Further impressions of the VB mod.

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05-23-2001, 01:50 PM

JJW95SC

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The weather is still crappy here (NJ) but at least it's not a downpour like the last 2 days. I like how the car shifts much better now. Under moderate stomp, perhaps 1/2 pedal from a stoplight, the car shifts as quickly as it takes to snap your fingers. The real test will be on the highway when I 'put my boot into it'

If it is sunny tomorrow, I'll take it for a longer ride.

Jim

05-23-2001, 02:02 PM

1MAX2NV

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Jim,
So what was your tranny problem? Did you get a rebuild? Did you go to JimW's tranny guy?

Quote:

Originally posted by JJW95SC
The weather is still crappy here (NJ) but at least it's not a downpour like the last 2 days. I like how the car shifts much better now. Under moderate stomp, perhaps 1/2 pedal from a stoplight, the car shifts as quickly as it takes to snap your fingers. The real test will be on the highway when I 'put my boot into it'

If it is sunny tomorrow, I'll take it for a longer ride.

Jim

05-23-2001, 07:27 PM

JJW95SC

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Quote:

Originally posted by 1MAX2NV
Jim,
So what was your tranny problem? Did you get a rebuild? Did you go to JimW's tranny guy?

The tranny was cooked. I didn't see it after they took it out but that was all she wrote. I had a Nissan reman installed by a dealer. Not cheap but it was cheaper than Level10, even after adding Don's VB. I also got an 'unofficial' warranty on the tranny since I know a bunch of the guys at this dealership.

Jim

05-23-2001, 09:32 PM

bigtexan7

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I got mine about a month ago, just wait until you stomp it from a red light, it gets even better!

05-24-2001, 12:42 AM

JJW95SC

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Quote:

Originally posted by bigtexan7
I got mine about a month ago, just wait until you stomp it from a red light, it gets even better!

Bigtexan,

Do you have a 4th gen? What other mods do you have? What brand of ATF are you running now? I put some cheap crap in there when we made the swap but just picked up some Mobil1 ATF. Not cheap at About $80 for 12qts but this tranny has to last!

I'm looking forward to chirping into 3rd like I used to when I had stock 15" wheels and the SC. This might be asking too much though.

Jim

05-24-2001, 06:48 AM

AntGVR4

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Location: Clifton, NJ

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hey

Jim,
I used Mobil1 synthetic ATF when i swapped my VB..It is more expensive yes but the better protections against heat it gives is worth it IMO...

it's only been about 2K miles with the VB but when i romp on it for a while i check the fluid and it's always good ...

Ant

05-24-2001, 09:21 AM

bigtexan7

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Jim, I've got a y-pipe, hi-flo cat, Jim Wolf ecu and a CAI. Yes, I use Mobil 1 with an external cooler. It really seems to keep temps down. I looooovvvvveeee my Vb, I no longer feel guilty on the trans' behalf when I race it!

05-24-2001, 10:04 AM

1MAX2NV

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Hmm..Why didn't you go with JimW's tranny guy? If I recall correctly, the hi-po rebuild set him back like ~$3K including labor. How much was the reman. + installation?

I was one of the first people to get a tranny cooler. I knew how bad the OEM cooler was. I would flush the fluid every 20K miles with Mobil 1.

Quote:

Originally posted by JJW95SC

The tranny was cooked. I didn't see it after they took it out but that was all she wrote. I had a Nissan reman installed by a dealer. Not cheap but it was cheaper than Level10, even after adding Don's VB. I also got an 'unofficial' warranty on the tranny since I know a bunch of the guys at this dealership.

Jim

05-24-2001, 10:53 AM

JJW95SC

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Posts: 2,138

Quote:

Originally posted by 1MAX2NV
Hmm..Why didn't you go with JimW's tranny guy? If I recall correctly, the hi-po rebuild set him back like ~$3K including labor. How much was the reman. + installation?

I was one of the first people to get a tranny cooler. I knew how bad the OEM cooler was. I would flush the fluid every 20K miles with Mobil 1.

The new/reman Nissan tranny was $3600 including a new radiator and all labor. Money wasn't the only issue. Timing was an issue as was hassle. The dealer was reasonably close to home, right on my way to work, they could do it right away, gave me a loaner car, and I know them pretty well.

I didn't want to pay to have the car flatbeded (sp?) all the way to SI, arrange my own rental and then have to drive out there again when the car was ready. My time is worth some money also. I had already missed some time at work that I had to make up before the contract was up and bringing the car to SI would have meant even more downtime and late nights at work. Looking at the big picture, I think I made the best choice.

Now I have a new trans with Don's VB and I should be set.

Jim

05-24-2001, 01:13 PM

#10

BlkCat

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When you get the chance to stomp it, let us know! I've faxed my form to Don. Can't wait to feel the difference with my SC off the line!

05-24-2001, 03:40 PM

#11

black97max

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You wont feel anything off the line. The valve body only changes the upshifts and downshifts. You will experience tighter shifts from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd.