Baumann Shift Kit Installed
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Houston, Tx.
Baumann Shift Kit Installed
Well guys, finally got around to getting the Baumann Engineering Shift Kit installed last weekend. Also installed the B&M deep pan and the Sonnex by-pass clutch control valve at the same time. Filled up with Amsoil ATF.
First, I want to thank gah and Neal for their posts as it really saved me some time.
The install went very well. Actually easier than I thought it would be - the directions were very good. As gah posted earlier, the B&M deep pan will not fit without removing the transmission support strut. This bothered me so much that I decided to trim 1/8" off of the flange of the pan nearest the strut so that the pan would fit without removing anything. Also had to remove 1/2" of the flange of the strut so that the two back bolts on the pan could be accessed. This worked very well and I can now remove the pan easily if needed. gah, you might want to give that a try. Well ... it was a good thing I went through this extra trouble ... because ... REVERSE WOULD NOT WORK after I installed the shift kit. So I had to drop the pan and the valve body again 10 minutes after installing the kit to see what was wrong. Found a valve in the bottom of the pan. Turns out that I did not firmly clip one of the the 1-2 valves in place during the first install. No further problems after making that fix. Must say that it was much faster the second time - only took three hours to do the job the second time around.
I used the stage 4 setting (out of 5 stages). Impressions after two days of driving. WOW, much better shifting. gah, you indicated that you could not feel that much difference initially on a stage 3 setting. Due to your observations, that is why I went with stage 4. I can tell you that you will definitely notice the difference if you go to stage 4. I am even running a Superchip with the standard improved shifting and I noticed a marked improvement in shifting above what the superchip offers. In fact, the part-throttle 1-2 shift turned out to be a little firmer than I was expecting. Personally, I like it and have been wanting this for quite some time, but I don't think my wife will care for it. At stage 4, your passengers will notice the 1-2 part-throttle shift, but it should not bother them - they will just notice and feel it, that is all. The other gears at part-throttle shift perfectly IMHO - instantaneously shifting with a barely perceptable bump, but not a slide-bump. Also, at WOT, all gears shift nice and firm and fast. Upshifting seems better too, but have not tested it too much. Installed a mechanical Autometer tranny gage at the same time to keep an eye on temps. Hope this is of value to everyone!!!!
GDG
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Stock Package: 2001 SuperCrew XLT, Silver, 5.4L, 4x4, 3.55 LS, Tow Package, 265x70x17, Sliding Rear Window,
Modifications: Tuff Spray-on Liner, JBA Headers Jet Black Coated, Ravin Z55 SI/DO Sideswept Catback, K&N FIPK with fabricated cold-air box and ram-air, SuperChip, ASP Pullies, 1" Thick Sheepskin seat covers (nice "seat-of-the-pants" feel!), Nerf Bars, PIAA Superwhites, 65W (9006) Fog Lights, Dual 14" Perma-Cool Fans w/ stock shroud, Baumann Shift Kit on Stage 4 with Sonnex Bypass Clutch control Valve, Pillar mounted Autometer Ultra-Lite Water and Tranny Temperature Gages
Future mods - Roots Supercharger, modified sterio system
First, I want to thank gah and Neal for their posts as it really saved me some time.
The install went very well. Actually easier than I thought it would be - the directions were very good. As gah posted earlier, the B&M deep pan will not fit without removing the transmission support strut. This bothered me so much that I decided to trim 1/8" off of the flange of the pan nearest the strut so that the pan would fit without removing anything. Also had to remove 1/2" of the flange of the strut so that the two back bolts on the pan could be accessed. This worked very well and I can now remove the pan easily if needed. gah, you might want to give that a try. Well ... it was a good thing I went through this extra trouble ... because ... REVERSE WOULD NOT WORK after I installed the shift kit. So I had to drop the pan and the valve body again 10 minutes after installing the kit to see what was wrong. Found a valve in the bottom of the pan. Turns out that I did not firmly clip one of the the 1-2 valves in place during the first install. No further problems after making that fix. Must say that it was much faster the second time - only took three hours to do the job the second time around.
