gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Oh, I didn't mean a different valve body, but different locations for the check balls and retainers. Our valve bodies are the same but the check balls were not, that's what threw me for a loop!
Transgo 340-hd2 install and reveiw
- Thread starter Black798
- Start date
Oh, I didn't mean a different valve body, but different locations for the check balls and retainers. Our valve bodies are the same but the check balls were not, that's what threw me for a loop!
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Ok, had it on for a few days now and I'm learning how to drive with it both with ECT on and off (hopefully this helps for those who don't have ECT Power). For reference, this was done on a supercharged engine running at 10 PSI max, 50% higher than a stock supercharger with fuel mods.
Normal driving around town and in traffic, etc there's little change which is a good thing. Shifts are quiet and smooth, no noticeable difference for the average driver. The 2-3 shift is a bit quicker but it feels the same. ECT on makes it hold the RPM's a bit higher than usual, close to 3k RPM but nothing crazy since it did that before.
At about 1/2 or more throttle is when you notice the change. The shift is very quick and there's a little "jolt" snapping into the next gear. Acceleration is a bit of a jump but once again nothing crazy. The difference here is that with the ECT Power off (or for those that don't have it) the transmission shifts at higher RPM's and doesn't bog down at low RPM's. Those without a supercharger won't know quite what I'm talking about here but that's ok. Basically it acts as if you had ECT power on, without it on. And with it on, it revs about 3k RPM before shifting, allowing you to use more of the power band.
WOT runs - This is where it is noticed the most. I used the "truck" settings not the "hot rod" because I didn't want it to shift funny at normal driving speeds for my wife. She drives pretty conservative anyway. At wide-open-throttle, this kit shifts VERY fast. My 1-2 shift didn't change a ton, but it no longer jumps around searching for a gear like it did before with not ECT Power on. I basically always kept ECT on, since without it the gears would not downshift and it would bog down at sub-3k RPM's and not respond well. Now it act like it should. Once again, not sure if those without a supercharger will know what I mean by this but those that do will understand. This also helps eliminate the "low RPM ping" that many complain about since it won't stay at low RPM's with any substantial boost. With ECT Power on at WOT - I have yet to try this more. The few times I did it responded nicely and rev'd very high and used all of the power band, which it USUALLY did before but once again, the stock transmission acts funny sometimes and once in a while it would upshift then immediately downshift again, which basically robbed power and make for a very jerky ride. It has yet to do this and shifts fast (read: it jerks because it shifts so fast!). I don't have any times to share comparisons though and a video does not do the kit any justice since it is felt by the driver, not observed.
My conclusion - This kit does not magically "unlock tons of HP" or something like that. What it does is shorten shift times and gets rid of lazy shifts especially going from 2-3 but also 1-2, and helps hold a gear higher under more normal/aggressive driving. Of course, if you are on a track quicker shifts equals faster times but that's not what I was after.
Contrary to what you'll read online about Gadget's thoughts on a valve body upgrade being necessary (some of you will recognize his site here:Transmission Modifications) the stock transmission works fine. As long as you have an external cooler on it or change the fluid regularly there's no issues. Performance wise it acts funny, especially once you go beyond just a stock supercharger since it'll search for gears sometimes but nothing that threatens the integrity of the transmission. Those with ECT Power will notice it cleans it up a bit, but not entirely. This kit makes it work in sync with the extra power nicely. However, being that we have only a 4 speed transmission and in WOT situations you're only using 3 gears, this only is affecting two shifts. That's why it's not a huge game-changer. If we had a 5-speed or 6-speed, this would be a whole different story!
This is not for the average DIY'er, which I consider myself to be. Without the help here on the forums I would not have been able to successfully complete the job and I almost took on more than I could handle. Do this upgrade at your own risk and have a contingency plan if your transmission doesn't work right after the install.
Normal driving around town and in traffic, etc there's little change which is a good thing. Shifts are quiet and smooth, no noticeable difference for the average driver. The 2-3 shift is a bit quicker but it feels the same. ECT on makes it hold the RPM's a bit higher than usual, close to 3k RPM but nothing crazy since it did that before.
At about 1/2 or more throttle is when you notice the change. The shift is very quick and there's a little "jolt" snapping into the next gear. Acceleration is a bit of a jump but once again nothing crazy. The difference here is that with the ECT Power off (or for those that don't have it) the transmission shifts at higher RPM's and doesn't bog down at low RPM's. Those without a supercharger won't know quite what I'm talking about here but that's ok. Basically it acts as if you had ECT power on, without it on. And with it on, it revs about 3k RPM before shifting, allowing you to use more of the power band.
WOT runs - This is where it is noticed the most. I used the "truck" settings not the "hot rod" because I didn't want it to shift funny at normal driving speeds for my wife. She drives pretty conservative anyway. At wide-open-throttle, this kit shifts VERY fast. My 1-2 shift didn't change a ton, but it no longer jumps around searching for a gear like it did before with not ECT Power on. I basically always kept ECT on, since without it the gears would not downshift and it would bog down at sub-3k RPM's and not respond well. Now it act like it should. Once again, not sure if those without a supercharger will know what I mean by this but those that do will understand. This also helps eliminate the "low RPM ping" that many complain about since it won't stay at low RPM's with any substantial boost. With ECT Power on at WOT - I have yet to try this more. The few times I did it responded nicely and rev'd very high and used all of the power band, which it USUALLY did before but once again, the stock transmission acts funny sometimes and once in a while it would upshift then immediately downshift again, which basically robbed power and make for a very jerky ride. It has yet to do this and shifts fast (read: it jerks because it shifts so fast!). I don't have any times to share comparisons though and a video does not do the kit any justice since it is felt by the driver, not observed.
My conclusion - This kit does not magically "unlock tons of HP" or something like that. What it does is shorten shift times and gets rid of lazy shifts especially going from 2-3 but also 1-2, and helps hold a gear higher under more normal/aggressive driving. Of course, if you are on a track quicker shifts equals faster times but that's not what I was after.
Contrary to what you'll read online about Gadget's thoughts on a valve body upgrade being necessary (some of you will recognize his site here:Transmission Modifications) the stock transmission works fine. As long as you have an external cooler on it or change the fluid regularly there's no issues. Performance wise it acts funny, especially once you go beyond just a stock supercharger since it'll search for gears sometimes but nothing that threatens the integrity of the transmission. Those with ECT Power will notice it cleans it up a bit, but not entirely. This kit makes it work in sync with the extra power nicely. However, being that we have only a 4 speed transmission and in WOT situations you're only using 3 gears, this only is affecting two shifts. That's why it's not a huge game-changer. If we had a 5-speed or 6-speed, this would be a whole different story!
This is not for the average DIY'er, which I consider myself to be. Without the help here on the forums I would not have been able to successfully complete the job and I almost took on more than I could handle. Do this upgrade at your own risk and have a contingency plan if your transmission doesn't work right after the install.
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T4R2014
Elite Member
So this is essentially what a transmission shop would do? I was always skeptical of that site. It has some good information, but it sounds mostly like a sales pitch for a few select companies that he cut a deal with. Toyota installed and warrantied these superchargers without the supposedly necessary fuel and transmission mods on that site. It seems more like Gadget wanted more power but also found a way to convince people that the stock set-up was a disaster waiting to happen to make a business out of it.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Yes, same as what IPT or Level 10 or the other popular performance transmission shops will do. I wouldn't be shocked if they install the same kit.
I wouldn't go as far as to say his website was a sales pitch, his tinkering with the 3rd Gens was a precursor to the creation of URD. But many of the products he tried and installed he did end up selling.
Renegade_Medic
New member
I guess each transmission runs different, or at least mine does. It shifts pretty firm as it is. Of course, I have no idea if it is stock or not.
I have used Trans-go on my F-250 and it made a world of difference. It took nearly 2 seconds off my 0-60 in the truck. I really liked the directions from Trans-go and that they stand by their products. I'll keep this in mind if I desire more from my transmission.
I have used Trans-go on my F-250 and it made a world of difference. It took nearly 2 seconds off my 0-60 in the truck. I really liked the directions from Trans-go and that they stand by their products. I'll keep this in mind if I desire more from my transmission.
Black798
New member
I can definitely attest to their customer service. I called them a few times when I did mine and they were nothing but excellent. I still feel like the directions for this kit itself are a little lacking but if you take your time they will suffice.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Stumbled across this and thought I'd update.
I have about 5k miles on the kit and still shifts great. First shift is very solid, sometimes just jerk a little because it shifts so fast. I think I will replace my transmission mount to limit the movement.
