Sometime over the summer months, I will be awakening the beast with, most likely, an INTENSE Stage 2 kit for the mods.

Currently, my engine and transmission have close to 150k miles on it. The only issue with the engine is a leaking valve cover, which will be addressed when I install the new rockers.

There is currently no issue with the transmission at all. It shifts beautifully, and the tranny fluid still smells and looks clean, even though it has at least 40,000 miles on this fluid.

My question is this: Should I install a shift kit first? I would really like the shift kit anyway, and really need to keep from losing the transmission for at least another 2 years.

Another thing I will do is get the LSD as well. But I thought it would be prudent to do those things before modding the engine.

Thoughts, comments, concerns?

I would do a shift kit, but I would start saving some money for a new trans due to the miles and mods you have planed.


Ed

$75 to $150 (depending on kit), 1 hours' labor, and it can only help. Do it

A PCM can be programmed for stronger shifts as well. Then do the shift kit when you do the tranny?

I'd agree with the LSD (It'* a grin maker) and shift kit.

And uh yeah, as you add power...expect your transmission to feel it'* mileage. Mine was perfect at 133K and over 40K of uh..abuse it started to feel it'* age. Although wtih a 4T65 you are automatically in a better position. Runs much cooler and doesn't have the diff pin issues that the 4T60 suffers from. Typically you'll start out by losing 4th gear as a symptom. IMO that is much better than having the first symptom of following the trans fluid trail down the road to see how much you lost.

I say at least 2 years because I need to pay the car off before I even *think* about trying to save for a tranny. I might not be able to do any mods and just grin and bear the fact that I can't do what I want. And if I can't get out of this balloon payment soon, it'll be 4 years... :?

If the tranny goes, I don't have anything to fall back on but an '85 Mazda with a missing rear window that likes to jump the engine into the hood every time I shift gears. Not exactly a family car...

I was hoping this drivetrain was strong enough to rely on for a few light mods. I guess to me, the Stage 2 kit is light compared to the rebuilding I'm used to doing.

As much as I'd love to sell you parts, if you can't afford the repairs, don't mod the car IMO.