I've decided that I'm going to get FactoryTech's separator plate for my 99's 4R70W.

Those of you who have done shift kits: I know most of them come with various "stages" you can install. I'm looking for a bit quicker/firmer shifts, but I don't need to chirp the 1-2 (nor 2-3) shift and /or snap my wife's neck. Just a good, solid shift without the stock lag/slip.

What "stage" would it take in a normal kit to accomplish this? I'm thinking of just installing the FT plate and foregoing the accumulators and springs, but don't want to be disapponted and have to tear it all apart again to make it stiffer. Likewise, I don't want to go too far, either.

Opinions?

Andy

 

The best setup I have found is to install the plate as normal, install the brown spring into the upper 1-2 accumulator and remove the spring from the 2-3 accumulator then install it into the lower of the 1-2 accumulator. I spoke with Gregg about it he was thinking about adding the spring because he doesn't like the idea of having to reuse it. I'm fine with reusing it. If you leave the lower spring out of the 1-2 it will shift hard.
Alan

 

Thanks for the suggestion, dirtyd0g. When re-reading my post, I should have said "... and not mess with the accumulators and springs." I didn't mean it to say I'd leave the springs out.

Still not sure, thoguh, what those springs-n-things are doing in there. I need to study up a bit on the AOD trans functions so I understand how they work and what I'm doing in this mod. I don't like just blindly diving in without some idea of why I'm doing what I'm doing.

In the end, do you have a description of what the results of your mod were?

Andy

 

I have installed literally dozens of these kits (does it help I helped design it). If you use a slightly higher stall converter you will want to use the firmer settings but with the setup I suggested you get positive but not to harsh shifts. I desire slightly more on the 2-3 but this transmission just isn't capable without changing clutch pack configuration inside the transmission.
Alan

 

Sounds like I have my solution, then. Thanks!

Andy