To help extend the life of the tranny? I won't be racing the car. Also thinking about a tranny cooler. What do you guys think? Overkill?

i could see a shift kit with a PCM or something of that nature, but as for just having it and no plans to track it? I would kinda say overkill. Not to discourage, but aside from making the shifts firmer, it doesnt do anything else. The PCM would raise the shift points, tranny lines pressure and so on. IMO I would save for a PCM and go with the shift kit later.

I started modding my car (including shift kit) at 32,000 miles.

Just starting to get broken in, your good to go

I've always liked a firm shifting automatic and I think a shift kit is a good way to achieve that result. I must ask you though, do you really need one ? I have a 00 LeSabre, I get very good shift quality out of it, and it is stock. It gives me firm shifts all of the time and plenty of shift delay. I couldn't ask for a better shift.

How does your Bonneville shift now ? And do you think you really need a shift kit ?

It shifts soft. I was just wondering if it would extend the life of the clutches by having a shift kit. No, I don't really "need" one I guess.....on my GTP the clutches is what burned up in the tranny at 100,000mi....it was fine other then the clutches...

If your transmission is shifting soft like you say it is, then I would suggest that you consult a reputable transmission shop in your area about your options. A soggy shifting transmission can be very annoying to say the least, and it will take it'* toll on fuel efficiency.

I'd put one in. Put one of the milder ones in so the car isn't breaking the tires loose on shifts, just shifting firm. It will save your clutches and you will like the feel a lot better. At 32k its still a new car. Our '00 SSEi has been modded since it was new (no shift kit however) and has the original trans with 160k on it now with no problems at all. It shifts great, and the car is not driven very kind either.

The tranny cooler seems like overkill to me however.

Shawn

I would go with a tranny cooler if your GTP had problems with burnt clutches.
Thats if the Bonne experiences the same driving conditions.