I used the stage 4 setting (out of 5 stages). Impressions after two days of driving. WOW, much better shifting. gah, you indicated that you could not feel that much difference initially on a stage 3 setting. Due to your observations, that is why I went with stage 4. I can tell you that you will definitely notice the difference if you go to stage 4. I am even running a Superchip with the standard improved shifting and I noticed a marked improvement in shifting above what the superchip offers. In fact, the part-throttle 1-2 shift turned out to be a little firmer than I was expecting. Personally, I like it and have been wanting this for quite some time, but I don't think my wife will care for it. At stage 4, your passengers will notice the 1-2 part-throttle shift, but it should not bother them - they will just notice and feel it, that is all. The other gears at part-throttle shift perfectly IMHO - instantaneously shifting with a barely perceptable bump, but not a slide-bump. Also, at WOT, all gears shift nice and firm and fast. Upshifting seems better too, but have not tested it too much. Installed a mechanical Autometer tranny gage at the same time to keep an eye on temps. Hope this is of value to everyone!!!!
GDG
------------------
Stock Package: 2001 SuperCrew XLT, Silver, 5.4L, 4x4, 3.55 LS, Tow Package, 265x70x17, Sliding Rear Window,
Modifications: Tuff Spray-on Liner, JBA Headers Jet Black Coated, Ravin Z55 SI/DO Sideswept Catback, K&N FIPK with fabricated cold-air box and ram-air, SuperChip, ASP Pullies, 1" Thick Sheepskin seat covers (nice "seat-of-the-pants" feel!), Nerf Bars, PIAA Superwhites, 65W (9006) Fog Lights, Dual 14" Perma-Cool Fans w/ stock shroud, Baumann Shift Kit on Stage 4 with Sonnex Bypass Clutch control Valve, Pillar mounted Autometer Ultra-Lite Water and Tranny Temperature Gages
Future mods - Roots Supercharger, modified sterio system
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From: EL Sobrante, CA ,
Hi GoDogGo
When i called Bauman they said that they had no kit for the 2001 4R70W, ( i assume thats what you have ) were you able to make the 2000 kit work with no problems?. When i talked to Bauman they said one person with a 2001 bought a 2000 kit and it worked. I just thought after reading your post it might be you?.
Does the shift kit do away with the shift delay that our transmissions have?, and how well does it work with a superchip?.
Thanks in advance - Larry.
When i called Bauman they said that they had no kit for the 2001 4R70W, ( i assume thats what you have ) were you able to make the 2000 kit work with no problems?. When i talked to Bauman they said one person with a 2001 bought a 2000 kit and it worked. I just thought after reading your post it might be you?.
Does the shift kit do away with the shift delay that our transmissions have?, and how well does it work with a superchip?.
Thanks in advance - Larry.
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From: Houston, Tx.
Speeder,
Yes, the kit I have (probably gah as well - but he can confirm) is for 4R70W tramsmissions prior to 2001. On the box it says "For Ford AOD-E and 4R70W, 1996-98". Greg told me it would work on the 2001, so I took his work for it. I did however order the kit through Modern Mustangs as suggested by Greg since Baumann did not have any kits in stock at the time. I don't know if I am the guy that Greg is refering to or not.
As you can see from the post above it worked fine and I really like the way it shifts now. The superchip does help firm the shifts and minimize the shift delay (overlap I believe they call it) by altering the line pressures. It does it ELECTRONICALLY via the onboard computer. The shift kits improve the shift characteristics MECHANICALLY, by changing valve spring stiffnesses and transmission fluid flow volume. Both are compatable with each other since they operate differently (electronic vs mechanical).
When I installed the superchip, the shifts were much improved above stock, but I wanted even further improvement. The shift kit improved upon what the superchip did and I am satisfied with the transmission now.
GDG
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Stock Package: 2001 SuperCrew XLT, Silver, 5.4L, 4x4, 3.55 LS, Tow Package, 265x70x17, Sliding Rear Window,
Modifications: Tuff Spray-on Liner, JBA Headers Jet Black Coated, Ravin Z55 SI/DO Sideswept Catback, K&N FIPK with fabricated cold-air box and ram-air, SuperChip, ASP Pullies, 1" Thick Sheepskin seat covers (nice "seat-of-the-pants" feel!), Nerf Bars, PIAA Superwhites, 65W (9006) Fog Lights, Dual 14" Perma-Cool Fans w/ stock shroud, Baumann Shift Kit on Stage 4 with Sonnex Bypass Clutch control Valve, Pillar mounted Autometer Ultra-Lite Water and Tranny Temperature Gages
Future mods - Roots Supercharger, modified sterio system
Yes, the kit I have (probably gah as well - but he can confirm) is for 4R70W tramsmissions prior to 2001. On the box it says "For Ford AOD-E and 4R70W, 1996-98". Greg told me it would work on the 2001, so I took his work for it. I did however order the kit through Modern Mustangs as suggested by Greg since Baumann did not have any kits in stock at the time. I don't know if I am the guy that Greg is refering to or not.
As you can see from the post above it worked fine and I really like the way it shifts now. The superchip does help firm the shifts and minimize the shift delay (overlap I believe they call it) by altering the line pressures. It does it ELECTRONICALLY via the onboard computer. The shift kits improve the shift characteristics MECHANICALLY, by changing valve spring stiffnesses and transmission fluid flow volume. Both are compatable with each other since they operate differently (electronic vs mechanical).
When I installed the superchip, the shifts were much improved above stock, but I wanted even further improvement. The shift kit improved upon what the superchip did and I am satisfied with the transmission now.
GDG
------------------
Stock Package: 2001 SuperCrew XLT, Silver, 5.4L, 4x4, 3.55 LS, Tow Package, 265x70x17, Sliding Rear Window,
Modifications: Tuff Spray-on Liner, JBA Headers Jet Black Coated, Ravin Z55 SI/DO Sideswept Catback, K&N FIPK with fabricated cold-air box and ram-air, SuperChip, ASP Pullies, 1" Thick Sheepskin seat covers (nice "seat-of-the-pants" feel!), Nerf Bars, PIAA Superwhites, 65W (9006) Fog Lights, Dual 14" Perma-Cool Fans w/ stock shroud, Baumann Shift Kit on Stage 4 with Sonnex Bypass Clutch control Valve, Pillar mounted Autometer Ultra-Lite Water and Tranny Temperature Gages
Future mods - Roots Supercharger, modified sterio system
Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 80
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From: Woodland, CA
Hi GoDogGo,
I received my Baumann kit just recently. Greg had recommended that I install it on Stage 3 also. After reading your thread, I'll probably have set on Stage 4.
Question though. With the setting on 4, what kind of upshifting do you have? Is it the tire chirp from 1st to 2nd?
I know Neal has his set on Stage 5. I would imagine that on setting 5 would be more street/strip version.
Let me know. Mine will be installed on Thursday.
Thanks!
I received my Baumann kit just recently. Greg had recommended that I install it on Stage 3 also. After reading your thread, I'll probably have set on Stage 4.
Question though. With the setting on 4, what kind of upshifting do you have? Is it the tire chirp from 1st to 2nd?
I know Neal has his set on Stage 5. I would imagine that on setting 5 would be more street/strip version.
Let me know. Mine will be installed on Thursday.
Thanks!
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Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 398
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From: Hawaii
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Yes, the kit I have (probably gah as well - but he can confirm) is for 4R70W tramsmissions prior to 2001.</font>
Thanks for your ideas about shaving some material off the B&M trans pan ... good idea. I should have gone with level 4 as you did, but over the summer I'll get to it, and install the Sonnax valve as well. Did you install a Sonnax valve?
