Big Fish, I failed to metion this earlier. For what it's worth, they are right. A firmer shift produces less slipage, therfore, less friction, and therfore less heat and wear. Less friction and slip increases the life of the clutches, less heat will increase the life of the fluid and seals. The only time this is not true is when it shifts so hard the torque shock damages something in the trans or driveline. That level is a lot more severe than we want in a street car. A drag car perhaps. The OEM makes them shift a bit sofer for creature comfort.

Ken, I couldn't agree with you more on harsh shifting. That would be really annoying in a street car. That was one of the reasons I wanted the Transgo kit because it allows you to select how you want it to shift. I went for the "medium" option that is a lot more firm then stock, but it really does not snap your head back with every gear change. The shifting speed is selected by drilling out selected ports in the valve plate, the bigger the hole, faster the shift. I would recommend to anyone doing this to not go with the maximum size hole, you can always make them bigger at a later time if you are not happy with the firmness.

Ken,
Thanks for the idea, but I just had the fluid and filter changed 3 - 4 months ago. I am right in assuming that 1/2 - 1 second for each shift is WAY to long, right? Any other ideas?

you might pull the vacuum line off the modulator and see if there is a adjusting screw inside. some of these things are adjustable. if so screw it in and count the turns so you can put it back in the same spot if you dont get any good results, then try driving it with it backed out to the max,if worse try running it all the way in. this might not cost anything but some time

oh by the way I've used the Hurst shift kit and the B&M shift improver kit and was very satisfied with both. Normal driving wasn't bad at all but pedal to the metal meant second gear chirps. Mine is modified though with 450hp/450tq 2800 stall converter.

John, the 1 second shift is a bit long, unless you are taking off gently, and allowing low gentle shifts. 1/2 second time is not too bad for a stock shift set up. The vacuum modulator can be adjusted. Remove the vacuum hose. Reach in with a pocket screwdriver, and rotate the screw. Turning it in will make it shift at higher RPM and a bit firmer. Turning it out will make it shift lower, and slower. You can experiment a bit.

If the trans seems other wise okay, you can put a shift kit in it, and the shift will get quicker and firmer. That may be just the ticket for you.

Even though it usually creates shorter shifts than longer shifts, I'd also suggest checking the adjustment of the TV cable.