Thread: shift kit or no shift kit?

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I just picked up a 74 Nova for $500.00. It has a stock 350 with headers and a turbo 350 tranny. The flex plate was cracked so I put in a heavy duty one. Now my friend said I should put in a B&M shift kit. I don't know that much about cars so I was wondering how will this affect the life of my tranny and will there be a great improvment in how it shifts?

And just a word of caution because you said "I don't know that much about cars" ...... don't let anyone tell you that changing "check balls" will work just like a shift kit . WAY back when ----- ---- I was cheaper then i am now, it sounded good . Designers spend a lot of time getting things rerouted on a kit , to work right so just spend the money for the kit. don't know if thats a thought but some one may read this later and I want it said.

And what DennyW said is right on , some one explained it to me as " they make stock trannys for little old ladys to drive to church so it pleases most everybody " so there is more fun to be had in a kit. just don't go to far with it or a quick trip to the store will start to get on your nerves after a while.
Read as much as you can about it before you pick one "don't just guess or get what your friend said " learn what your doing you'll be happier later .

hope that helps
T L

Shift kit - YES, ABSOLUTELY.....I took a community college transmission class about thirty years ago, and I learned some other details about shift kits that haven't been mentioned yet. The reason stock shifts seem so smooth is that stock transmission programming shifts to the next gear BEFORE disengaging the lower gear, causing a bind. Shift kits eliminate this bind, giving a crisp, clear shift. It also allows the trans to be downshifted positively from any speed. Usually they have you drill bigger holes thru the seperator plate to increase flow in strategic places, and you replace certain springs and valves. The B&M transpack 3-in-1 kit is the one to get. It has complete step-by-step instructions with pictures. The t-400 kit I recently bought came without a filter (WTF!) so I would suggest that you also get a filter and a deep aftermarket pan with a drain plug. While you're in the mood, change the modulator and hoses and check your TV linkage for correct adjustment, as this controls pressure and downshifts. Transcooler installation is also a good idea!

I wouldn't own a hot rod that didn't have a shift kit. I like 'em. It's all a matter of preference.

Thanks guys I'm going to get the B&M 3 n 1 shift kit tomarrow.

I had a 'bad' '73 Monte Carlo (4200 Lb car) with a built 350/350 combo. Put a shift kit in the TH350 and never had a problem.

I was 17 and broke the joints in the drive shaft, broke the differential gears (on separate occasions), and the transmission just hung in there. Gettin' rubber changing from 1st to 2nd was cool also .............

Shift Kit!

Good Luck, Kitz

Shift kit in a daily driver? No thanks.
Shift kit in a dual-purpose street/strip car? Probably (mild kit)
Shift kit in a drag car? Definitely.

Originally posted by kitz
Put a shift kit in the TH350 and never had a problem.

I was 17 and broke the joints in the drive shaft, broke the differential gears (on separate occasions)

Shift Kit!

Good Luck, Kitz