B&M shift kit for Turbo 350

[80BrownK10]

Who has installed one on their transmission? I specifically asked about the 350 since that's what I have but if you have on on your 400 or 700r4 let me know too.

Mainly curious as to if you noticed a difference and what anyone thinks about the claim of adding life to your transmission. Which I know can only be proven in a lab since there so many variables in wear and when any specific transmission would go out. The part about running cooler makes sense if it makes it shift quicker since it's not slipping the clutches as long.

I haul fire wood in mine maxed out and toe trailers as well up to about... Well let's say heavy.

 

[QBuff02]

Then you would benefit from a shift improvement kit. And if you do a lot of heavy hauling like that, i'd recommend an auxiliary trans cooler as well. You WILL notice a difference.

 

[WFO]

I've always liked the Transgo shift kits better than B&M.

 

[80BrownK10]

I have a aux trans cooler. But the heavy loads are max a few times a year, not the only thing it does.

I thought about one of these years ago. And for some reason I saw them again today while looking for a reusable pan gasket on Amazon and I watched the install video on YouTube. It got me to thinking.

 

[Matt69olds]

The B&M kit is ok, the transGo is more “civilized”. The B&M kit deletes the accumulator function, or restricts its function depending on how you install it. The TransGo kit is more expensive, but the shifts get firmer with throttle. It also includes a pressure regulator spring, 2-3 shift valve spring, and provisions to allow the trans to downshift at any speed. B&M offers the TransKit that has the same features as the TransGo.

For a daily driver work truck, the TransGo kit is probably the way to go. If you already have the B&M kit, go ahead and use it, just be conservative when drilling the holes in the spacer plate.

 

[Matt69olds]

If your valve body has the plastic accumulator piston in the valve body, replace it with a earlier aluminum piston. If it’s plastic, and hasn’t broken, buy a lottery ticket before your luck changes!!

 

[80BrownK10]

I haven't bought either. I guess you could say I am weighing my options at this point.

 

[HotRodPC]

I've had plenty of Th350's with the B&M Shift Improver kit installed both Stage 1 and 2. I liked them both and had no issues with either 1. Stage 2 is quite firm and will chirp tires anything over light throttle take offs.

Ask @Rusty Nail about his. Installed a Stage 1 B&M in his.

 

[80BrownK10]

@Rusty Nail , what's your experience? What stage did you go with?

 

[HotRodPC]

@Rusty Nail , what's your experience? What stage did you go with?

I built his with a Stage 1. You'd prefer a Stage 1 in a 4x4. It's claimed that the firm hard shifts are hard on the transfer case and tend to stretch the chain prematurely. I don't know how true that actually is, but it does certainly seem to reason. I know my truck I had a Stage 2 in, though it a 2x4 was hard on U joints and the Intermediate roller clutch in the transmission. Stage 2 does slam 2nd pretty hard.

 

[Rusty Nail]

Thank you.

@Rusty Nail , what's your experience?

In my experience Stage 1 is the correct choice for street/daily use.
I have used Stage 2 before, in a street/strip build and that was the correct choice in that application, hands down but it shifts far too "firmly" to be anywhere remotely near comfortable in the aforementioned street/daily application. To each his own...Stage 2 really makes for a much better 2-3 shift but it isn't practical for light to light because 1-2 gets too strong and you can't tune it out. - real talk
2-3 is going too gawddanged fast...lol

As far as a use-or experience-with actual Stage 3? Well, a boy can dream!

Hope this helps!

 

[80BrownK10]

I probably never will do it, but if say it does interest me.

 

[Matt69olds]

If the stage 2 is too firm for daily driving, install a looser converter. The extra stall speed really tames things down.