[454HO C10]

I've been wanting to buy one of these, and see Summit has them on sale right now. I've got some other parts I need to order too, so thinking now is the right time to buy. I have a couple questions on installation though.

I have not found installation instructions on the web. I did find a video on the Transgo website and downloaded it, but I must not have the proper codec to view it on my computer here at work.

First thing I want to know is, can I install this kit with the trans still in the vehicle? I have read some eBay ads where they say some parts of the kit can be installed under the vehicle, but other parts require tear down of the trans. Can anyone elaborate on this? Is it worthwhile to do a partial install? Could I get the same results just buying the cheaper shift kit vs this reprogram kit?

Second is what other parts do I need to get in order to complete this? I assume I will need a filter/gasket kit and of course a case of trans fluid. Anything else? Any hard parts I should consider replacing?

Third, I plan to buy an aftermarket convertor to replace the stock one. Probably somewhere in the 2800-3200rpm stall range. Should I wait until I have the convertor to install the shift kit? It seems to me that it would be easier to just drag the whole trans out from under the truck and do all the shift kit work on it, slap the new convertor on and then reinstall.

This trans is a '99 model from a 1-ton truck. It is installed in my C10 behind a mild 454. I am using a TCI controller to handle the shifting. Are there any programming changes I will need to make after I install the shift kit?

 

[72blownvert]

Greg you can install it in the car if you want.There are parts that require you to pull trans apart there is a snap ring for the intermediate clutch and replacement springs for the direct clutch and some pump mods.If you are going to put a converter in anyway i would take trans apart and do all the mods.This is a excellent kit IMO it is the best kit made for this trans you will not be dissapointed in how it works when you are done.The only program change is line pressure.You do not have to boost line pressure electricaly since it is boosted hydrolicly to much line pressure is not good.There is also a bolt for the 4th clutch you can change but if you are not doing an overhaul i would leave the stock bolt in untill you do an overhaul.

 

[Guest]

It's a good kit but you can get the advantages of it for less if you are going to teardown the trans.

However for an in-car upgrade, its excellent.

Not hard to do and the internal upgrades, save them for later when it is out.

 

[454HO C10]

Thanks for the replies. I was able to view the Trango video last night on my computer at home. It doesn't look too difficult, just one 1/4" hole to drill in the valve body and then install the parts from the kit. I think I can handle it.

One more question before I pull the trigger and order the kit. My transmission supposedly has about 80k miles on it. I bought it used and unfortunately I do not know how well it was maintained. The fluid is a bit dark, but it does not smell burnt at all. It shifts great and does not slip in any gear. My concern is that if I start messing with it by changing the fluid and installing this kit it will screw it up somehow. Sort of the 'don't fix it if it ain't broke' mentality.

What is your experience installing a kit like this on higher mileage transmissions? Have you ever seen a case where the trans crapped out shortly afterwards? I am hoping it will extend the life by eliminating a lot of the slippage during the shifts. That and of course provide a nice firm shift. This truck is sort of my weekend toy, so it does not get a lot of miles put on it. I would like this trans to last several more years. :thumbsup: