Is their a safe way to adjust the dropping resistor to increase line pressure?

 

Go to http://bgarner.tripod.com/1995nissanmaxima/id3.html

Read How To Make A Shift Control for Your Auto Transmission.

 

How about a constant solution? Nothing an on and off switch that triggers the MIL

 

Ben Garner used a switch. I suppose you could use a variable resistor and "dial in" the degree of firmness you like, and change it whenever you like.

 

I tried a variable resistor too. The problem was, the ones they sell at radio shack cant handle the current in that circuit. The one I had literally caught fire in my hand. It did work though, for a while. Adjusting the resistance did adjust the firmness of the shift. Unfortunately, variable resistors (aka potentiometers) that can handle the power are quite large and expensive.

 

An alternate implementation would be to use three high-power resistors of equal value, each one with one-third the resistance of the factory dropping resistor. Wire them in series and use a rotary selector switch to use 0, 1, 2, or all 3 resistors. That would give four distinct "shift hardness" settings.

 

Hello mzmtg, "Adjusting the resistance did adjust the firmness of the shift". Did you feel it changed the firmness only (I guess firmness mean the transition time between gears?), or it also changed the shifting point (shift at a different RPM)? Some cars have a button to select between "Normal" and "Power". I guess it uses different control mechanism.

Thanks.

 

It only adjusted the firmness. It didnt adjust the shift points at all. Plus, the response seemed non-linear (but that just might have been the crappy potentiometer trying not to burn up). As for Daniel's idea, that would work, but I dont think you'd need four levels. Stock, middle and "disconnected" would be fine.

 

I've taken mine out to try the firmness. It was nice. Quite a difference. However, I'm still not yet sure if it will kill the trainsmission. I did notice a big difference. Made a good couple tenths off my time. I will try the series resistors and get back to you guys

Pete
95 Max GXE

 

I just saw an HKS device called an Automatic Line Controller (ALC) which is available for the 90-96 300ZX. Might just work

 

Actually, smooth shifts help to kill your transmission, not hard shifts. The reason for this is because the clutches slipping during a 'smooth shift' cause a heat buildup that increases tranny temps, thereby shortening its life. 'Hard shifts' are actually 'good' for your transmission. BTW, Daniel, I like that idea.