Does a Shift Kit Make Your Shifts Harder?

AvatarByCarl Frisch

A shift kit is an aftermarket upgrade for an automatic transmission. It is designed to improve the performance and durability of the transmission by replacing stock parts with specially designed components. With a shift kit installed, shifts can be made more quickly and crisply, and the transmission can better handle increased horsepower and torque. The downside of this increased performance is that shifts may become harder than before, requiring more effort on the driver’s part. Ultimately, whether or not a shift kit shifts hard depends on the type of kit used, the vehicle it is installed in, and how it is tuned.

Does a Shift Kit Make Hard Shifting?

What is a Shift Kit?

A shift kit is a collection of aftermarket components designed to improve the performance and durability of an automatic transmission. The components in a shift kit are designed to increase line pressure, improve the shifting speed, reduce slippage, and generally make for smoother gear changes. They can also help to reduce wear and tear on the transmission system, making it last longer and helping it to run more efficiently. Generally, shift kits are intended for vehicles that have already been driven for some time and are starting to experience problems with their transmission.

Components of A Shift Kit

Shift kits usually consist of several different parts which work together to improve the performance of a transmission. These components include: valve body modifications, upgraded or replaced internal parts (such as gaskets, seals, clutches, bands), and adjustments made to the vacuum modulator and kickdown cables. Some kits may also include additional parts such as torque converters or modified shifter arms.

Benefits Of Installing A Shift Kit

Installing a shift kit can provide several benefits including improved performance and increased durability. With proper installation and regular maintenance, these benefits can be realized without significant cost increases. Improved performance includes faster shifting speeds and smoother gear changes, as well as reduced slippage which helps make for better acceleration. Increased durability comes from reducing wear on internal transmission components which helps extend the life of the vehicle’s transmission system.

How Does A Shift Kit Work?

A shift kit works by modifying the valve body in order to increase line pressure within the transmission system. This increased pressure leads to faster shifts which in turn makes for improved performance and increased durability. Additionally, shift kits may include other modifications such as replacing or upgrading internal parts or adjusting the vacuum modulator and kickdown cables in order to further improve performance or address specific issues with an individual vehicle’s transmission system.

Understanding Hard Shifting With A Shift Kit

Hard shifting can occur with a shift kit due to several reasons including improper installation or adjustment of components within the kit itself, worn out internal parts within the transmission system that have not been replaced when installing the kit, or misalignment between components within the transmission system itself. In order to avoid hard shifting when using a shift kit it is important that all parts be properly installed according to manufacturer instructions and adjusted accordingly if needed. Additionally all worn out internal parts should be replaced prior to installation in order to ensure optimum performance from your vehicle’s transmission system once complete.

Do I Need A Professional To Install A Shift Kit?

Hiring a professional mechanic may be beneficial when installing a shift kit due both their experience working on vehicles as well as access they may have access special tools needed for installation such as torque wrenches or lift jacks which may not be available otherwise. Additionally having someone familiar with your particular model of vehicle can help ensure that all necessary adjustments are made correctly so that you can get maximum benefit from your new shift kit without having any unexpected consequences down the road such as hard shifting or other issues related directly or indirectly with its installation or use thereof down the road.

What Should I Look For In A Professional Mechanic?

When it comes to automotive repair, it is important to find a professional mechanic with the experience and qualifications necessary to provide quality service. When looking for a mechanic, you should consider their experience and reputation, as well as their certifications and qualifications. It is also important to check the tools and equipment they use, as well as the type of parts they use for repairs.

What Maintenance Is Required After Installing A Shift Kit?

After installing a shift kit in your vehicle, it is important to follow regular maintenance protocols. This includes checking fluid levels regularly and inspecting the automatic transmission filter and pan gasket. Additionally, you should also monitor your ATF fluid levels and refill as necessary.

Common Issues With Unprofessional Installation of A Shift Kit

When installing a shift kit improperly or with unprofessional workmanship, there are several potential issues that could arise. These include poorly fitted parts, incorrect torque settings, and incorrect alignment of components. This can lead to premature wear and tear on the shift kit components or even cause damage to other parts of the vehicle’s transmission system.

Tips for Proper Installation of A Shift Kit

To ensure proper installation of a shift kit, there are several tips you should follow. Diagnosing your vehicle beforehand can help identify any existing issues or problems that could be aggravated by installing the shift kit. Additionally, following manufacturer instructions carefully will ensure that all components are installed correctly according to specifications. Finally, using name brand high quality parts will ensure that you get the best performance out of your shift kit installation.

Alternatives To Installing A Shift Kit

If you do not want to install a full shift kit in your vehicle, there are several alternatives available. These include replacing transmission components with aftermarket parts or replacing the entire transmission system with an updated model from a reputed manufacturer like GM or Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP). Both these options can provide better performance than stock transmissions but may require more financial investment than just installing a shift kit alone.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is a Shift Kit?
A: A shift kit is a set of components used to modify the automatic transmission in a car. It includes various parts such as valve body, internal parts, vacuum modulator, and kickdown cables. The shift kit modifies the transmission by changing the points at which it shifts gears. This can improve performance, increase durability, and help save on maintenance costs.

Q: What are the Benefits of Installing a Shift Kit?
A: The main benefits of installing a shift kit include improved performance, increased durability, and cost savings. Improved performance means that the car accelerates faster and shifts gears more efficiently. Increased durability can lead to fewer repairs and less wear on the transmission over time. Lastly, installing a shift kit can save you money on maintenance costs since it reduces the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Q: How Does a Shift Kit Work?
A: A shift kit works by modifying the valve body in the automatic transmission. This involves replacing or upgrading internal parts such as solenoids and springs in order to change how quickly or slowly it shifts gears. In addition to this, adjusting the vacuum modulator and kickdown cables can also affect shifting points within the transmission.

Q: Do I Need A Professional to Install A Shift Kit?
A: It is recommended that you hire a professional mechanic when installing a shift kit in order to ensure that it is done correctly. Professional mechanics will have experience with these types of installations as well as access to specialized tools that are required for proper installation. Additionally, they should have certifications and qualifications that demonstrate their knowledge of automotive repairs.

Q: What Maintenance Is Required After Installing A Shift Kit?
A: After installing a shift kit it is important to do regular maintenance checks in order to ensure proper performance and longevity of your vehicle’s transmission system. This includes checking fluid levels regularly, inspecting the automatic transmission filter and pan gasket for any signs of wear or damage, and refilling ATF fluid if necessary. Additionally, it may be necessary to replace certain parts over time if they become worn out or damaged due to age or usage

In conclusion, a shift kit can definitely provide firmer, harder shifts but it also depends on the type of kit and the type of vehicle. If a vehicle is already equipped with a performance transmission and shift kit, then the shift will be harder than normal. However, if the vehicle does not have a performance transmission or shift kit installed, then installing one can result in firmer and harder shifts. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference when deciding whether or not to install a shift kit.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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