The B&M pan is a really nice upgrade in my opinion. The drain plug feature is very cool, plus the pan just looks awesome. The additional 3 quarts of ATF and the cooling fins make it well worth the money
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'00 5.4L AUTO 4X4 Lariat (Black/Silver)
'95 Thunderbird SC
'02 F-350 PSD CC DRW 6SPD 4X4 Lariat (order this year)
www.hawthorn-engineering.com
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From: Houston, Tx.
Hi Crazyaboutf150,
Yes, on Stage 4 setting with the superchip, the 1-2 shift is a tire chirper at WOT as long as you have enough ponies. At part throttle, the 1-2 shift gives a firm bump. If firm part throttle shifts are to your liking, I would go with Stage 4. If not, I would dial the 1-2 shifts to Stage 3, but keep all the other shift characteristics to Stage 4.
gah,
Your previous posts on your Baumann install were very helpful and saved me some time - I thank you for that. I like the B&M deep pan too and am really glad I got it now. I feel certain that it keeps the transmission fluid several degrees cooler although I have no proof of that. With highway driving, the tranny fluid temperature stays at about 150F or so, Stop and go traffic, 165F.
------------------
Stock Package: 2001 SuperCrew XLT, Silver, 5.4L, 4x4, 3.55 LS, Tow Package, 265x70x17, Sliding Rear Window,
Modifications: Tuff Spray-on Liner, JBA Headers Jet Black Coated, Ravin Z55 SI/DO Sideswept Catback, K&N FIPK with fabricated cold-air box and ram-air, SuperChip, ASP Pullies, 1" Thick Sheepskin seat covers (nice "seat-of-the-pants" feel!), Nerf Bars, PIAA Superwhites, 65W (9006) Fog Lights, Dual 14" Perma-Cool Fans w/ stock shroud, Baumann Shift Kit on Stage 4 with Sonnex Bypass Clutch control Valve, Pillar mounted Autometer Ultra-Lite Water and Tranny Temperature Gages
Future mods - Roots Supercharger, modified sterio system
Yes, on Stage 4 setting with the superchip, the 1-2 shift is a tire chirper at WOT as long as you have enough ponies. At part throttle, the 1-2 shift gives a firm bump. If firm part throttle shifts are to your liking, I would go with Stage 4. If not, I would dial the 1-2 shifts to Stage 3, but keep all the other shift characteristics to Stage 4.
gah,
Your previous posts on your Baumann install were very helpful and saved me some time - I thank you for that. I like the B&M deep pan too and am really glad I got it now. I feel certain that it keeps the transmission fluid several degrees cooler although I have no proof of that. With highway driving, the tranny fluid temperature stays at about 150F or so, Stop and go traffic, 165F.
------------------
Stock Package: 2001 SuperCrew XLT, Silver, 5.4L, 4x4, 3.55 LS, Tow Package, 265x70x17, Sliding Rear Window,
Modifications: Tuff Spray-on Liner, JBA Headers Jet Black Coated, Ravin Z55 SI/DO Sideswept Catback, K&N FIPK with fabricated cold-air box and ram-air, SuperChip, ASP Pullies, 1" Thick Sheepskin seat covers (nice "seat-of-the-pants" feel!), Nerf Bars, PIAA Superwhites, 65W (9006) Fog Lights, Dual 14" Perma-Cool Fans w/ stock shroud, Baumann Shift Kit on Stage 4 with Sonnex Bypass Clutch control Valve, Pillar mounted Autometer Ultra-Lite Water and Tranny Temperature Gages
Future mods - Roots Supercharger, modified sterio system
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Senior Member
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From: Houston, Tx.
gah,
Forgot to answer your other question. Yes, I did install the Sonnax valve as well. My observations were the same as yours and Neal's in that the pressure relief holes in the Sonnax valve are much smaller than the relief holes in the stock valve. Otherwise the Sonnax valve is almost identical to stock and it installed easily.