I still think it was worth it, but not easy by any means.
I have about 5k miles on the kit and still shifts great. First shift is very solid, sometimes just jerk a little because it shifts so fast. I think I will replace my transmission mount to limit the movement.
I still think it was worth it, but not easy by any means.
tx_shooter
New member
Almost a year after I started thinking about it; I finally installed the Transgo kit. I knocked it out in a day and wish I had paid someone to do it sooner. I do like the firm truck shifts so far. I think this will nicely compliment the supercharger.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Same here! Love it.
El_capitan
New member
Sorry to bring this back from the dead but I wanted to thank you for doing this write-up, it was very helpful when I installed the reprogramming kit in my 98. I do have a bit of extra info though regarding the boost valve in the lower half of the valve body. After I installed my kit I was amazed at the difference it made. But I noticed that at times the transmission seemed to shift hard sometimes and stock-ish other times. Also the first to second gear change was very inconsistent, hard soft, really hard, normal ECT. I made a call to transgo, and was informed that it was because of inconsistent line pressure caused by an internally leaking boost valve. Unfortunately I had to take it all apart again and replace said valve. The boost valve regulates the line pressure for the whole unit. It is an aluminum sleeve with a steel piston so over time it will wear. Although my 4r has relatively low miles around 180k mine was worn. I finally had a chance to get it changed out and it made a huge difference. Now like the valve bodies there are several variations in design. Two different versions for the type 1 alone. So use your Vin to get the correct one from your dealer. Sonnax makes an upgraded unit but you will have to disassemble yours measure the piston size and order the appropriate kit. I guess what I'm getting at here is if your planning on installing this kit spend a few extra bucks and replace the boost valve.
Part numbers for my particular type 1 VB
Link to Sonnax
https://www.sonnax.com/parts/2745-boost-valve-kit
Thanks again for this write-up. I hope this information helps too.
Part numbers for my particular type 1 VB
Link to Sonnax
https://www.sonnax.com/parts/2745-boost-valve-kit
Thanks again for this write-up. I hope this information helps too.
Attachments
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El_capitan
New member
Mine at time was all over the place at times, now it's super consistent. I have the same VB that you have. Those p/n should work for you. I can run out and measure the old piston is you'd like to try the Sonnax billet boost valve. Thanks again for your write-up. I'm glad I upgraded my transmission.
Black798
New member
That would be awesome if you could grab those measurements. I would like to look into doing this soon
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Bringing this back to life.
I needed to change my transmission fluid and decided to go all out and put in Royal Purple MAX ATF. It made a HUGE difference on how smooth it shifts! Now I have quick shifts after installing the kit but with no "jerk" as it switches gears. It also shifts in between gears and downshifts much smoother as well! I highly recommend switching to a performance ATF if you do this kit.
I needed to change my transmission fluid and decided to go all out and put in Royal Purple MAX ATF. It made a HUGE difference on how smooth it shifts! Now I have quick shifts after installing the kit but with no "jerk" as it switches gears. It also shifts in between gears and downshifts much smoother as well! I highly recommend switching to a performance ATF if you do this kit.
El_capitan
New member
I may have to do that next fluid change. I've just been using a dexIII. Typically whatever is cheap from my company's supplier. Thanks for the heads up.
96RedRunner
Senior Member
Trying to find out what Valve Body Type I have before dropping pan.
Called dealer ran VIN, shows I have VB 35410-35620
Boost Valve: Plunger 35416-24020, Sleeve 35417-22020
Dealer could not tell me what type VB I have, anyone know where I can
cross reference the part number to type.
Mr Smith Transgo Tech support was at a loss also.
Going to call around today keep digging.
01 Limited 5VZ 4x4
Called dealer ran VIN, shows I have VB 35410-35620
Boost Valve: Plunger 35416-24020, Sleeve 35417-22020
Dealer could not tell me what type VB I have, anyone know where I can
cross reference the part number to type.
Mr Smith Transgo Tech support was at a loss also.
Going to call around today keep digging.
01 Limited 5VZ 4x4
El_capitan
New member
Do you have a cable operated kickdown?
96RedRunner
Senior Member
No, drive by wire ECTS-I
El_capitan
New member
Let me check my instructions tonight maybe we can narrow it down
