I have just started the upgrade process on my truck...and I LOVE it. The thing is a beast compared to the lame dog I had 2 months ago. The question I have for you guys is what can I do to get better performance out of the 4L80E?? I've read about the B&M ShiftPlus, and BD's Transgo kit, but know little about either. I want to get a bigger chip...probably Kennedy's. Should I just wait for the chip, or would something else work along with it?? I dont want to tear into the tranny just yet, because it's NEW. Also, the reason I switched tranny's is because EVERY tab that bolts the bellhousing to the engine was busted out...what can I do to prevent this from happening again?? It's become obvious that this truck was abused prior to me getting it...In the first year I had it, EVERY gear in the rear diff. was busted, the Transfer case went out, and the engine had bad head/gasket from the day I bought it...I now need to replace the CV shafts in the front to regain my 4x4. In the 2 years I've had it, I have only been able to put about 22,000 miles on it, but, now, everything except the front diff is NEW/REMAN.

we bought thousands in parts the first year we had our three K3500's. and hundreds since,

you cant beat the price of the b&m shiftplus. easy install with 2 wires too.

but what does it do?? Other than the obvious...make it shift better.

I don't know nuthin' about those chips, but the performance ECMs for '96 and newer vehicles will increase line pressure making the ShiftPlus and Transgo upgrades unnecessary.

I really like the Transgo products, when we build a trans at the dealer that is not under warranty, I always ask the customer if they would like it improved beyond what a stock rebuild will do.. Transgo FIXES the inherent problems that each transmission has and just makes a good trans job great. I dunno so much about the plug in play units as I am not familier with them, but they will be much easier to install. Most trans upgrade kits require at minumum the valve body to be removed.

So...not much for the backyard mechanic that knows nothing about transmissions, and doesn't want to experiment on his new $2700 unit, with the exception of the B&M

The transgo kit is easy to install with a little patience, just take your time and follow the instructions. Allow a Saturday to do it, and you can still have a good supper with your wife. Maybe even lunch.

Maybe I'm being too cautious...what does the install require?? Any drilling in the valvebody, changing valves?? I've never tore into a tranny, and would hate to throw away the $$ I spent about 3000 miles ago on a new one......

Also, I'm curious as to why I can't tow in OD...and will a shift kit eliminate this problem?? My guess would be that the constant shifting from D to OD would generate extra heat...am I on the right track??

first, the trans go kits come with easy install directions, all the parts are layed out and easy to identify. It comes with the required drill bits and springs needed to make the changes. As for towing in OD, the biggest killer is when it shifts in and out of OD. If it will stay in OD on LEVEL terrain, then I say ok, but if the terrain gets hilly or it struggles to maintain OD, then downshift.

Thanks DMAX...will the trans-go give me positive shift control, as well?? I think this very well may be my next purchase.

The transgo works with out any extenal box or control unit. It really works well to make a good shifting transmission. It's not gonna give you head snapping firm shifts, just precise and solid.

The transgo kit is great. The first thing I did when I bought my
suburban was install one. I did this because it was weak shifting from
2-3 and felt like it may be on its way out. I have now driven 40K with
it in and it still works great. It went from a lazy soggy shifter to
very firm shift without being harsh. At the same time I bought an
electronic B&M type shift plus but have never installed it because
the shifting was so improved.



The one complaint is I wish I had gone to full manual control ability,
the 4L80E trans in a 2500 diesel will not hold second gear when
downshifted, due to a fear at GM about overrunning the engine. Other
than that I love what the kit does.



The real value of the transgo is that you get not only firmer shifts by
increasing the line pressure but you actually get a quicker shift which
will increase the life of the trans. the B&M shiftplus only
increases line pressure not the shifting speed. And if you just follow
the instructions it is an easy job that can be done by anyone with a
basic understanding of mechanics on a saturday.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley32.gif

thanks guys...it's appreciated...my next investment, for sure.

Modules vs shift bodies,


B&M recommends the body vs the module as it is mechanical in nature physical flow changes of tranny fluid, rather than a modulated change thru same size passages/orifices.


I have it in mine, only drawback is when you upgrade your chip it may conflict with the body's enhancements, the B&M kit comes 2 configurations tow or race I went with the tow version, in addition to installing the shift pak a passage in the body is drilled out, when upgrading to the chip or reflash I know the Heath one for sure has an improved shift curve, (I don't know about JK's or others as I've not run one myself) my Heath re-flash every once in a while gets in conflict with my B&M kit ands shifts very aggressively and will leave you wondering what just happened.


Solution is to replace body, detune reflash shift points, or just be aware of it and live with it, my tranny builder says no problem so long as I understand what is happening, firmer shifts are a good thing.


You may not have the problem, may be something unique to my trans, as when it acts up I gets some goofy codes on the scanner. As far as the trans-go kit, I've never used one but hear good things about them.