GDG
Forgot to answer your other question. Yes, I did install the Sonnax valve as well. My observations were the same as yours and Neal's in that the pressure relief holes in the Sonnax valve are much smaller than the relief holes in the stock valve. Otherwise the Sonnax valve is almost identical to stock and it installed easily.
GDG
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From: Hawaii
GDG,
glad to be of help. As you mentioned, the HP Freak deserves much of the credit. My trans temps are identical to yours. My highest temp so far has been approx 195F. Amsoil is good stuff but talk about expensive! I figure if my trans temps stay under 200F, then there's no need to ever change the trans fluid - unless Amsoil has a REALLY good sale!
------------------
'00 5.4L AUTO 4X4 Lariat (Black/Silver)
'95 Thunderbird SC
'02 F-350 PSD CC DRW 6SPD 4X4 Lariat (order this year)
www.hawthorn-engineering.com
glad to be of help. As you mentioned, the HP Freak deserves much of the credit. My trans temps are identical to yours. My highest temp so far has been approx 195F. Amsoil is good stuff but talk about expensive! I figure if my trans temps stay under 200F, then there's no need to ever change the trans fluid - unless Amsoil has a REALLY good sale!
------------------
'00 5.4L AUTO 4X4 Lariat (Black/Silver)
'95 Thunderbird SC
'02 F-350 PSD CC DRW 6SPD 4X4 Lariat (order this year)
www.hawthorn-engineering.com
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 724
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From: EL Sobrante, CA ,
Hi GoDogGo
Im just about ready to order my Bauman shift kit. I just want to make sure i have all the info i need. --- You used a kit for a 96-98 4R70W ?. What about the sonnax valve, 96-98 also?. How much did the shift kit and the sonnax valve cost?. Did you order everything from modern mustang?. and do you have there phone number?. THANKS.
Larry.
Im just about ready to order my Bauman shift kit. I just want to make sure i have all the info i need. --- You used a kit for a 96-98 4R70W ?. What about the sonnax valve, 96-98 also?. How much did the shift kit and the sonnax valve cost?. Did you order everything from modern mustang?. and do you have there phone number?. THANKS.
Larry.
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From: Houston, Tx.
Speeder,
I misplaced the sales receipt, but I am pretty sure that their number is 800-688-7798 (www.modernmustang.com). A search of their web site shows that they sell the Baumann kit. If they are out of stock, Greg at Baumann can probably tell you who else to contact. I paid either $95.99 or $99.95 for the shift kit plus shipping. The Sonnax valve I ordered directly from Baumann Engineering since they had it in stock. It was $29 shipping included. As listed on the box, the Baumann kit was for a 1996-98 4R70W transmission, but Greg said it would be fine for the 2001 as well. For the Sonnax valve (Sonnax p/n 76948-04K), I am not sure if it had a year assigned to it as I believe it is for all the 4R70W transmissions up to present. Greg called Sonnax for me on that one.
Hope this helps - let us know how it goes!!
GDG
I misplaced the sales receipt, but I am pretty sure that their number is 800-688-7798 (www.modernmustang.com). A search of their web site shows that they sell the Baumann kit. If they are out of stock, Greg at Baumann can probably tell you who else to contact. I paid either $95.99 or $99.95 for the shift kit plus shipping. The Sonnax valve I ordered directly from Baumann Engineering since they had it in stock. It was $29 shipping included. As listed on the box, the Baumann kit was for a 1996-98 4R70W transmission, but Greg said it would be fine for the 2001 as well. For the Sonnax valve (Sonnax p/n 76948-04K), I am not sure if it had a year assigned to it as I believe it is for all the 4R70W transmissions up to present. Greg called Sonnax for me on that one.
Hope this helps - let us know how it goes!!
GDG