Drop Resistor VS. Valve Body Mod

Hi all, I'm kinda new to the "Drop Resistor" and "Valve Body" mods..

I just tried out the "Drop Resistor" mod, i.e. unplug the resistor near the air flow meter so that the tranny shifts (AUTO) harder, but would like to know if anyone has actually measured the performance benefit (e.g. Quarter mile time difference).

Also, how does this "drop resistor" mod compare to the "valve body" mody that supposedly makes the tranny shift harder?

Which is better?

From my brief testing (N.B. It's double demerit points for traffic offenses here in Perth, Australia, for the christmas - new year period, so I can't do any time trials), I don't think the "drop resister" mod actually gains a lot of performance. For starters, I still can't chirp my wheels on the first to second change (N.B. AUTO tranny). However, I do run 235/40/18 all around..

Nevertheless, the "drop resistor" mod definitely causes the tranny to shift much harder.

Anyway, just wanted to get some feedback.

P.S. Is it prudent that I install a tranny cooler if I do use the "drop resistor" mod for the drag strip?

Thanks!

Clement
(A32 Nissan Cefiro)

 

The drop resistor will shift harder than any valve body modification because it shifts at FULL line pressure.

Definately install a tranny cooler.

The more power you run the longer it takes the transmission to shift, I am afraid to run mine at WOT with nitrous without the drop resistor because the shifts are terribly long.

I guess the VB mod is ok for everyday driving if you want quicker shifts at part throttle but the DR mod combined with a WOT switch is the only way to go inmho.

 

I've had the drop resistor mod for a while now. I operate it by switch as to not kill the tranny since i don't have a tranny cooler.

Most of my times see about a .100 - .300 improvement in performance but that's running high performance tires. Where I'd normally chirp with cheapo tires I get a nice grip instead.

Jime, your preference of DR+WOT switch vs. VB Mod is in relation to normal driving or track driving?

 

Both really, I think its easier on the trans with the DR at WOT than without.

 

so to do the drop resistor mod i simply have to disconect the cables by the air filter and its done. the process is reversible im assuming

 

will the valve body mod greatly affect performance???????

 

Daze, yes that's about it. It is reversible as all you have to do is put the wires back together. If I were you, I'd cut like 5" away from the resistor that way you have enough slack to attach one wire to that end, and another wire to the other end, then run those wires to your interior and attach a switch.

When there's a complete circuit then the car runs normal. Hit the swithc to break the circuit and you have successfully dropped resistance. That's where the name comes from, right?

 

thanx alot i can just use a regular switch right????do u know approximately how many feet of wiring ill need???

 

can boosted cars drop resistor?

 

DR vs VB

a.k.a.

Free vs $450

 

Thanks for all the info guys!

Yeah, I think I'll go the full hog and wire up a switch inside the cabin to flick between "Sports" and "Economy" tranny shifting.

Oh, one last question..

My automatic tranny now does a bit of "hunting" when it shifts to 3rd/4th on normal driving (i.e. light throttle that causes the tranny to shift around the 2200-2500 rpms mark).

That is, if I'm on second gear and under light acceleration for the next upshift, the tranny will seem to shift to 4th gear (hence dropping to approx 1600rpm) and then shift to 3rd gear (approximately 2200rpm) and then shift back to 4th gear.

During this time, my foot is applying the same amount of throttle.

Any ideas what's happening?

Thanks.

Clement

 

I have a 99' se auto 45000 miles and i find mine wanting to constantly be in fourth gear all the time, and sometimes when i floor it it takes time like it don't want to shift out of it ie; around 30-35 mph it has to stop and think what to do? And does anybody have that kind of problem? Ps haven't did the drop res mod yet (to cold to install tranny cooler)BRRRRR Thanx

 

You want to get a VB mod if you want the car to downshift faster. DR mod will make the car upshift faster. You really don't want the car to downshift under WOT with the DR mod. Especially if you're running any kind of power.

ZuM

 

What are the downsides to a drop resistor. The vb mod is supposed to also increase the life of your tranny right? How much is a tranny cooler?

 

Downside is very harsh shifting. Yes, vb mod is supposed to increase the life of the tranny. Tranny cooler can run anywhere from 40-100 dollars depending on which brand, type and size.

ZuM

 

vb mod +up and downshifts fast
+extends life of tranny, unless you get a stage 3
- very costly(in compairison)

dr mod +cheap
+easy
-horrible on your tranny(imo)
-not for everyday use(EVEN WITH A TRANNY COOLER!)


my vb is sitting next to me here about to be installed i'v done the dr mod and i think it sucks. i can hear my autotragik tranny dieing with each shift. make a switch that does 2 trhings (the dr mod and a WOT switch....this way you flip one switch and BAMN your going fast and shifting fast....

 

yeah, i think the the WOT switch is the best way to go w/ the DR mod!!!

 

I never saw a difference in times when I had the stock VB vs my modded VB by Don in Texas.

Ant95SE (now AntVR4) didn't see any difference in time either.

The shifting you can get use to.

 

whats the difference between a stock VB and a modded VB?

 

A modded VB shifts faster. A VB shifts faster due to line pressure increase. Inside the VB you will find a selection of ball and springs.

 

i do beleive the drop resistor is a good mod but it will decrease the life on some parts of your tranny. it will eventually eat away at your pump since it will be running overtime to provide that full presure. the drop resistor relies on presure to make quick shifts. The valve body relies on springs and now maximumtuning has developed a new valve body that will be out soon, it will include a new plate which allows for a harder 2-3 shift which is hard for even the drop resistor to do, plus the valve body will prolong the life of the tranny, get it if you can