I just purchased a B & M shift kit for my 4-door and it comes with instructions to install it as either stage 1(RV/heavy duty) or stage 2(street/strip). Am I correct in assuming I want to follow the instructions for stage 2?
In my opinion - stage 1 is how Ford should have made the transmission from the factory instead of the "slush-o-matic" shift. Stage 2 is firm enough that you should get a little bark from the rear tires on a1-2 shift while romping on the gas. (assuming you have a motor with a few mods) Cleaver
Thanks a bunch guys. I figured it must have been stage 2, but I like to get an outside opinion when it's something I haven't done before. That way I have a scapegoat when I screw up.
I haven't had a chance to put mine in yet but it looks pretty straightforward. It came with detailed instructions, and B & M has a toll-free helpline. It ran me about $50 CDN. Whether or not it'll help with your particular tranny is dependent on what kind of problems you're having with it. According to the instructions, there are certain problems that can actually be made worse by installing the kit.
generally.... if your trans is in good shape and not too high mileage, a shift kit will help it live longer by reducing the overlap between shifts which causes slippage on the shifts which reduces the life of the frictions. if the trans is very high mileage, or close to needing to be freshened up, the shift kit won't cure the problems, and may speed up the need for rebuilding. the shift kit causes the trans to shift "instantly" which reduces the factory built-in slippage meant to soften the shift for grandpa/grandma.
