Risks involved with a shift kit?

**LePrix** · 05-26-2011

I have the p1811 code on my trans and it looks like the only way to fix the problem is to either get a new trans or rebuild, at the moment I am in no financial situation to take either of those roads. Now, I have had my trans looked at by a couple honest mechanic friends and they are telling me that the trans, more likely than not, will go for at least another year the way it is now.

The problems is, of course the frustrating, uncomfortable, sometimes unbearable ride. The car is in such good shape all around that it is just a bleeding shame.

I am aware of shift kits from Transgo and other companies that claim to better the ride quality of cars with the p1811 code. I have asked about such things to local trans shops and they told me that it will not make the ride better, only even stiffer and that such kits accelerate the the wearing of clutches.

So I ask my fellow Grand Prix owners who have used the shift hkit for this problem, how is the ride? And are there risks involved that would break my trans faster than if I just drove it as is? I want to enjoy that Grand Prix ride, and I am desparate for solutions.

**JamesIvey24** · 05-26-2011

Im sure you will receive varying responses. However, the p1811 code is very generic.. but the 4t65e trannies are notorious for Pressure control solenoids going out or sticking. many people use the "shift kits" as a way to avoid replacing the PCS as it changes the line pressure mechanically reducing the shift times and actually extending clutch life due to quicken shift points and not as much "slipping" allowed between gears. My current 99 grand prix will be the third grand prix i've done a shift kit into and the previous two had great results. However, this time around I am going to go ahead and replace the PCS with a borg warner unit in this grand prix as im going to keep this one around for awhile. along with doing the diy shift key, replacing the 1-2 accum spring with a 3-4 spring from gm and adding spacers on the rods. as far as commerical shift kits available.. transgo is the most complete one. however the zzp kit is just fine as well. on a daily driver i do NOT recommend going past the "medium" spring suggestions in either kit.

furthermore. a couple of reputable tranny guys i know suggested using the trans tuneup version of seafoam .. 1/2 a can MAX for a few hundred miles then changing fluid/filter .. as the seafoam(trans tune) does a very good job of breaking down the varnish buildup in the solenoids (including the PCS) and thus reducing drivability issues.

i chose however to just replace the pcs and and do the diy shift kit.

**gtpsleeper** · 05-26-2011

ive had the firmest setting in my car for 4 years now and its my DD so its fine... shift kit is prolly the reason my tranny is still funcional with all my **** done

**LePrix** · 05-26-2011

So from what i'm hearing the shift kit is a miracle in sheep's clothing. Now what if my problem is not a PCS, will the shift kit still help?

**JamesIvey24** · 05-26-2011

imho the shift kit is worthwhile for any application, wether your having issues or not. but it does mechanically change the time it takes for gear shifting tho not too much as to wear the computer freaks out. MANY, and i do mean MANY people jsut do the shift kit without ever changing the pcs.

**JamesIvey24** · 05-26-2011

if you dont want to change the pcs - which is a PAIN IN THE ASS with the tranny in the car, tho theres a great writeup on helpwrench.net about it. so if your goign to do the shift kit, jsut get the trans tune seafoam and run it for a few hundred miles before you do your shift kit & tranny filter & fluid change.

**BillBoost37** · 05-27-2011

Many guys use the transgo kit and a bottle of lucas as a band aid for the pcs. If you have a couple of mechanic buddies. Maybe a 30 rack and $100 could get your pcs replaced. It's actually not very hard at all for a guy that knows what he's doing. It's lower subframe and dip that side of the drivetrain about 4-6 inches to pull the side cover off. Then it's a few bolts, one clip on the soleniod and reassemble. Yes..a pain for most. I've got the job down to about 2-3 hours at most.

**LePrix** · 05-27-2011

What if the pcs is not causing the code? Will the shift kit still work?

**BillBoost37** · 05-27-2011

The shift kit will absolutely not hurt the transmission at all. So it's a good thing in my book. Add a bottle of Lucas stop slip as well to condition/thicken the fluid slightly.

The PCS.. it's the most common issue in our transmissions when it comes to P1811. Dave at TEP and many other trans guys that I've talked to have all said the same thing... the PCS for some reason was crap in our transmissions.

**LePrix** · 05-27-2011

Sounds good, then thats what I will go for.

For the Lucas, is it called "Transmission fix" or the conditioner? Do I need to flush this out at some point?

Lastly, should I get this installed by a tranny shop or would a regular mechanic know what hes doing? If it is not installed properly what are the risks?

And from the sounds of it Transgo's SK4T65E is the one I want to order?

**BillBoost37** · 05-27-2011

Whatever Dave at TEP sells is the kit. I think that's the number but cant check at the moment. Shift kit for 4T65E is what you want.

No need to flush. YOu'll replace about 7-8 (3/4) of fluid when you do the shift kit. Yes a basic mechanic can do this... and so could you. It's 20 10mm bolts, then about 8-10 8mm bolts. Very straight forward.