'03 Silverado 5.3 auto ext cab shrt. bed 30k miles bone stock. I want to firm up the shifts and I'd really like to get your input on which way to go with it. I know about the trans go kit and the vette servo etc. mod. From what I 've read on this site I'm sure this would do the trick. The other option I'm considering is the electronic route. How effective are the programers (hypertech, superchips,private programers) at firming up the shifts and changing the shift points? Pressing the tow haul button really firms it up nicely so I assume I should be able to make it perform the way I want by re- programming rather than shift kit etc. So, should I go with the Trans go shift kit or just re program with hypertech/ Superchips? P.S. 8 or 10 times a year I tow a 20 ft enclosed trailer and 2300 lb. car about 60 miles. Any and all input appreciated. Thanks.

 

The shift kit is the only way to go in my opinion. The programmers jack up the line pressures and with out better valving and springs to hold that pressure to your clutches the trans will not live long. The shift kit on the other hand will extend trans life.

Nate

 

When I got my custom tune, i told jesse at wait4me to firm up the shifts and it is alot better than it used to be. If you want to program your truck you should stay away from handhelds and get a custom tune from either wait4me or Nelson. You will end up with about twice the power with one of their tunes than you would with a hand held programmer.

 

If I install the shift kit will it still be necessary to have the shifting re-programmed through the computor?

 

At around 15K on my truck I installed a TransGo HD2 Shift Kit, TransGo HD Seperator plate, Corvette Servo, Billet O/D Servo, Aluminum Forward Clutch Piston and Aluminum Accumulator piston. I drilled all the holes the same size in the seperator plate. (0.093" I believe) and added (1) washer to the accumulator and my shifts were very good compared to stock. The 1-2 was nice a firm but it did not hurt my neck and all the other shifts were nice and "clean". I then added a Wait4Me tune as my next mod and I asked him to remove 100% Torque Management but I am uncertain if it was all removed. After the tune my shifts became quicker but not anymore harsh. I asked him not to change the line pressures at all electronically since I had done that mechanically with the shift kit and other transmission mods. I personally think my setup will allow the removal of all TM without worrying about transmission failure. I now have more bolt ons and Yank TT2600 and my truck still shifts beautiful each and everytime and will chirp 1-2 on command. If you want a softer shift you can just do exactly what I did to mine but not install any washers in the accumulator. Let me know if you need anymore info.

 

I added the servo set from Eli on Ebay and mine are nice and tight now. I actually put the line pressure settings back to stock since it was chirping the tires on the 1-2. Now it's quick and comfortable.

The Trans-go HD is the way to go for all out solid shifts, but I didn't want hard solid shifts for a daily driver.