Good point, but I was going to see if they would just install the shift kit and filter when they did the fluid if I ended up even going that route.

My 2 options are drop the pan myself, replace fitler, install shift kit, put back together, refill, check, enjoy...or...if the local place has a fluid exchanger that doesn't "flush" the tranny under pressure, I would have them drop the pan, replace filter, install shift kit, put back together, exchange fluid, etc... IF they can and will do that.

Either way, I'm going to install a shift kit and replace the filter at the same time. I have no problem doing it myself, just thought it might be good to get all the fluid out if possible. Doing it once a year though myself as mentioned would be ok too.

I agree with billboost and others for a pan drop. I was amazed how much more fluid came out when I dropped the accumulator body for the shift kit install. For future services, I'll at least loosen the bolts that hold the body to drain that fluid, also.

I just changed mine last weekend, including the accumulator with a shift kit (thanks to BillBoost) and it took 8.5 quarts to fill it up. I bought 2 gallon jugs which put the level at the bottom of the hash marks on the dipstick. Another 1/2 quart put it right at the full mark (engine running, up to operating temperature, in Park).

And that makes sense to me. Each time I do only a pan and filter it seems to take 7.5quarts. There is about a quart in the accumulator.

If you really want to drain a trans well. Let it sit overnight/a day or two. I had to fill nearly 10 quarts when I had mine apart and waiting for a part to come in.

So from reading this topic, this is what I get out of it:

It might be better to just drop the pan and change the filter and fill back with fluid rather than "exchange" all the fluid with no filter (If you could change the filter and also "exchange" the fluid with NO pressure at the same time - that would also be ok)

It is ok to re-use the factory transmission gasket because it was made to be reused.

A shiftkit will make the car perform better (harder shifts) and strengthen the trans.

Questions:

1. Does anyone recommend a Trans shiftkit? Is the Intense kit the way to go? Is it easy to install for someone with NO transmission experience?

2. Is it safe to install a shift kit on a Bonneville with over 100K miles?

3. What is the accumulator? Should this also be replaced? Is it easy to replace?

The shift kit gets installed in the accumulator. I know danthurs and billboost have both preinstalled shift kits in accumulators and sold them for a reasonable price, then all you have to do is install the accumulator. Danthurs did a write up on how to do this Shift Kit Install, and from what I have heard it is easy. I plan on installing one tonight actually.

You should have no problem installing one on a trans with 100K, just check for metal shavings and signs of wear, if the trans is in rough shape, you may want to think about getting it serviced.

The problem with all this is that most people go out to get their trans flushed when they start having problems, not when its time to do it, and then they complain that their transmissions took a **** after the flush, so the general consensus according to them is to never flush your transmission fluid.

The simple truth is that if your transmission was acting up and a flush "killed" it, it was on its way out to start with. A flush will never kill a good transmission. Perhaps you could have gotten an extra 5k miles out of it had you not flushed it, but it would have been on its way out either way.

YMMO,

I doubt you need anything but if you run into any issue with the shift kit I am local and did install a kit about 1 year ago and am able to assist.

I tend to agree with you. Only issue is, if you think a flush may kill the tranny, then dropping the pan, change filter, install Dextron VI and then repeat process two weeks later may be an alternative way to get it done without stressing the tranny.

so what do i order for a shift kit. my 97 has always had a good feel. the 03
wants to come out of lockup on the slightest pedal movement. want a
kit for the 03. 189000 on the 97 with no probs. change fluid and filter about every
40-50000. use synthetic fluid. thanks --irv