running turbo

I think the RWD tranny probably can, but I'm not sure about the AWD one.

Which vb upgrade do most people go for? Can it be done on the awd trans and be done at your local tranny shop?
 
Some competent local tranny shops could do it. A few around here offer upgraded transmissions. You can just get the Transgo kit, I think it's like $295 and any decent transmission shop could do it. It's something that an experienced DIY'er could do although it's not fun.
 
shadow191 said:
Some competent local tranny shops could do it. A few around here offer upgraded transmissions. You can just get the Transgo kit, I think it's like $295 and any decent transmission shop could do it. It's something that an experienced DIY'er could do although it's not fun.
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There's a difference between a Valve Body upgrade and a shift kit. Valve body upgrade such as the Stillen replaces the transmission electronics as well. The shift kit does not. I did the Transgo shift kit when I had all my other transmission mods done and would recommend the Transgo to anybody. It's a great feeling mod. I've always liked the way the FX feels, so I purposefully went this route to KEEP the OEM transmission electronics. Here's my entire thread on transmission mods.

///6180

But as long as you are dropping the transmission to do this work, you might as well upgrade the internals (I did the Level 10 kit) and Torque Converter for Forced Induction. Again, I had the OEM TC modified to keep more of the FX feel, instead of replacing the TC with something more aggressive.
 
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When doing the tranny, TC and or VB mods its always better to send in your oem part instead of going the core exchange route as it will ensure optimum compatibility.
 
Do you need to drop the entire transmission on the FX to install a VB kit? I thought all you had to do was drop the tranny pan and the VB was right there? At least that's based on the pics I've seen from the Z guys and my experience with a Maxima. Isn't the Level10 upgrade like $4K?

For mild forced induction applications, I'd think the shift kit would be enough. On my old Maxima, I ran 350+whp through the auto with just a VB mod, custom LSD and big tranny cooler. The car put down 155whp stock. It ran that way for a long time and the current owner of the car hasn't had to replace the tranny yet. I wanted to see how long it would hold the power before letting go and apparently its still holding. This included over 40 1/4 mi. passes.

Heat is what usually kills an auto, so the VB mod helps a ton in that it prevents the slipping between shifts which is what causes so much heat. I almost got the Level10 transmission for my car, but the problem was that no one could prove their transmission actually used upgraded parts. They claimed it used upgraded clutch bands or whatnot, but their supplier had no such part listed for the application and someone who got their tranny actually had it fail and when they disassembled it, stock parts were used. Of course this was years ago for a low volume application, so it probably doesn't apply here where they sell a ton of these to the Z/G guys.

What is the stall speed on your torque converter? Has it affected your drivability at all?

jumbosrule said:
There's a difference between a Valve Body upgrade and a shift kit. Valve body upgrade such as the Stillen replaces the transmission electronics as well. The shift kit does not. I did the Transgo shift kit when I had all my other transmission mods done and would recommend the Transgo to anybody. It's a great feeling mod. I've always liked the way the FX feels, so I purposefully went this route to KEEP the OEM transmission electronics. Here's my entire thread on transmission mods.

///6180

But as long as you are dropping the transmission to do this work, you might as well upgrade the internals (I did the Level 10 kit) and Torque Converter for Forced Induction. Again, I had the OEM TC modified to keep more of the FX feel, instead of replacing the TC with something more aggressive.
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shadow191 said:
Do you need to drop the entire transmission on the FX to install a VB kit? I thought all you had to do was drop the tranny pan and the VB was right there?

Isn't the Level10 upgrade like $4K?

For mild forced induction applications, I'd think the shift kit would be enough.

Heat is what usually kills an auto, so the VB mod helps a ton in that it prevents the slipping between shifts which is what causes so much heat.

What is the stall speed on your torque converter? Has it affected your drivability at all?
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I didn't do the mods myself, so here's what I know: They did drop the transmission - but I was doing more than just the shift kit, so not sure if they would need to drop for just a shift kit. From talking to the Infiniti dealership, I think you are right about the VB access.

The level 10 internal upgrade was $850 and as far as I can tell it was clutches & seals only. I asked to keep all parts that came out (and still have everything) so I could see what was being replaced.

I agree for mild FI (5-10 psi boost) that the shift kit or Valve Body upgrade, plus a cooler would probably be all you need. Most Stillen S/C guys do the VB upgrade and cooling, and that's it.

I know very little about Torque Converter modifications because a lot of shops that do custom mods have "trade secrets" they are not willing to talk about. Before I agreed to do the TC mod ($450) it was explained that daily driving at NA shouldn't be changed at all. Once I go FI, the TC mod will become apparent. It's hard for me to explain the change in feel because I had all the mods done at the same time. I'd say the drive-ability was only improved. There are no negative effects, only positive.
 
$15k is a pretty good estimate for the twin turbo upgrade.
I added the valve body, oil cooler, tranny cooler, new radiator.

I have 50,000 miles on the turbo'ed engine and 112,000 miles total. It does not run as quickly as when I first did the mod.

Due to a bad install by SGP in Houston, I have replaced the turbos. That hurt.
 
Ausfx said:
$15k is a pretty good estimate for the twin turbo upgrade.
I added the valve body, oil cooler, tranny cooler, new radiator.

I have 50,000 miles on the turbo'ed engine and 112,000 miles total. It does not run as quickly as when I first did the mod.

Due to a bad install by SGP in Houston, I have replaced the turbos. That hurt.
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Glad to hear it's still running strong! I see you have posted 398whp. Which turbo kit did you purchase? Any custom piping done?

SGP is now GONE. They went under after the flooding last year.

Are there any Austin shops you now use for maintenance and tuning?
 
Yes feel relieved that SGP is now gone. Mark Gust will be doing ALOT of prison time very soon. He screwed not only me but countless others. I did get the last laugh though ;)
 
jumbosrule said:
Glad to hear it's still running strong! I see you have posted 398whp. Which turbo kit did you purchase? Any custom piping done?

SGP is now GONE. They went under after the flooding last year.

Are there any Austin shops you now use for maintenance and tuning?
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I'm running the Jim Wolfe Twin Turbos.
I used Uprev to replace the turbos since SGP did not properly insulate things. Uprev seems like good people. Plus I don't have to go to Houston.

I am probably going to use them to replace my fuel injectors which supposedly should have been done in the first place.

---------- Post added at 05:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:56 PM ----------

Chinke82, what did SGP do/not do to you?

After my install I wish I had heard some of the many horror stories. I got off easy it seems.
 
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