I purchased my FTVB and I researched past threads and it sounds like this thing is a great mod for the track, but not for a daily driver.

What are other thoughts on this??

I am modding my truck quite a bit, but I am doing it more because I can (great wife :-)) then I am for the track. I will drive this truck everyday during the summer up here in Alaska and I don't want to be slammed around by the hard shifts from 1-2.

Will I hate this device for daily driving?

 

I don`t know what you have been reading, but myself and many others have factory tech valve bodys in our daily driven Lightnings and arn`t having any problems at all. as long as you havn`t made any changes in line presure or anything else if you have a chip, you will like the results of the valve body. if you have the line presure raised or anything like that, then it will shift hard.

 

In my unbiased opinion -- you will definately feel the shifts --- Now under light throttle there much of a difference "jolt wise", but under moderate throttle you will feel a jolt--- Under full throttle you don't have to worry because everything is jolting anyways But basically you learn where it will shift harder and when it won't. You will also learn to let off the gas right before the shifts to lessen the effect under moderate accel. if you aren't in the muscle shift mood... Sooo-- that is the run down----

BTW my truck is a stock 99

 

Ya what Player said except with a twist, (He's in Las Vegas Baby)
BTW, What an appropriate name Player

Crewie I see your in cold road country (Alaska)
Expect to leave 50 feet of your F-1's on the road switching 2nd gear pretty much every time when the outside temps are below 50's

I roast mine through 2nd prob 6/7 times a day anytime I'm 1/3 - 1/2 throttle or more "without trying"
I should ad, I do have some MINOR tranny tweaking in my programs, but I've shut the chip off a few times and have the same results on the factory Computer program so DO EXPECT LOTS of second gear smokey's in the cold months

I hated mine at first BIG TIME, but now I Love it.
You do learn to adjust your throttle habbits automatically as time goes on using it, and eventually you truly don't even know it's there.
Just DO NOT try and sip a cup of full hot coffee

 

I think you have to take Rob's opinion with a grain of salt. He has one of those "digital" throttles that is either fully ON or OFF. WOT or IDLE.

Seriously, I just installed mine last week and it is an awesome mod. The shifts at part throttle are definately firmer, so if that isn't your cup of tea, then it isn't for you. But I would stop short of saying they are harsh. Just a good positive feel when it shifts.

I don't have a problem with traction unless I WANT to have a problem with traction.

 

Great mod for daily drive. Shifts are firmer but they feel much stronger and safer. Girlfriend might not like it though

 

I've had two of them, one on my '01 and another on my '03.

a great mod IMHO.

fine for daily driving.

just my .02

later,
chris

 

Players response pretty much hits it on the nose. I would only add that the addition of some form of traction device like slapper bars greatly improves the overall ride quality. I put some Lakewoods on my "L" and they keep the rear suspension tight. No axle wrap.

 

I am really thinking about doing this mod myself in another few months so those of you with the knowledge please chime in.

Now I have read they are firm shifts, some may say harsh, but nevertheless firm. It is my understanding that since they are firm there is less, much less slip in the transmission which means less heat and thus more life for the transmission, would that be correct?

If so, and with all that I have read I believe it is true then what about the “firm” shift and the drive shaft and u-joints? Has anyone had any issues with either of those due to “firm” shifts?

 

I also have the FTVB in my daily driver and I love it

It does make the truck shift hard, but IMO it makes it shift like it should from the factory. At 1/3 - 1/2 throttle it's not that bad at all, at WOT the tires chirp from 1-2 and 2-3.

01 XLT Sport, it's my understanding that you're right about the FTVB being better for the tranny, there's a write up that Gregg did, I searched but couldn't find it, that explains why it is better...it's along the same lines as what you said...

-dennis

 

Crewie,

You will love it for a daily driver. Like has already explained, slightly firm during normal driving, which I personally love, and barking tires hard at WOT.

It's a little different than the stock shift during normal driving but you get used to it quick and it's just plain fun. If it was soft and slushy like stock, there would be no need for it.

Plus, you get the best customer service in the industry right here.

FTVB's Always In Stock

Tim @ Chikenears

 

I would say just do it. I, like Rob, didn't care for the 1-2 shift firmness but that's because I was driving it like when it was stock. You do learn to adjust to it. Shifts just fine under normal driving now, and when you punch it

 

That's no lie. IMHO Tim and Gregg are the two most customer oriented vendors supporting our L community.

 

I'll second that. Super fast shipping from Tim and a great product from Gregg.

 

Great mod ..do it ...