Shift Kit & Gears info...

[KiloVictor]

I have a pretty much stock 98 Z28 and am looking to purchase a shift kit and some rear end gears, maybe 373's? Am looking for any advice I can get. (what to look for, brands, 373, 390? anything)

I just want harder shifts and more power to the ground faster. Don't care about losing a little top end. I saw a thread on just turning a screw under the tranny plate by some solenoid but am not sure if that is safe over time because of some reactions I've seen.

Thanks!

[Y2KPewterSS]

As far as shift kits go, Transgo is a great shift kit. I wouldn't go any bigger than 3:73s on an auto tranny either.

[KiloVictor]

Right on. I just found out I have a 7.5" 2.73 in it right now.

As for the shift kit - I'm looking at the transgo hd2 - kinda confused though... do I need to get a package with a programmer included? DOes that hook to the computer and reprogram or something?

Thanks.

[KiloVictor]

OK, so from what I've figured out so far I'm getting a PSK 4L60E HD-2 shift kit from transgo.. My brother says I can install it myself no problem but should I look for the kit including the video to help out? I've read stuff about people having slipping gears especially overdrive after installing one of these, any advice?

[adam0321]

I have a hurst shifter and 373's i love the combo but i didnt install any of it myself so I can help you there but it seems to be a good combo

[KiloVictor]

Cool. what is the hurst shifter? You have an a4 that you shift automatically? I've got the a4.

[adam0321]

no i have a m6 I will get the model number for you sometime for the hurst. I got the idea from a hpp)high performance pontiac) magazine when they were showing a special edition hurst model. so I bought the same one that they offered. it is a bit shorter and has smoother and shorter throws. but I honestly dont notice a big difference in the way the car actualy shifts.

[KiloVictor]

Gotcha. Cool, thanks for the feedback... looks like you have some other mods as well eh? I'm just getting into this and bought some sub frame connectors from granatelli. got the lid installed and k&n filter and air box free mod. looking for 3.73 gears and transgo shift kit now. Then thinking about catback exhaust and ls6 or lsx intake. Any thoughts?

[adam0321]

stay away from the maf they are a gimick I bought the slp and didnt gain a thing. hear is what I have
slp flo pac kit
smooth bellows.
slp maf
80mm throttle body
ls6 intake(with egr)
slp headers
flowmasters
the gears(373)
and I have a pair of edelbrock heads(best modd)
I bought the diablo programmer but wound up having the guy who did all the work proghram the car for me. I learned to let the mechanics do the work I will stick to my job. my only regret is not putting a cam in it while he had the engine out and the heads off I would have saved alot of money. I have also upgraded the valve springs and rods. I am now looking inot a transmission cooler and mabe a trans upgrade. o and learn how to drive it a bit better

[0rion]

I would have to check to make sure I'm right but I think 2.73 rears have a series 2 carrier so you'll have to keep that in mind when buying your gears.
My bud has 3.90's in his vette and I thought about getting 3.90's instead of 3.73's but with heads/cam his tires go up in smoke anywhere below 35 mph. Launching that car without toasting the tires is an artform.

[adam0321]

thats my biggest problem is getting traction. i feather it off the line but even at aabout 30mph if I puch it i loose traction and that is with the tcs on. and nothing attracts the cops like burning tires or loosing traction, and you cant burnout at a red light just because you are getting ready to send a 16 year old vin diesel wanna be back home wondering wat the hell happened to hi 10 second ricer.

[KiloVictor]

Hmmmm, good point on that series 2 carrier or whatever, I need to check into that. I'm totally new at this, but pretty stoked to speed up the Z. Got some subframe connectors my buddy is going to weld in soon...

[LETHALxLS1]

Hmmmm, good point on that series 2 carrier or whatever, I need to check into that. I'm totally new at this, but pretty stoked to speed up the Z. Got some subframe connectors my buddy is going to weld in soon...

I know one thing .... you are in the right place- these guys know everything about these cars and saved me a few times. I have a 98 z28 and couldnt find a locking gas cap on this planet that worked. After buying 4 gas caps a guy on here told me to take the cap from a 99 and file the fins off. It worked like a charm. It seems in 98 they changed the gas cap ever so slightly.LOL
This site kicks ass!!!!!!

[KiloVictor]

right on, that's the impression I've gotten as well, that this is the place for good, been-tried information. Now I'm trying to figure out if my a4 has a series 2 or whatever connector for the rear gears, I'm thinking of putting 3.73's in it, supposedly it FEELS like you're adding 50 rwhp.... and then put a shift kit in, so I'll be researching that for a few months while I find good deals on parts. Thanks for the info!

[Hawk241]

Yes you do have a series 2 carrier. You will need a series 3 to run 3.73's. That is if you stay GM of course.

[KiloVictor]

Hmmm..... Should I go with another brand besides GM then? Any thoughts on where to get these parts the cheapest? I was looking at used stuff but my buddy helping me with this asked a couple shops and they'll only install new parts...