Shift Kit Installed

Quick note to report on my new shift kit (esp since LittleHoov asked).

Car is a 2000 Intrigue GX. 54k miles. I have owned it for around 3 weeks. So far I love it. I think it has the taller gears, which is about the only thing I really wish I could change (ok I also wish it had the upgraded stereo).

Today I changed the tranny filter and fluid (now has Dexron VI). Also installed a shift kit from ZZPerformance. The job was straightforward, went well, and was messy. It took 2 gallons of fluid and I was very careful not not overfill. Got 2 gallons of Dexron VI, the shift kit, a new tranny gasket, and a filter for $100. Took 2-3 days to arrive via UPS ground. The shift kit amounted to spacers only, for the accumulator. Filter and gasket were extra. Instructions were good and a picture on the website helped, but was not necessary. Easy job. The car shhifts a little more firmly. I followed the recommended setting for firmness. Not a huge difference but noticeable. Have not had it on the highway yet.

On a different subject, it turned out that the fuel tank was bad. Noticed a leak a couple weeks ago and took it back to the dealer. Long story short, they put a new tank on and replaced a fuel line. Didn't have to beg or threaten them. Helped that I had some pictures of where it was leaking.

That's it. Happy Sunday night.

cool im glad you like it!

the spacers only thing sounds very similar to the kit offered by Wbody store for 20 bucks, but oh well, too late now. I think theyre all pretty similar though.

So I take it there were different settings available?

Just a couple nitpicky things here, did you put all 2 gallons in? Seems like the spec is 7. something but i cant remember what.

Also, isnt Dexron VI synthetic? or am i having a blonde moment?

Yes, different settings are available but they don't break it down for you well. They do make clear what their recommended setting is so I went with that. I ended up with 1 longer spacer (1"?)and one very short (1/4"?) that I did not use. Used three 3/4" and one 1/2" between the two pistons.

I checked the fluid level again, as well as the owners manual. Manual does say 7.4 qt capacity for a fluid change. Of the 2 gallon jugs of fluid I bought, I used a couple ounces that I put directly in the pistons while the accumulator was apart to make sure all was lubed and to make sure they never moved while empty. Lost most of what I put in before reassembling. Plus I would not be surprised if the manufacturer's 'gallon' comes up a little shy. When I checked the level (motor running, tranny in park, on level ground, and warmed up) the fluid level comes up to just over the 1/2 way mark in the hatched area of the dipstick. Seems good.

I think the Dexron VI is synthetic but am not positive. It supposedly meets much more stringent quality parameters and will soon replace the other Dexrons and is for use in new and old vehicles. Not cheap stuff. ZZ had it for $40 for 2 gallons which is not bad.

Nice to be able to feel the thing a little when it shifts.

Thanks for the help!