Shift Kits - Stage 2 vs 3

[mulligan-can]

Whats involved in a stage 2 and 3 kit? What are the differences? (And is there such a thing as a stage 1? Just curious lol)

What are the benefits etc of 2 and 3 stages?

Thanks

[beefcream]

stage one doesnt do much.. just strengthens the shifts a little bit. stage 2 gives u real hard shifts so it chirps from 1st to second. and stage 3 is full manuel shifting

[1991_Vn2nV]

As beefcream said...

Stage 2 and 3 are exactly the same... You buy the transgo kit and it is for Stage 2 and 3... The only difference is stage 3 is fullly manualised and stage 2 will just hold the gears like a manual but D is still automatic shifts (stage 3 means D is either 3rd or 4th only).

[mulligan-can]

So with a stage 2 kit if you set it in 2 it wont shift back to 1 but if you set it to 3 it will shift up and down as much as it wants?

[RabidDog_12345]

no stage 2 will shift fully automatic.. just hard shifts.. stage 3 is fully manualised where u have to change gears with the lever.

[Morton]

Stage 2 will NOT change your car's shifting pattern at all. I'm not sure if a stage 2 kit implies corvette servos, but if not, I would highly recommend them. Larger, and much stronger than the original numbers.

Stage 3 = Stage 2 + manualised. i.e. if you're in 3rd gear doing 60kph and you boot it, the car will NOT shift down to 2nd.

[1991_Vn2nV]

What I got with my shift kit from Transgo:

Transgo Stage 2: Will not shift above the gear selected with the shift lever. Will downshift to any gear, at any speed with the selector lever. High throttle 3 - 4 shift delay is controlled with the lever.

Transgo Stage 3: Trans will start off in what ever gear the selector lever is in. Will shift to any gear ratio selected, at any speed, by moving the lever.

The kit is the same (i.e. you buy the same kit for stage 2 or 3) but the difference is in what you do to the valve body. Stage 2 will shift down without the lever being changed and will drive automatically in D. If you start off in D in a stage 3 trans, you take off in 4th. B&M kits are different.

[boourns]

so what would be the best for "racing" purposes, stage 2 or 3?

[JD]

stage 3, more control

[boourns]

oh ok, so theyd be good against manuals etc?, because at the moment, im just getting owned by manual commodores lol...

[Morton]

The condition of the car has a lot to do with it aswell. Given two perfect VPs, I'd be inclined to say a shift-kitted auto would consistently out-run a manual with an average driver.

I know mine can out-run a manual VT... but it's a VT, so that's not saying much ^^

[mark_1000]

so how much does a transgo stage 2 & 3 shift kit usually go for? i see them on ebay for around $250 + $20 postage and comes with a corvette servo too, is that a good price?

[1991_Vn2nV]

so how much does a transgo stage 2 & 3 shift kit usually go for? i see them on ebay for around $250 + $20 postage and comes with a corvette servo too, is that a good price?

I paid $184 for the shiftkit and I think the corvette 2nd servo was about $60 or $80? I got a 0.500" boost valve too and a few other little bits and peices.

[mulligan-can]

Did you fit it all yourself or get it done by somewhere?

[Morton]

I had my stage-2 with corvette servo installed for $150. I'd say market value would be between 300-400 installed. $150 was at a favour price, but I'd definately say it's worth around $250-300.

[1991_Vn2nV]

Did you fit it all yourself or get it done by somewhere?

Im still waiting. Its being installed and my trans rebuilt as soon as I get my car back.