Improve Shift, Extend Trans Life

[dmbturbo69]

What is the best way to firm up the shifts and extend trans life.

Just got a 97 w/203,500miles runs awesome, new ford trans about 60k ago.
Pics will come as soon as I can get her washed, just snowed out here and shes covered in crap.

thanks for the help.

 

[Wess]

Are the cams welded? Doug Lewis at FPS can do it with his tuning. Otherwise you could get a Trans-Go shift kit. Search the forums and you'll find a wealth of information on this.

 

[hoboprodigy-]

Tuner.

 

[nik97]

I recommend Doug's Xcal program from FPS for firm shifts. As far as longevity goes, there are an assortment of universal aux trans coolers available thu vendors like Summit Racing Enjoy!

 

[godspunk32]

The aux trans cooler should be the first thing you do to this car, followed very closely by cam welds, if it hasn't been done.

A stacked plate design for the cooler will be better than the fin and tube type, but both will work.

JR

 

[MilTownSHO]

Trans-GO Shift Kit and tranmission cooler, had it on my 97 and loved it.

Night and day difference in shifting over my moms stock 98.

 

[avocadoman1]

i've got the trans-go valve body, cooler, and XCal1 tuner.
the trans-go kit was installed when i did a tranny rebuild.
the mechanic used the stock springs so that it shifts just slightly firmer than an original SHO tranny.
with the added XCal1, i now get the ultra firm shifts, but can return it to stock if desired.

 

[dmbturbo69]

I am told the previous owner was a ford tech and yanked the cams and had them pinned, it looks like it has a slight leak from front valve cover so I am going to yank the intake, clean it out, take care of gasket and verify pins and make sure they are in good shape.

Any advice?
97 SHO
203,500miles runs great

 

[SHOZ123]

I would definately pull the front valve cover to see what's up. And if they are pinned then I would think about getting it welded.

 

[godspunk32]

I agree with Paul...I definitely think that it's good to get it welded. From what I've read, the jury is still out on cam pinning, so I wouldn't trust my cams to only that. If you need to take the valve covers off anyway, have a qualified person weld the cams. You'll be doubly protected in this case.

JR

 

[SHOWHAT9]

I would definately pull the front valve cover to see what's up. And if they are pinned then I would think about getting it welded.

Pinned Failure
I can't immediately find the other, but IIRC we had reports of two confirmed pinned failures.
I would seriously consider Pauls advice as being sound.

 

[dmbturbo69]

is there a website for FPS I need the xcal

 

[Ian Macoomb]

http://fordspecialists.com/

 

[avocadoman1]

Here's the main website for the XCal...
SCT

Here's a reseller w/ the best price I've seen...
SCT Reseller

Finally, Chris from FPS (website listed by Ian above) sells it for a slightly higher price, but will properly program it for you and provide excellent support whenever needed.

 

[Ian Macoomb]

Chris? I think you mean Doug.

I wouldn't buy a tuner from a shop that doesn't own a SHO. Spend the extra money on Doug's programming.

 

[avocadoman1]

I mean Doug...