becomes a pan ornament like the fishing bobber used for a filler pipe plug.
Alan

 

Thats why I got a 1998 tranny with the mechanical diode

Im gonna try locking the converter sooner and keeping it lock during the shift and see how it responds.I know my tune is off and hte high stall isnt helping, in OD I am cruisin at about 2400rpms and with the 3000 stall converter ,it isnt locking.It locks in all other gears though, just not at the right time.So the high stall has to be messing with it.

 

That sounds like you may have an overdrive band slipping.
Alan

 

Any way to check and see if it is?Besides pulling the trans back out?


I was watching the TCC lock up with a Snap On OBDII scanner.It locks up 100% in 3rd gear at part throttle, almost right after the 2-3 shift.It dont seem to lock up in 1st,2nd, or OD at part throttle take off's.Of course I didnt go past 2500 rpm in OD to see if it would lock up after 3000 rpms.I believe its in the tune.I had to have my tuner take all my fuel and timing settings from a 5 speed tune and convert it to a auto tranny tune.So right now I have stock shift points too, wich really blow.Prol stock lock up's too.Anyone know the lock up point at part throttle?

 

You may be able to log it to see if you have slippage in 4th
Alan