It seems the maxima has a very lazy 1-2 shift. I talked with Don (the trans master) about his upgrade, and would really like to go that route, but the $450 cost just isn't in the budget. A Trans-Go kit can be had for around $50. But, I called, and the guy I talked with (who didn't seem to know much) indicated the kit was more of a "re-new" item than a -performance- kit.... and it was designed to install in a transmission that was out of the car and completely disassembled.

What gives? I see where fellow list members have this upgrade. What sort of difference did it make, and what is involved in the install?

Thanks!

 

I installed the TransGo kit a few weeks ago. My feeling is that it did reduce the time of the 1-2 shift by about 30%-40%. The best thing about it is the downshifts. The 3-2-1 downshift from closed throttle to WOT at 15mph is MUCH quicker.

The job is not that difficult, but you have to be very organzed. You need a clean, clutter-free area to work on the valve body. Also, there are about 6 different length bolts on the valve body, some are only 1/8" different. You need to mark the location of each one as you remove them.

 

How did you contact them? I tried the website and it just directed me to carparts.com, who don't carry it. Any info? Thanks

 

You actually have to order it through a transmission parts company. I ordered it through Transmission Exchange Co., here is a link. For 4th gen Maximas, you have a RE4F04A transmission.
http://www.txchange.com/transgo.htm

 

Does the whole transmission have to be removed, or just the valve body? I guess all years (95-99) use the same tranny... Mine is a 98. I was quoted $49. I don't want to fool with removing the tranny, but the VB wouldn't be too big of an ordeal... Thanks!

 

You just have to drop the pan to get to the VB. You should change the pan gasket, which does not come with the kit. I bought a screen and gasket from Pep Boys, it was cheaper then just the gasket from the dealer.

 

Thanks! I'll probably give it a go!

 

Hey N2o,
Let me know when you get the shift go kit. I was suppose to get one but never came around to get it. i have a 98 maxima too.

 

I drove both the Transgo and Don's VB; my impressions are that the valvebody upgrades add refinement onto what Nissan left off it's transmission without sacrifing any daily drivability.

Thanks to Bigtexan7(Drew) from the install help

 

I just looked at the website and there's a Transgo Shift and Re-Programming Kits and Transgo Performance Shift Kits for the home mechanic and do-it-yourselfer. Which one is the one that I'm suppose to get? Also, what things are involved in putting in one of these things? For people that installed it themselves, how difficult is it? How much would a transmission shop charge to install it? Also, where can I go about purchasing Don's VB? Is there a website to which I can look up? Thanks. Oh yeah, any instructions to how to install the Transgo kit? Thanks.

 

Get whichever applys to the Maxima, I believe it's a non-performance kit. Professional install would be best! Involves opening up the valve body and drilling. My friend used an transmission repair manual to complete installation. Don Cooper, currently isn't selling VB upgrades. He is going to have a website with sales' info.

Here is text about the kit:

"SK® RE4F04A

Nissan Quest Altima Maxima DOHC RE4R01A
Mercury Villager 4F20E 4 speed
Corrects/Prevents/Reduces:
prevents direct clutch blowout caused by runaway line pressure; Burned 3rd clutches; No 2nd; No 3rd after 3-2 or 4-2 kickdown
Direct clutch inner seal leaks, wears or opens due to rotating force; Corrects soft 1-2 and 2-3."

 

Don is still selling the upgrade, you just have to email him about it. I saw a post about 2 weeks ago where Drew told us he rode in Don's car after driving his (with the transgo kit) and he said that Don's is Definately a faster, harder shifting upgrade.

I've heard that the kit that transgo kit is pretty involved, and only recommended if you have a strong mechanical background....Instructs aren't too detailed either. Good Luck, dude !!!

 

I have driven both with subtle differences I felt, however Don kit is strictly bolt-on which should make a valve body mod more available to automatic drivers. Actually Drew's Transgo kit lives on in my Maxima

 

I'm selling my never installed Transgo shiftkit that was never installed or opened. Got it but didn't install it cuz my max is gonna go.
Its for the 4th gen max's and $40 takes it.
Vic

 

Vic, I have emailed you 3 times with no response about the transgo. Please email me, harold@psst.com or call me 502-291-9510.. I want the transgo kit, but I need to buy it like RIGHT NOW b/c I have a new tranny in the mail already and want to do this all at once at the shop. Thanks!

Harold